Cider Cup (Punch)

This is an apple cider punch cocktail that is pretty easy to make on the fly. I put it in a pitcher and had a lot of apple and mint garnishes around to fill each glass.

You can make the Cider Cup with non-alcoholic cloudy cider (the brandy still makes it mildly alcoholic, though not much, or do it with hard cider, but then you get some of that fizz from fermentation. I used North Gate Vineyards cider wine, which is stronger than hard cider, clear and not overly sweet.

Preparation for this cocktail includes dicing apples and having mint picked into leaves, with the tops of stems saved for sprig garnishes.

• 4 oz. brandy (cognac is appropriate)
• 2 oz. Cointreau or triple sec
• 16 oz. apple cider
• 8 oz. sparkling water
• 4 tsp. sugar
• apple pieces
• mint leaves and sprigs

Stir all ingredients except apple pieces and mint in a large pitcher full of ice. Pour into wine goblets and garnish with apple pieces and mint.