Serve a 'Dago Hillbilly' this Thanksgiving!

The bright-orange color of this cocktail is so inviting. The flavors scream fall. There is a hint of sweetness, a slight edge of bitterness, and a tickle of sparkle. Before a hearty meal, this is a treat.

We like to list cocktails in ‘parts’ in case you’re satisfying a crowd. We’ve made these in both shakers and pitchers. Chill down the ingredients prior to mixing if you don’t intend to add ice.

DAGO HILLBILLY

4 parts sparkling apple cider
2 parts maple moonshine (honey, or similarly flavored whisky would work well, too)
1 part Aperol

Shake all the ingredients with ice until very cold. Strain into glasses.

Serve with dried orange slices to enhance the orangey bitterness of the Aperol. (We get ours at Trader Joe’s.) When we make this in a pitcher we add both fresh and dried orange slices. Slices of apple (rubbed with orange juice to keep them from browning) would also make a nice seasonal garnish.

Drink happy thoughts this holiday, and Muddle up!