Copper Cal | Merridale Distillery Recipe
Some cocktails are bold and refreshing. Others tell the story of the orchard in every sip. The Copper Cal Cocktail brings together Merridale’s award-winning Cowichan Copper Gin, fresh lime juice, our house-made Rosemary Cinnamon Simple Syrup, and a generous pour of Mo’Moro Cider for a cocktail that’s bright, herbaceous, and unmistakably Vancouver Island.
Every simple syrup we serve at Merridale is made in-house, allowing us to create fresh flavours that complement our estate-crafted spirits. Finished with our Gold Medal-winning Mo’Moro Cider, the Copper Cal is crisp, refreshing, and perfect for afternoons in the orchard or evenings on the patio.
Prep Time – 5 minutes
Serves – 1
Difficulty – Easy
Glass – Highball Glass
Garnish – Dehydrated lime wheel
Ingredients
- 1 oz Merridale Copper Gin
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz Merridale Rosemary Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- Mo’Moro Cider, to top
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add the Copper Gin, lime juice, and Rosemary Cinnamon Simple Syrup.
- Stir gently to chill.
- Top with chilled Mo’Moro Cider.
- Garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel.
Why We Love This Cocktail
The Copper Cal Cocktail is bright, crisp, and wonderfully balanced. Fresh lime delivers lively citrus, while our house-made Rosemary Cinnamon Simple Syrup adds aromatic herbs and gentle warming spice. Finished with sparkling Mo’Moro Cider, the cocktail gains delicate bubbles and subtle hop character that lift the botanicals in our Copper Gin.
The result is refreshing enough for summer, yet complex enough to enjoy throughout harvest season.
Featured Ingredient
Gold Medal-Winning Mo’Moro Cider
The finishing touch that makes the Copper Cal truly unique is Mo’Moro Cider, winner of a Gold Medal at the 2026 Cidercraft Awards in the Hopped Cider category.
Crafted with traditional cider apples and lightly hopped for a refreshing finish, Mo’Moro delivers crisp apple character with delicate citrus and floral hop notes. Those flavours pair beautifully with the botanicals in Copper Gin while adding natural sparkle and a distinctly West Coast personality.
If you’ve never tried a hopped cider in a cocktail, the Copper Cal is the perfect introduction.
Ingredient Spotlight
Merridale Copper Gin
Distilled in small batches at Merridale, Copper Gin is crafted using carefully selected botanicals to create a bright citrus-forward gin balanced by classic juniper. It’s smooth enough for a martini and versatile enough to elevate refreshing cocktails like the Copper Cal.
Merridale Rosemary Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Every simple syrup we serve at Merridale is made in-house using quality ingredients. Our Rosemary Cinnamon Simple Syrup combines fragrant rosemary with warming cinnamon to create a syrup that’s fresh, aromatic, and perfectly balanced. It enhances the botanicals in our Copper Gin while adding depth without overpowering the cocktail.
Pair It With
The Copper Cal Cocktail pairs beautifully with:
- Charcuterie boards
- Fresh oysters and seafood
- Wood-fired pizza
- Seasonal salads
- Grilled chicken
Variations
Make it Lighter
Reduce the Rosemary Cinnamon Simple Syrup slightly and top with extra Mo’Moro Cider for an even crisper finish.
Make it Sweeter
Add an extra ½ oz of Rosemary Cinnamon Simple Syrup.
Pitcher Recipe
Multiply the Copper Gin, lime juice, and Rosemary Cinnamon Simple Syrup by six and refrigerate. Pour over fresh ice before topping each glass with chilled Mo’Moro Cider.
Garden Version
Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig alongside the dehydrated lime wheel for extra aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Copper Cal Cocktail ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the Copper Gin, lime juice, and Rosemary Cinnamon Simple Syrup ahead of time and refrigerate. Add fresh ice and top with Mo’Moro Cider just before serving.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is recommended. It gives the Copper Cal Cocktail its bright, refreshing flavour.
What if I don’t have Rosemary Cinnamon Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup will work, but you’ll miss the signature herbal and warming spice that makes this cocktail uniquely Merridale.
Why is Mo’Moro Cider used?
Mo’Moro Cider adds natural effervescence, crisp apple flavour, and subtle hop notes that complement the botanicals in Copper Gin. It’s what transforms this drink from a simple gin cocktail into a signature Merridale recipe.
Can I make this as a mocktail?
Yes. Replace the Copper Gin with a non-alcoholic botanical spirit and top with sparkling non-alcoholic apple cider.
Cocktail Tips
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest flavour.
- Chill your Mo’Moro Cider before topping the cocktail.
- Fill the glass completely with ice to keep the drink crisp.
- Add the cider last to preserve its sparkle.
- Garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel and a fresh rosemary sprig for an extra burst of aroma.
Visit Merridale
If you’d rather enjoy the Copper Cal Cocktail without mixing it yourself, visit Merridale in the Cowichan Valley. Featuring our award-winning Copper Gin, house-made Rosemary Cinnamon Simple Syrup, and Gold Medal-winning Mo’Moro Cider, it’s one of many cocktails inspired by the orchard and crafted right here on the farm. Stop in for a tasting, enjoy lunch beneath the apple trees, or take home a bottle of Copper Gin and Mo’Moro Cider to recreate this signature cocktail yourself.
