Sip Spotlight: Brrrrrbon Hot Cider

ETC Produce and Provisions at historic Findlay Market was the first retailer to carry Mixicles. Owned and operated by Toncia and Estevan Chavez, ETC partners with area farms and food artisans to provide the finest food stuff in the Ohio River Valley. Toncia has an infectious laugh that would turn around even the saddest of days. Every time we visit Findlay Market, we stop in at ETC — not just to check on the Mixicles stock, but to see what is fresh and in season.

Last October, Toncia asked if we would want to serve Mixicles samples at ETC's booth at the annual Findlay Market Fall Food Fest. Of course we said "Yes!," and then set about figuring out what drinks to offer. Jen suggested trying Mixicles in hot apple cider. This struck Jason as counterintuitive, but he went along with the experiment. Turns out that dropping a frozen Mixicles cube into a mug of hot cider instantly infuses it with flavor while bringing the beverage to a drinkable temperature from the very first sip!

And so we started running through our flavor offerings to see which would pair best with apple cider. There were two clear winners: tropical Orange Blossom Pomegranate and earthy Blackberry Lemon Thyme. For the Fall Food Fest, we would be serving samples without alcohol, and both of these flavors make for delicious zero-proof drinks. That said, the addition of bourbon (or rum, if that's more your jam) really takes these beverages to the next level!

Mixicles were a hit at last year's Fall Food Fest, and we're doing it again this weekend! Join us on Saturday, October 16, and Sunday, October 17, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm to sample not only Mixicles, but also a huge variety of autumn-inspired dishes and treats from the many Findlay Market merchants, vendors, and farmers. Tickets can be purchased here. Hope to see you!

Jen Morales is the co-founder of Cincinnati-based Mixicles, an all-natural, frozen, non-alcoholic botanical mixer that can be popped into any liquor, wine, champagne, etc for an instant cocktail. They can even used as a natural foundation for distinctive zero-proof drinks and smoothies. Learn more at https://mixicles.com.