Dixie Autumn Shandy Cocktail
Holidays are better with a cocktail that is simple yet special, and this Dixie Autumn Shandy is exactly that. Dixie Black Pepper Vodka is shaken with cranberry juice and simple syrup, poured over one large ice cube and topped with dry hard cider. If you love my Cranberry Moscow Mule or my Apple Cider Mimosa, this is a perfect fall pour.
Moreover, the black pepper vodka adds a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with tart cranberry and crisp cider. Equally important, it can be made one at a time or batched for a crowd.
In essence, it is autumn in a glass. Serve it at your holiday party with my Apple Pie Sangria.
What Is a Dixie Autumn Shandy?
It is a vodka, cranberry and hard cider cocktail with a warm black pepper finish.
Dixie Autumn Shandy Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
Dixie Black Pepper Vodka
Smooth with a gentle peppery warmth.
Cranberry Juice
Tart and festive.
Simple Syrup
Balances the tartness.
Dry Hard Cider
Crisp apple bubbles.
Large Ice Cube
Melts slowly.
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Everything I Love for this recipe
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Mint Julep Cups
The silver cups in my photos. Metal frosts over crushed ice, so the drink stays cold to the last sip.
Double Old Fashioned Glasses
For the guest who wants a glass instead of a cup. The heavy base holds plenty of crushed ice.
Double Jigger
Measures the bourbon, lemonade and cranberry juice so every glass tastes the same.
Bar Spoons
Long enough to reach the bottom of a julep cup and stir through crushed ice.
Channel Knife
Cuts a long, thin strip of lemon peel for the twist in one pull.
Ice Mallet & Lewis Bag
The easy way to make crushed ice at home. The canvas bag soaks up the melt, so the ice goes in dry.
Glass Serving Pitcher
For the batch of eight. Mix it without ice and keep it in the refrigerator until guests arrive.
Marble Serving Board
Stays cool under frosty cups and gives a round of drinks a pretty place to land.
Linen Cocktail Napkins
Julep cups sweat. A cloth napkin under each one saves your table and your guests’ hands.
Citrus Juicer
For the host who makes lemonade from scratch. It presses a lemon half in one squeeze.
Ice Bucket
Keeps crushed ice ready at the bar, so you can build each drink as guests arrive.
Wooden Serving Tray
Keeps the bottle, cups and garnishes together and carries the whole bar out to the porch.
How To Make a Dixie Autumn Shandy
- Shake vodka, cranberry and syrup over ice.
- Pour over a large ice cube.
- Top with hard cider.
Dixie Autumn Shandy
Ingredients
- 1 oz Dixie Black Pepper Vodka
- 1 1/2 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2 to 4 oz dry hard cider
- 1 large ice cube
Instructions
- Shake. Combine the vodka, cranberry juice and simple syrup in a shaker tin over ice and shake hard.
- Pour into a rocks glass with one large ice cube.
- Top with hard cider and serve.
Notes
KEEP HOSTING
More to pour from the bar ā three cocktails worth shaking up next.
Cino De Mayo Cocktail Recipes Using Dixie Vodka
A standout pour worth shaking up for your next gathering.
Pour a Glass ā
Perfect Fall Inspired Mimosas
A bright, bubbly mimosa that makes any brunch feel like a celebration.
Pour a Glass ā
Variations
Regular Vodka
Use any vodka with a crack of black pepper.
Ginger Beer
Top with ginger beer instead of cider.
Sparkling Cider
Use non-alcoholic cider for a lighter drink.
Rosemary
Garnish with a rosemary sprig.
Cranberry Garnish
Add sugared cranberries.
Batch
Multiply everything but the cider.
When I Love Serving a Dixie Autumn Shandy
Thanksgiving
A festive fall welcome.
Friendsgiving
Easy to batch.
Holiday Parties
Crowd-pleasing.
Tailgates
Crisp and cool.
Fall Dinners
Pairs with hearty food.
Bonfire Nights
Cozy and bright.
What To Serve With a Dixie Autumn Shandy
Something Salty
My Salami Chips or Caviar Potato Chips.
An Elegant Bite
A Showstopper Board
My Caviar Board.
Seafood Crostini
My Smoked Salmon, Dill & Caviar Crostini.
A Cocktail Flight
Set out my Martini Board.
Something Sweet
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
Make Ahead
Batch the vodka, cranberry and syrup up to 2 days ahead; top with cider to serve.
Garnishes
Slice citrus and prep herbs up to a day ahead and keep covered in the refrigerator.
Leftovers
Mixed drinks with bubbles are best enjoyed right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shandy?
Traditionally beer mixed with something fizzy; this version uses hard cider.
Can I use another vodka?
Yes, add a pinch of cracked pepper.
What cider is best?
A dry hard cider.
How do I batch it?
Mix everything but the cider and top to order.
How many does it serve?
One cocktail.
Final Thoughts
This shandy is my favorite easy holiday pour. With this in mind, I hope it becomes one of your go-to pours for gathering with the people you love.
All things considered, a great drink is one of the easiest ways to make guests feel celebrated. Please enjoy responsibly, and if you make it, I would love to hear how you served it.
Erica A. Thomas
Founder of Eating With Erica
SAVE NOW, MAKE LATER!
