Mott & Mulberry Cocktail: A Modern Twist on Mulled Cider
A chilled blend reimagining mulled cider with herbal depth and crisp apple brightness.
The Mott & Mulberry cocktail stands out as a vivid homage to autumn, offering a cool alternative to mulled cider with a blend of rye whiskey, Italian amaro, fresh apple cider, and bright citrus notes. Created by Leo Robitschek for New York City’s famed NoMad Bar, this drink merges tradition and innovation, infusing classic flavors with modern bartending techniques while paying subtle tribute to the intersecting streets of Mott and Mulberry in Little Italy.
Cocktail Origins & Inspiration
The Mott & Mulberry cocktail was conceived by Leo Robitschek at NoMad Bar—a destination renowned for thoughtful modern cocktails and elegant twists on classics.
It draws its name from two iconic streets located along the border of Chinatown and Little Italy—a nod to its Italian and American influences and its urban heritage.
The drink is intentionally designed as a chilled take on mulled cider, swapping warmth and spice for freshness and bittersweet depth, and fusing apple’s natural sweetness with spicy rye and aromatic amaro.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
| Ingredient | Description | Role in Cocktail |
|---|---|---|
| Rye Whiskey | American whiskey made with at least 51% rye grain. | Provides spicy, robust backbone and warmth. |
| Italian Amaro (Abano) | Bitter orange peel, herbs, spices, and botanicals. | Adds fragrant bitterness and herbal depth. |
| Apple Cider | Fresh pressed apple juice, optionally spiced. | Delivers sweet-tart orchard flavor. |
| Lemon Juice | Fresh citrus juice. | Balances sweetness and brightness. |
| Demerara Syrup | Rich sugar syrup made from Demerara sugar. | Sweetens and smooths the mix with caramel notes. |
| Apple Garnish | Thinly sliced fresh red apple. | Emphasizes visual appeal and enhances aroma. |
Each element is chosen for its ability to evoke autumnal flavors while contributing to the overall balance of sweet, tart, spicy, and bitter.
For optimal quality, select freshly pressed apple cider, high-quality rye whiskey, and a flavorful amaro such as Amaro Abano.
Essential Bartending Tools
- Jigger: For precise measuring of spirits and syrups.
- Boston Shaker: Ensures thorough mixing and chilling.
- Hawthorne Strainer: Keeps out ice shards and fruit solids during pouring.
- Paring Knife: For safe, neat slicing of apple garnish.
- Juicer: Extracts maximally fresh lemon juice.
- Apple Corer & Slicer: Streamlines prepping apple garnish slices.
- Cocktail Pick: Serves to secure apple garnish for serving.
Each tool plays a part in ensuring consistency and elevating the visual impact of the drink, whether you’re an aspiring home bartender or a professional mixologist.
Recipe & Preparation Method
Ingredients List
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey (e.g., Sazerac Rye)
- 0.75 oz Amaro Abano
- 1 oz Fresh Apple Cider
- 0.5 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 0.5 oz Demerara Syrup
- Garnish: Thin slices of Honeycrisp apple
Preparation Steps
- Add rye whiskey, amaro, apple cider, lemon juice, Demerara syrup, and cubed ice into a cocktail shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 10-20 seconds to chill and blend flavors.
- Strain the mixture into a lowball glass filled with fresh cracked ice.
- Garnish with crisp slices of red apple using a cocktail pick.
Bartender’s Tip:
Use freshly squeezed juice and high-quality apple cider for the best flavor. Adjust the amount of Demerara syrup if you prefer a drier or sweeter profile.
For a more pronounced apple aroma, gently press the apple garnish before serving.
Tasting Notes & Sensory Experience
- Appearance: Rich, deep brown with golden highlights; apple garnish adds a pop of color.
- Aroma: Alluring blend of apple and whiskey spice, accented by herbal amaro.
- Taste: Crisp apple and citrus up front, followed by the warm spice of rye and the bittersweet complexity of amaro. Layers of caramel and subtle herbs linger on the palate.
- Finish: Notes of spiced apple and bitters linger, inviting further sips.
Reviewer Perspectives
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3 out of 5 stars)
Kendall’s Take: “Of the apple-forward recipes I’ve tried, this is probably near the bottom of my list of favorites, just because the amaro was too prominent to my palate. I’ve learned that I do usually like apple and rye together, but the amaro in this one has a bitterness I didn’t quite care for. I much prefer the Apple Crush or Stone Fence over the Mott & Mulberry.”
What others are reading
Pairing Suggestions:
- Pairs well with sharp aged cheese, charcuterie, or autumn-inspired appetizers.
- Excellent as a pre-dinner cocktail during fall gatherings.
Comparing Apple-Forward Cocktails
| Cocktail | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Mott & Mulberry | Rye, Amaro, Apple Cider, Lemon | Bright, spicy, bittersweet, herbal |
| Apple Crush | Apple, Rye, Lemon, Simple Syrup | Clean, apple-forward, citrusy |
| Stone Fence | Apple Cider, Whiskey or Rum | Warm, spiced, classic autumn |
Tips for Perfecting the Mott & Mulberry
- Balance is critical: Taste your amaro before mixing, as brands differ in bitterness and herbal intensity.
- Use high-quality rye for robust flavor; lower-quality rye can be overpowered by cider and amaro.
- Fresh apple cider is superior to shelf-stable juice for vibrance and aroma.
- Garnish last for a crisp texture; consider a splash of bitters if you want an extra layer of complexity.
- Seasonal apple varieties like Honeycrisp provide the best color and mouthfeel for garnish.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations
- Chilled Autumn Gatherings: Serve in lowball glasses over cracked ice for casual sophistication.
- Pitcher Preparation: For a crowd, multiply the recipe and shake in batches, then strain into a pitcher over ice.
- Winter Warmer: For a traditional mulled cider experience, heat gently and serve without ice, omitting amaro for standard warmth.
- Substitute Amaro: Try Cynar or Nonino for different herbal profiles.
- Alternate Garnishes: Star anise, cinnamon stick, or orange slice can add visual and aromatic appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the origin of the Mott & Mulberry cocktail?
A: Created by Leo Robitschek at NoMad Bar in New York City, inspired by two Little Italy streets and designed as a cold alternative to mulled cider.
Q: Can you substitute bourbon for rye?
A: Yes, but rye’s spice better complements the apple and herbal amaro. Bourbon will yield a sweeter, softer result.
Q: Which amaro works best?
A: Amaro Abano is preferred for its balanced bitterness and herbal flavor, but other amaros like Cynar or Nonino work for varied results.
Q: Is Demerara syrup necessary?
A: Demerara syrup adds richness, but simple syrup or honey can substitute if needed, altering the approachably sweet flavor.
Q: How do you make Demerara syrup?
A: Combine equal parts Demerara sugar and water, heat until dissolved, and cool before using.
Q: What apple variety is best for garnish?
A: Honeycrisp apples offer excellent color, firmness, and a sweet aroma ideal for garnish.
Q: Are there non-alcoholic versions?
A: Omit rye and amaro, use apple cider, lemon juice, Demerara syrup, and garnish for a refreshing mocktail.
Final Thoughts
The Mott & Mulberry cocktail is more than a seasonal drink—it’s a celebration of autumn, urban heritage, and the art of balancing bold, bittersweet American and Italian flavors. Whether you’re hosting a fall feast, crafting cocktails at home, or exploring modern mixology, this recipe provides a memorable experience for fans of whiskey, cider, and elegant bitterness.
Consider experimenting with ingredient ratios and garnishes to discover your ideal version. Enjoy the drink’s complexity and its story of cross-cultural inspiration in every sip.
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