Can apple cider be contaminated?

Yes, unpasteurized cider can sometimes contain harmful bacteria. Always buy from a trusted source or heat it before use.

How to tell if your apple cider is bad?

Spoiled cider smells sour, tastes vinegary, or shows signs of fizzing when it shouldn’t. When in doubt, toss it.

It’s rare, but poorly stored or contaminated hard cider can cause illness. Stick to reputable brands and check expiration dates.

The FDA advises caution with unpasteurized cider because it may carry bacteria like E. coli. Labels usually note whether cider is pasteurized.

A sweet and spooky apple cider cocktail with mystical gold and red swirls, perfect for Halloween or fall parties.

Scale

4 oz apple cider

1 1/2 oz spiced rum

1 1/2 oz pomegranate juice

3/4 oz grenadine

Scant 1/4 tsp edible luster dust (gold or silver recommended)

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1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Add apple cider, spiced rum, pomegranate juice, grenadine, and luster dust.

3. Seal the shaker and shake thoroughly.

4. Strain the mixture into a glass.

5. Serve immediately and stir occasionally to maintain the shimmer.

Luster dust is edible and food-safe but optional.

It settles over time, so a stirrer helps maintain the effect.

To make non-alcoholic, substitute rum with equal parts apple cider and pomegranate juice.