Way back in February of this year, Limpd and I reviewed an unusual beverage from Eden Specialty Ciders of Newport, Vermont...

This intriguing elixir, which clocks in at 16% ABV, is called Orleans Herbal Apertif Cider. Here’s what the fine and crafty folks at Eden Specialty Ciders have to say about it:

This elegant aperitif cider was developed in collaboration with maître liquoriste Deirdre Heekin. Using our Northern winter cold to concentrate fresh-pressed cider from Vermont apples, we fermented the concentrate to make a pure dry cider infused with a special blend of Vermont-grown herbs. Refreshing and aromatic, ORLEANS HERBAL has delicate apple flavor and white floral, honey, and anise notes. Serve over ice with a twist of lime, or use it in cocktails.

During our review, we tried it on its own, and then did some on-the-fly cocktailing with the stuff. Our first cocktail attempt was a Manhattan variation made with Larceny Bourbon, and the second was an Apple Martini variation made with Boardroom Spirits "A" Apple Eau de Vie.

Given that the name of this post is The Big A Tartini, I think you know which cocktail recipe we preferred.

Here's the recipe:

The Big A Tartini

• 1.5 ounces Boardroom Spirits A Apple Eau de Vie
• .5 ounce Orleans Herbal Cider
• .5 ounce Fresh-Squeezed Lemon Juice
• .5 ounce Sugar in the Raw Simple Syrup

Method: Pour all ingredients into an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Strain and pour into your favorite cocktail glass.

We really enjoyed this libation and have recreated it on numerous occasions. To see and hear all that we had to say about this cocktail and the Orleans Herbal Cider that went into it, click the play button on the following video:

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