Apple Cider Cable Car Cocktail

The Apple Cider Cable Car Cocktail is a fall-inspired twist on the classic Cable Car, blending crisp apple cider with the warming notes of rum and the bright citrus of Cointreau. Fresh lemon juice sharpens the flavor, keeping the drink balanced between sweet and tart. Served in a coupe glass and finished with a festive garnish, this cocktail feels seasonal yet refined. The apple cider adds depth and comfort, making it an excellent choice for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying by the fire. Each sip offers a mix of orchard fruit, spice, and citrus brightness.

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Tasting Notes

The Apple Cider Cable Car Cocktail combines orchard sweetness, warming spice, and bright citrus for a seasonal twist on a modern classic. Aged or spiced rum provides depth, with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and caramel. Apple cider adds crisp fruit character, tying the drink to autumn flavors. Cointreau introduces citrus sweetness, which blends seamlessly with the tart sharpness of fresh lemon juice. Garnished with a dried apple slice or cinnamon stick, the drink balances sweetness, acidity, and spice in a refined way. Served in a coupe glass, it feels festive, flavorful, and perfectly suited for crisp evenings.

Equipment and Glassware

Making this Apple Cider Cable Car Cocktail requires only a few essential bar tools. A cocktail shaker is used to chill and fully integrate the cider, rum, Cointreau, and lemon juice. A strainer ensures a smooth pour into the glass, keeping the cocktail crisp and clean. A jigger is helpful for measuring each ingredient precisely, balancing fruit, spirit, and citrus. A bar spoon can assist with final adjustments if needed. For presentation, the cocktail is served in a coupe glass, which highlights its golden hue while adding a touch of refinement. Optional garnishes complete the look and enhance aroma for added appeal.

Ingredients

• 2 oz apple cider
• 2 oz aged or spiced rum
• 1 oz Cointreau
• 1 oz lemon juice
• Garnish: Dried apple slice or cinnamon stick optional

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker, combine the apple cider, aged or spiced rum, Cointreau, and lemon juice.
• Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled and fully combined.
• Strain the cocktail into a coupe glass.
• Garnish with a dried apple slice or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch, if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your Apple Cider Cable Car Cocktail.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly pressed apple cider for the richest flavor.
• Choose an aged rum for depth, or spiced rum for bolder spice notes.
• Shake firmly to fully integrate the citrus and cider.
• Chill the coupe glass in advance for a crisper finish.
• Adjust sweetness by slightly reducing Cointreau or increasing lemon juice.
• Garnish with both apple and cinnamon for a more festive presentation.
• Use a dried apple wheel for longer-lasting garnish in the glass.
• For extra aroma, grate fresh cinnamon over the top before serving.

When to Serve

The Apple Cider Cable Car Cocktail is a perfect drink for fall and holiday gatherings. Its mix of apple, spice, and citrus makes it versatile enough for both casual evenings and festive celebrations. Serve it as an aperitif at Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving dinners, or feature it at a holiday cocktail party where its seasonal profile will shine. The combination of citrus and spice also makes it an excellent companion to hearty fall meals. Balanced, refreshing, and warming, this cocktail is a crowd-pleaser that feels celebratory without being overly complex, making it a reliable favorite for the colder months.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Rum: Mount Gay, Appleton Estate, Kraken
• Orange Liqueur: Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao

Similar Cocktails

• Caramel Hot Toddy
• Apple Maple Dark and Stormy
• Spiced Apple Prosecco
• Sparkling Spiced Pumpkin Punch
• Autumn Apple