10 recipes and food pairing ideas from Angry Orchard

I am a big hard cider fan and one of my favorites is definitely Angry Orchard, which is the #1 selling U.S. brand of Hard Ciders.

So I was pretty psyched when I sampled some of their flavors and got a few recipes and food pairing ideas to share with you!

Angry Orchard teamed up with Hayley Jensen, the Master Mixologist and Beer Sommelier for NYC’s hotspot Tap Room 307, in order to provide all the following options. And since it’s the season of awards shows and holidays like Valentine’s Day, plus there will be lots of snowy nights cooped indoors drinking it up and playing games, it’s the perfect time to feature such a flavorful product and provide options for eating and sipping at home.

For catching basketball or hockey games (or whatever your favorite winter sports are), she suggests pairing hot wings with the Orchard of Oats, which includes half oatmeal stout with Angry Orchard hard cider.

Orchard of Oats:

1/2 Glass Angry Orchard

1/2 Glass Oatmeal Stout

She noted that you can even add Angry Orchard hard cider and a hint of lemon zest to your usual BBQ sauce too. How delicious would that be mixed into pulled chicken sandwiches or smothered on ribs.

Angry Orchard Crisp Apple BBQ Sauce:

2 shallots, sliced

2 cloves of garlic, sliced

2 bottles of Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider

1 tsp. lemon zest

1 tsp. red chili flakes

2 Tbsp. butter

Another idea is to have chips and cheese dip with a Mexican-inspired drink – the Angry Trumpet, where you just take Mexican lager and mix it with Angry Orchard hard cider.

Angry Trumpet:

1/2 Glass Angry Orchard

1/2 Glass Mexican Lager

Lime Wedge

For Oscar parties, Hayley has created drink ideas revolved around the Best Picture category including:

For Lincoln – “Hard Cider was an extremely popular drink during the civil war era, as the tradition was brought over from Europe. It’s exploding in popularity again in the U.S. She’s created a recipe party attendees are sure to vote for called The President melding raspberry, orange liquors and Angry Orchard Apple Ginger hard cider.”

Oscars- The President:

½ oz. raspberry liqueur

½ oz. orange liqueur

2 orange slices

8 oz. Angry Orchard Apple Ginger Cider

For Argo  – “The cast of Argo enjoyed scotch during scenes in the movie, so Hayley has a cocktail for those who also enjoy a stiffer beverage. The Big Apple Fashioned pairs Angry Orchard Crisp Apple hard cider, bourbon and sweet vermouth over ice for a slightly stronger, yet delicious Oscar cocktail.”

Big Apple Fashioned:

2 orange slices

2 brandied cherries (fresh or maraschino also works)

½ oz. honey

1 oz. bourbon (I used Maker’s Mark)

½ oz. sweet vermouth

3 oz.Crisp Apple Cider

And for Valentine’s Day, set the mood with:

“Cider Braised Clams, served with a Rosy Cooler (which is sweet and delicious), using strawberries, basil, vanilla vodka and Angry Orchard Crisp Apple hard cider”

Valentines Cider-Braised Clams:

Serves 2 as an appetizer

1 Cup kosher salt

2 Littleneck Clams

1 bottle Angry Orchard Crisp Cider

1 Green Delicious apple, peeled and diced

1 Tablespoon fresh thyme

¼ Cup Crème Fraiche

Pepper, to taste

4 thick slices Ciabatta

2 Tablespoons Olive oil

Rosy Cooler:

2 medium strawberries, quartered

2 basil leaves, julienned (cut into thin strips)

2 lime slices

½ oz. simple syrup

1 oz. vanilla vodka

4 oz. Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider

Or how about “Slow Cooked Pork Shank served with a (bouquet of) Orchard Flower which combines gin, elderflower liquor and Angry Orchard Traditional Dry.”

Slow-Cooked Pork Shank:

Serves 4

2 Tablespoons Canola Oil

Bone-In, Skinless Pork Picnic Shoulder, approx. 5

2 Large white onions, medium dice

6 Garlic cloves, smashed

6 Thyme sprigs

2 Bottles Angry Orchard Dry Cider

4 oz. Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Small red cabbage, quartered, cored, and julienned

2 Green delicious apples, peeled and chopped

4 Tbsp. unsalted butter

Salt & Pepper, to taste

Orchard Flowers:

½ oz. dry gin

½ oz. elderflower liquor

splash lime juice

4 oz. Angry Orchard Traditional Dry Cider

And for the not-so-excited for V-Day peeps, enjoy the Angry Balls Cinnamon featuring whiskey and Angry Orchard hard cider over ice.

Angry Balls:

1.5 oz. Cinnamon whiskey

Fill with Angry Orchard

Serve over ice

Enjoy!