Copper Mug Cocktails with Big Hill Ciderworks

On October 29, the Garden Café in Glen Mills will welcome Pennsylvania's Big Hill Ciderworks for a seasonal meal and cider tasting. The cider brewers of Big Hill will partner with our chef for four courses of locally-sourced fall cuisine, including cider-brined quail, cider donuts, and the perfect drink pairings for each dish. Founded in 2013, Big Hill hand-crafts hard ciders using uncommon varieties of heirloom apples and fruits, all grown on their own orchards.

Brewer Ben Kishbaugh says, "We're based in-between Gettysburg and Carlisle, PA, where the soil quality and microclimate are perfect for growing apples. We focus on how to grow apples to get the best possible flavors directly from the fruit. There are no added sugars in any of our ciders, just tasty blends of apples and fruits for a natural, wholesome product." In preparation for this week's dinner, Big Hill shared a pair of super-simple cider cocktails that we're planning to sip from our brand-new Monogrammed Copper Mugs. Read on for the recipes and Ben's notes on the featured ciders.

Lavender & Little Round Hop 
Little Round Hop Cider ("A dry-hopped cider made with whole leaf Cascade, Centennial, and Columbus hops. Organic lemongrass is added for a refreshing citrus flavor that balances the hop aroma.")
1 oz. gin
Splash of lavender syrup

Spiced Fall Cider
Standard Cider ("This cider is made using only apples, no added sugars or sweeteners. We blend hard cider with fresh-pressed apple cider to elevate the apple taste and provide a mild sweetness.")
1 oz. Frangelico or spiced rum
Cinnamon stick to garnish