Sparkling Cider

I'm pretty sure this beverage is more festive than a Starbucks red cup right now. Combining apple cider, pumpkin spice, Honeycrisp apples and some sparkle, this is practically fall in a champagne flute. I promise you won't be able to have just one glass. And in case you're thinking this looks familiar you're not going crazy. I started with my Apple Cider Champagne recipe and threw in a few twists...

Sparkling Apple Cider

Ingredients
6 cups apple cider
2 cups cranberry-pomegranate juice {can also use orange juice}
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 bottle sparkling wine {or sparkling white grape juice}

2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon ground pumpkin spice {or cinnamon}

1 large Honeycrisp apple, diced {optional}

Directions

In a large pitcher combine apple cider, cranberry-pomegranate juice and lemon juice. Slowly add sparkling white grape juice or sparkling wine. 

On a small plate, blend the sugar and pumpkin spice. Dip the rims of champagne glasses into water immediately into the sugar to coat. Add apple slices to glasses, slowly pour in your cocktail and serve immediately. 

Yields 11 cups (about 10 servings).

You're all invited to come drink sparkling cider with me. Seriously. 5 pm, my place?