Paul Kushner
The Manzanasada is a refreshing fall cocktail that combines smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors in a balanced way. Mezcal gives the drink its signature smoky character, which pairs perfectly with the crisp sweetness of apple cider. Fresh lemon juice adds a bright citrus note, keeping the flavors lively and smooth. Topped with ginger beer, the cocktail gains a sparkling finish and a touch of spice that makes it especially enjoyable. Garnished with diced red apples, it looks festive and colorful, making it a wonderful choice for holiday parties, seasonal gatherings, or simply enjoying on a cool autumn evening.
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Tasting Notes
The Manzanasada is crisp, smoky, and refreshing, bringing together flavors that highlight autumn in a modern way. Blanco tequila provides a clean agave backbone, while mezcal layers in subtle smokiness that adds depth. Apple cider brings mellow sweetness and fruit character, brightened by the tart lift of lemon juice. Topped with ginger beer, the cocktail gains a lively fizz and a touch of spice. The spice sugar rim enhances each sip with contrast and texture, while diced red apple garnish adds color and a crisp aroma. Altogether, this drink balances boldness with freshness in every glass.
Equipment and Glassware
This cocktail requires only a few simple bar tools. A cocktail shaker is necessary for combining the tequila, mezcal, apple cider, and lemon juice with ice. A strainer ensures the finished drink is smooth when poured into the glass. A jigger allows accurate measurements to keep the balance of smoke, fruit, and citrus intact. For presentation, use a Collins glass, which allows room for the ginger beer topper and diced apple garnish. A small plate is also needed to prepare the spiced sugar rim. With these basic tools, the Manzanasada is easy to prepare while looking polished.
Ingredients
- Spice sugar for rimming the glass
- 1 oz Blanco tequila
- 0.5 oz Mezcal
- 1.5 oz Apple cider
- 0.75 oz Lemon juice
- Ginger beer chilled, to top
- Garnish: Diced red apple
Instructions
- Rim the edge of a Collins glass with spice sugar. Fill the glass with ice and set it aside.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the blanco tequila, mezcal, apple cider, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add ice to the shaker and shake until the mixture is well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared Collins glass.
- Top the cocktail with chilled ginger beer for a refreshing fizz. Garnish with diced red apples for a festive touch.
- Serve immediately and savor the layered flavors of this autumn-inspired cocktail.
Pro Tips
- Use freshly pressed apple cider for the best depth of flavor.
- Adjust mezcal amounts if you prefer more or less smokiness.
- Prepare the spiced sugar rim just before serving for freshness.
- Use chilled ginger beer to maintain fizz and spice.
- Large ice cubes keep the drink colder and reduce dilution.
- A cinnamon stick stirrer makes for an aromatic optional garnish.
- Add a pinch of ground nutmeg to the rim for extra seasonal spice.
- Pre-chill your Collins glass to keep the drink crisp longer.
When to Serve
The Manzanasada is best enjoyed in autumn when apple cider is in season, but its balance of citrus, spice, and fizz makes it versatile year-round. It’s an excellent choice for seasonal celebrations such as Thanksgiving, harvest dinners, or casual gatherings by the fire. The spiced sugar rim and diced apple garnish give it festive appeal, making it well-suited for holiday entertaining. With its refreshing ginger beer topper, it also works well as a lively pre-dinner drink. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as a seasonal treat, the Manzanasada feels both approachable and memorable.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Blanco Tequila: Espolòn, Herradura, Patrón
- Mezcal: Del Maguey, Montelobos, Los Amantes
- Ginger Beer: Fever-Tree, Goslings, Bundaberg
Similar Cocktails
- Harvest Punch
- Autumn Apple
- Pear Martini with Elderflower Liqueur
- Apple Pear Martini
- Maple-Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
- Spice sugar for rimming the glass
- 1 oz Blanco tequila
- 0.5 oz Mezcal
- 1.5 oz Apple cider
- 0.75 oz Lemon juice
- Ginger beer chilled, to top
- Garnish: Diced red apple
Instructions
- Rim the edge of a Collins glass with spice sugar. Fill the glass with ice and set it aside.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the blanco tequila, mezcal, apple cider, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add ice to the shaker and shake until the mixture is well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared Collins glass.
- Top the cocktail with chilled ginger beer for a refreshing fizz. Garnish with diced red apples for a festive touch.
- Serve immediately and savor the layered flavors of this autumn-inspired cocktail.
Notes
Pro Tips
- For the spice sugar rim, mix equal parts sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground ginger for an extra kick.
- To enhance the apple flavor, use freshly pressed apple cider.
- The ginger beer adds a spicy, effervescent finish; adjust the amount to your liking for more or less fizziness.
