Never the wallflower, the cocktail started mingling with other spirits as soon as it arrived on the scene at the beginning of the 19th century. But matchmaking imbibers mixed their potables long before then. One of the most popular base ingredients was beer. Infused with sweet wine, spices, citrus and even roasted apple, these ale-based refreshers had names like Humptie-dumptie, Clamber-clown and Sack Posset. Inspired by those recipes, I created this combination of Quebecois apple beer, hard cider, sweet, herbaceous Lillet and a splash of fresh citrus. I call it Ma Blonde (or girlfriend in English) because I have such affection for it.

Ma Blonde

• 3 oz Unibroue Éphémère apple beer*
• 3 oz unsweetened hard cider
• 2 oz Lillet Blanc
• 1/8 oz fresh lemon juice

Combine all ingredients over ice in a highball glass. Stir well and serve.

*Can be substituted with any Belgian-style Trappist beer.

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Chris Stearns is one of Canada’s best mixologists. You can sample his wares at Decca77 in Montreal and reach him at cstearns@enroutemag.net.