This cocktail is perfect for fall, Kentucky Derby (or Preakness or Belmont) parties, or for tailgating at horse events! It's perfect for fall because of the apple, cranberry, and cinnamon flavors, but it's also perfect for horse events and parties because it's a horse-themed recipe.
I first made this cocktail when some friends asked invited me for Thanksgiving and asked me to bring a cocktail. I wanted something unique that felt like fall but wasn’t something like a Cranberry Mimosa or Moscow Mule. I love Bourbon, so I also wanted to do something Bourbon-based. I played around with a few variations before I settled on the final version. It was definitely a hit at Thanksgiving!
As I was trying to come up with a name for this drink, I solicited advice from my friend Erin who is good at naming my cocktails. She suggested a lot of names with a horse theme since my blog is The Hungry Equestrian. The Red Mare name came from the reputation that chestnut colored mares have for being a bit spicy and opinionated (but also very smart).
If you're looking for other party recipes, check out my Appetizer Collection. These Derby Pie Cookies are also a hit at Derby parties!
Cocktail Ingredients & Recipe Notes
See the recipe card below for ingredients with proportions.
Bourbon
Woodford is my go-to everyday cocktail bourbon. I'll also sometimes use Maker's Mark. We all have personal preferences, so use your favorite!
I use 2 oz of bourbon instead of a standard 1.5 shot in part because this drink is served over ice. You can always dial it back if 2 oz yields too strong of a drink for your liking.
Mixers
- Ginger Beer: Leave this out if you're making it to take to a party and bring the ginger beer to add once you get there.
- Apple cider
- Cranberry juice
- Dash of cinnamon
The proportions of ginger beer, apple cider, and cranberry juice can be adjusted for personal preferences. Sometimes I pare back the cranberry and add a little more apple cider, especially in the fall. Instead of the dash of cinnamon, I've also made a cinnamon simple syrup and incorporated a bit of it into the drink. I also sometimes add a touch of maple syrup, especially in the fall!
Garnishes
I buy the crystallized ginger garnish, but I usually make the sugared cranberries. I use this Sugared Cranberries recipe from Bite By Michelle. I also make cinnamon sugar to use for the rim of the glass.
Red Mare Cocktail
Equipment
- Bamboo cocktail picks for holding garnish
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- ¼ cup ginger beer
- 1 tablespoon apple cider
- 3 tablespoon cranberry juice
- 1 dash cinnamon
Garnish
- crystallized ginger
- sugared cranberries see notes
Instructions
- Make cinnamon sugar by combining the cinnamon and sugar. (Will be enough for more than one cocktail)½ tsp cinnamon, 6 tsp sugar
- Pour a small amount of apple cider or cranberry juice onto a small plate and some cinnamon sugar onto another small plate. Dip the edges of the cocktail glass into the liquid on one plate, then into the cinnamon sugar on the other plate.
- Add ice to the glass.
- Combine bourbon, ginger beer, cinnamon, apple cider, and cranberry juice in a separate glass. Pour over ice.2 oz bourbon, ¼ cup ginger beer, 1 tbsp apple cider, 3 tbsp cranberry juice, 1 dash cinnamon
- Garnish with crystallized ginger and sugared cranberries.crystallized ginger, sugared cranberries
Notes
