Darth Mauled Pomegranate Cider: Come To The Dark Side

Darth Mauled Pomegranate Cider

This inviting and spicy drink, created by Brendan Costello at Burke’s Public House in Chicago, boasts flavors so great they could elicit a gleeful smile from Grand Moff Tarkin himself.

Moreover, its simplicity is a boon for those less adept with a cocktail shaker. “It’s so easy to make, you’re basically using the Force to do it for you,” Costello remarks.

This recipe was originally featured in the article titled “May the Fourth Be with You with These ‘Star Wars’ Cocktails.”


Darth Mauled Pomegranate Cider Ingredients:

  • Dark Rum or Whiskey (1 shot per drink): Adds a robust, warming kick that complements the spiced, fruity base.
  • Pomegranate Juice (1 cup / 240 ml): Offers a deep, rich tartness and a vibrant color that’s as visually striking as it is delicious.
  • Apple Cider (1/2 cup / 120 ml): Introduces a sweet, fruity balance to the tartness of the pomegranate, embodying the heart of fall.
  • Mulling Spice (2 tsp): A blend of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and other seasonal spices enclosed in a mulling ball or tea bag, infusing the drink with warmth and complexity.

Darth Mauled Pomegranate Cider Recipe:

  1. Prepare Ingredients:
    • Begin by gathering your ingredients. If you’re using a loose mulling spice blend, place it in a mulling ball or a clean tea bag to make it easy to remove after simmering.
  2. Simmer the Cider:
    • Pour 240 ml (1 cup) of pomegranate juice and 120 ml (1/2 cup) of apple cider into a small saucepan. Add the mulling spice contained within its ball or bag to the mix.
    • Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the spices to fully infuse their flavors into the cider, creating a fragrant, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
  3. Remove the Spices:
    • After the mixture has simmered and the spices have imparted their warmth and flavor, carefully remove the mulling spice ball or tea bag from the saucepan. This step ensures that the spices don’t overpower the drink but leave just the right amount of seasonal warmth.
  4. Add the Spirits:
    • Pour the spiced cider mixture into a pre-warmed mug. To each mug, add one shot of dark rum or whiskey, depending on your preference.
    • The choice of spirit can dramatically influence the character of the drink, with rum offering sweetness and depth, while whiskey contributes a smoky, complex edge.
  5. Serve and Savor:
    • Stir the mixture gently to ensure the rum or whiskey is well integrated into the spiced cider. The result is a warm, deeply flavored drink that’s both comforting and invigorating.

The Darth Mauled Pomegranate Cider:

The Darth Mauled Pomegranate Cider is a tantalizing tipple that beckons to the dark side with its rich blend of flavors, perfect for those crisp evenings when the shadows grow long, and the air whispers of ancient tales.

This drink is not only a nod to the iconic ‘Star Wars’ villain but also a celebration of autumnal warmth, combining the tartness of pomegranate with the classic sweetness of apple cider, all spiced with a mulling blend that evokes the essence of the season.

Here’s how to brew this enchanting beverage, including a shot of dark rum or whiskey to fortify the spirits of those brave enough to indulge.

Check out more rum cocktail recipes and whisky cocktail recipes.