You may be more familiar with the brands Woodchuck and Wyder’s, the longtime and consumer-familiar brands of Vermont Cider Co., but the company namesake recently released its own house collection of small batch, “ultra-premium” ciders with much praise. The Cerise is a wonderful addition, using 100 percent American apples infused with Michigan Montmorency tart cherries. It is then aged in Napa Valley Cabernet barrels, giving it subtle hints of oak and vanilla on the nose. The flavor is semi-dry with a bright acidity and a wonderful cherry essence that is complemented by its deep blush color.
Taking this newfound offering from the tenured producer, this recipe for cherry cider ice cubes adds fun and flavor to a classic sunny day cooler. Be sure to freeze the cider in silicone ice cube molds for at least 12 hours to fully set.
That neighborhood lemonade stand ain’t got nothin’ on these playful cider ice cubes and hard lemonade.
Cider “Iced” Hard Lemonade
Makes 1 drink
1 ounce vodka
¾ cup Fresh Zesty Lemonade (recipe follows)
4-6 ice cubes made with Vermont Cider Co. Cerise
Measure the vodka and lemonade into a large glass. Add cider ice cubes and enjoy.
Fresh Zesty Lemonade
Makes 3 cups
1 ½ cups water
¾ cup sugar
1 cup lemon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
In a pitcher, stir together the water, sugar and lemon juice until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add the lemon zest and store refrigerated for up to 5 days.
