By I’ve always had a soft spot for ginger beer. Maybe it’s because it’s like ginger ale, but has that extra-gingery, spicy kick. Or perhaps because it has beer in its name, yet is still pleasingly sweet. When I came across this apple/ginger beer-flavored cocktail, it got me thinking – where exactly did ginger beer come from anyway?
According to the Michigan State University’s campus archaeology program blog, “Humans have been drinking ginger beverages for thousands of years, often for medicinal purposes. Ginger beer was a popular drink in Britain and North America from the 18th century until Prohibition. Ginger beer is more likely related to the ‘small beers’ popular in Europe from Medieval times until Industrialization.” Who knew archaeologists studied ginger beer?
They go on to conclude that ginger beer was particularly popular before the creation of sodas and modern soft drinks. This yummy beverage was typically brewed at home where it was considered far safer to drink than the frequently contaminated water supply. Fortunately for us, the only water in this drink is ice. So, check out this apple-infused, ginger beer cocktail. It’s the perfect way to welcome December, and you don’t have to be an archaeologist to enjoy it!
Fall Apple Sparkler
Ingredients
- 1 oz. vodka
- 1 oz. sour apple liquor
- Two teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 oz. chilled ginger beer
- 1 maraschino cherry
- Slice of apple for garnish
Prep
- Pour vodka, lemon juice and sour apple liquor into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Pour ginger beer over the top.
- Add apple wedge and cherry to garnish.
- Cin-cin! (Makes one drink.)
David Pitlik is a corporate writer by day, a comedy writer from a previous life, and a lover of great food, wonderful drink and sparkling banter with good friends.
