Cozy In A Cup

November is a good time to make use of apple juice. Many people in the Cowichan Valley still have bottles or containers left from the fall harvest, while others simply want an easy seasonal drink as the weather gets cozier.

We created Apple Chaider to make that drink as simple as possible. It is a rich, chai-spiced cocktail mixer designed to be mixed with apple juice. Apple Chaider itself contains no apples, which means you can pair it with whichever juice you prefer. The juice supplies the apple flavour and sweetness, while the mixer contributes warming chai spices, acidity and, most importantly, the booze!

The apple juice does not need to be anything special. Fresh-pressed local juice is excellent if you have a surplus in the freezer, but regular grocery-store juice works just as well. Clear, cloudy, homemade or store-bought are all suitable. Sweeter juice creates a softer drink, while tarter juice produces a brighter result.

Mix equal parts Apple Chaider and apple juice, then serve it over ice or heat it gently for a warm drink. Each bottle makes approximately 500ml of finished cocktail, or about four servings. Because the mixer is already seasoned and balanced, a cinnamon stick or apple slice is all you need.

Apple Chaider can also be used in baking. Its tartness and chai spices pair naturally with molasses, brown sugar and ginger, making it a useful addition to ginger cookies, gingerbread, spice cake, glazes and quick breads. Try brushing it over a warm loaf, stirring it into icing or adding a splash to cookie dough for extra spice and brightness without making the finished bake overly sweet. 

Made entirely from scratch at our distillery in Cobble Hill, Apple Chaider is a perfect local stocking stuffer and a useful bottle to have ready when guests are coming over during the holidays.

Hot Apple Chaider

Ingredients

• 2 oz Apple Chaider
• 2 oz apple juice
• Cinnamon stick

Method

1. Combine the Apple Chaider and apple juice in a small saucepan.
2. Warm gently over low heat until steaming, but do not boil.
3. Pour into a tea cup and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
   
   

Dorian Redden
Co-owner / Distiller, Holocene Distilling Project, Cobble Hill