Mo’Tini | Merridale Distillery Recipe

An Easy Cider Martini Recipe

Bright, citrusy and crisp, the Mo’Moro Martini puts a Merridale twist on a classic spirit-forward cocktail. The star is a simple reduction made from our Mo’Moro cider, concentrating its citrus character and bringing a subtle sweetness and acidity to the glass. Paired with vodka for a clean finish or gin for a more botanical edge, this easy cider martini recipe is simple enough to make at home but still feels polished. A fresh lemon twist finishes it off and pulls the citrus notes together.

Quick Recipe

Prep: 10–15 minutes | Makes: 1 cocktail | Difficulty: Easy | Glass: Martini or coupe | Garnish: Lemon twist

Prep time includes making and cooling the Mo’Moro reduction.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Merridale Cowichan Vodka or Cowichan Gin
• ¾ oz Mo’Moro reduction
• Lemon twist, for garnish
• Ice

For the Mo’Moro Reduction

• Merridale Mo’Moro Cider

Make the Mo’Moro Reduction

Pour the Mo’Moro cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the cider has reduced to about half its original volume.

For example, 1 cup of Mo’Moro should yield approximately ½ cup of reduction.

Remove from the heat and allow it to cool completely before using. The reduction can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Method

Add the vodka or gin and Mo’Moro reduction to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir well until thoroughly chilled and slightly diluted.

Single strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass. Express a fresh lemon twist over the cocktail and use it as the garnish.

Why This Cocktail Works

Reducing Mo’Moro concentrates the cider’s bright citrus notes while adding just enough sweetness and acidity to balance the spirit.

Cowichan Vodka keeps the cocktail clean and lets the cider take centre stage, while Cowichan Gin adds botanical complexity. The lemon twist brings fresh citrus aromatics to every sip without adding additional sweetness.

The result is a crisp, citrus-forward martini with a distinctly Merridale character.

Ingredient Spotlight

Merridale Mo’Moro Cider

Mo’Moro brings a fresh citrus character to this cocktail. Turning the cider into a reduction intensifies its flavour and gives it enough body to stand alongside vodka or gin in a stirred martini.

It is also a simple way to use craft cider differently behind the bar, transforming something familiar into a cocktail ingredient with concentrated flavour.

Pair It With

The Mo’Moro Martini pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh oysters
• Smoked salmon
• Soft cheeses and charcuterie
• Light seafood dishes

Variations

Make It with Gin

Swap the vodka for your favourite gin. A citrus-forward or botanical gin will add another layer of complexity while keeping the Mo’Moro character at the centre of the cocktail.

Make It a Little Sweeter

Add a small amount of extra Mo’Moro reduction. Start with ¼ oz and adjust to taste.

Make It a Batch

For four cocktails, combine 6 oz vodka or gin with 3 oz Mo’Moro reduction. Keep chilled until serving. Stir individual portions over ice before straining into chilled glasses to ensure proper dilution.

Add Some Bubbles

For a lighter variation, strain the finished cocktail into a coupe and top with a small splash of chilled Mo’Moro cider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Mo’Moro Martini ahead of time?

Yes. The Mo’Moro reduction can be prepared ahead and refrigerated. For the best texture and temperature, stir the cocktail with ice just before serving.

Can I use vodka or gin?

Absolutely. Vodka creates a cleaner, more cider-forward cocktail, while gin adds botanical flavours and a little more complexity.

How do I know when the Mo’Moro reduction is ready?

Measure by volume rather than trying to judge thickness. Once the cider has reduced to approximately half its starting volume, remove it from the heat. It will become slightly more concentrated as it cools.

Can I make this cocktail for a crowd?

Yes. Multiply the recipe by the number of guests and prepare the spirit and reduction mixture ahead of time. Stir each serving over ice before pouring for the best result.

More Merridale Cocktails

If you enjoyed the Mo’Moro Martini, try:

• A Cowichan Vodka cocktail
• A Merridale gin cocktail
• A seasonal cider cocktail

Visit Merridale

Want to leave the mixing to us? Visit Merridale in the Cowichan Valley to explore our craft cider, small-batch spirits and seasonal cocktails, or stop by the Farmhouse to take home the ingredients and recreate your favourites.