Have you ever wanted to learn how to mix your own drinks? Are you eager to add a new recipe to your already fleshed out menu?
Thanks to Rekorderlig Cider, now you can. On November 4th, The Ambrose hotel in Santa Monica hosted James Vincini, Head of Brand Communications for Rekorderlig Cider where he showcased their newest product and even gave us a crash course in how to make it sparkle even more.
Using a particularly delicious new Pear Cider, coupled with a few other ingredients, guests of the tasting were able to mix their own cocktails or sample the ciders alone, allowing them to try a refreshing alternative to the usual beer. Vincini crafted two cocktails, both utilizing the Pear flavored cider but both varying in flavor.
The first of which entails using a clap of mint (which you would actually clap to activate the flavor), a thin slice of cucumber, and a few strawberries over ice. Then, you would add a splash of vodka, equal part St. Germaine and top it all off with a squeeze of lime and the Rekorderlig Pear Cider. This cocktail, modeled after a Swedish Strawberry, provides a light but fruity taste.
The second cocktail of the evening included a bit of scotch, Rekorderlig pear Cider and a squeeze of lemon. This simple serve can be used with any spirit such as Hendricks Gin thanks to the versatility of the cider.
Rekorderlig, which started in Vimmerby, Sweden in 1999, made its move to the U.S. two years ago to begin building the brand here. Vincini remarks “Cider is still in its early stages in the U.S…. It’s an education for Americans so rather than thinking about beer which is malt based, you’ve got these apple and pear based alcohols”
The brand has created a multitude of flavors ranging from Strawberry-Lime, Wild Berries, Passion Fruit, Pear, and Spiced Apple. “Once people try this, that’s when the kind of enlightened moment happens when they’re like ‘wow, this is what cider can taste like’…A lot of the other American ciders out there are quite syrupy and that’s why people get put off, where as this is quite light, easy drinking, perfect all year round”.
I highly suggest popping into a Rekorderlig Cider, which you can find in supermarkets such as BevMo, Total Wine, or exclusively at bars like The Ace downtown, The Roosevelt in Hollywood, Larry’s in Venice and of course, The Ambrose.
-Andrew Akler
Photo Credit: Andrew Akler
