Tart and juicy, the Oregon Marionberry makes for the perfect base for this tangy drink. Mix in the apple cider and you have a crisp, cool, tasty Marionberry Cider cocktail.
If you live in Oregon long enough, you develop a pretty radical affection for all things local. Portlandia references aside, we Oregonians really do have a gigantic, inarguable, sometimes embarrassing, always fervent and authentic PASSION for the abundance of food grown from our land, drinks made by locals, and handmade items crafted with personal care by our neighbors.
I'm unabashedly 100% a lover of all things Oregon. So today's Mixology Monday cocktail recipe is an ode to this great state that I've called home for most of my 41 years.
Oregon Marionberry Cider Crush
One of the things I love most about living in Oregon is the abundance of summer berries. When we moved 10 years ago out to the edge of Oregon wine country, I absolutely developed a mad love for all of the neighboring farms in our area. As you've seen throughout the years on this blog, the kids and I have been avid berry pickers since they were each old enough to walk. Hood strawberries are the best, but the crowning glory that I don't think gets its fair share of national news is the Oregon Marionberry.
Tart and juicy, the Oregon Marionberry is like a cousin to the blackberry. While you can find it in Oregon during the summer (and in some stores still as we ease into fall), I recognize that it's harder to find elsewhere, even in stores, so you can easily use blackberries in this cocktail recipe. That said, if you can get your hands on marionberries, DO IT. Marionberries are AMAZING in this cocktail recipe!
In addition to marionberries, we Oregonians also have a growing crush on local ciders. There are about a dozen cideries in Oregon right now, and for this recipe, I decided to use Portland-based Square Mile's Hopped Apple Cider.
Then simply add your favorite brand of vodka and lemonade.
BOOM: Oregon in a glass.
The Oregon Marionberry/Blackberry Cider Crush is sweet and full of rich berry flavor. It's an awesome end-of-summer drink to help you celebrate this year's summer adventures.
I'm also SO honored to be sharing this recipe on Five O'Clock Fashionistas, representing Oregon as part of their Coast to Coast cocktail series! Be sure to watch for it in September and give them some blog lovin'!
Oregon Marionberry Cider Crush
Ingredients
- 4-6 fresh marionberries or blackberries plus more for garnish
- 1 ounce vodka
- 3 ounces hard cider
- 3 ounces lemonade
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Muddle marionberries or blackberries in a glass.
- Add vodka, hard cider, then lemonade. Stir gently with a cocktail spoon - just a swirl around the cup once or twice to mix the liquids will do!
- Add 2-3 ice cubes.
- Garnish with more blackberries or marionberries if you wish.
- Drink and enjoy!
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
For more Mixology Monday cocktail recipes:
Mixology Monday: Watermelon Mojito
Mixology Monday: Sloe Gin Fizz
Mixology Monday: Backyard Collins
Ali says
Wow, I would never think to use cider as a mixer. Looks awesome!
Erin says
As a huge fan of ciders, and of course of Oregon's berries, I really love this idea. Definitely adding this to my list of cocktails to make.
kelsey says
i need no convincing on this front! yum!
Pech says
Yum this is very Oregon and looks tasty!