Forget about Groundhog Day. This year, Woodchuck Hard Cider has declared February 2nd is Woodchuck Day! That sounds like a lot more fun than waiting for Punxsutawney Phil to stick his head out of a hole. Venues all over the country will be holding events, and there’s even an official Woodchuck Day badge to earn on Untappd.

We decided to celebrate in style by making 2 Woodchuck-inspired appetizers and 1 Woodchuck cocktail. And since Woodchuck Day also happens to be Super Bowl Sunday, these recipes would also be perfect for a Super Bowl party.

Woodchuck Barrel Select Old Fashioned

Makes 1 Drink



1 teaspoon sugar

2 dashes bitters

1⁄ 2 ounce water

1 maraschino cherry

1 orange wedge

1 ounce bourbon (we actually used Jack Daniel’s–close enough!)

1 ounce Woodchuck Private Reserve Barrel Select Cider

Ice

In an old fashioned glass or other short glass, muddle sugar, bitters, water, cherry and orange (the back of a large spoon works well). Add bourbon and cider and stir. Add ice. Top with more cider if desired.

Pork Meatballs with Woodchuck Smoked Apple Barbecue Sauce

For the Meatballs:



2 Tablespoons Woodchuck Smoked Apple Cider

1 egg

1⁄ 2 cup parmesan cheese

1⁄ 4 cup Italian style breadcrumbs

1⁄ 2 teaspoon garlic powder

1⁄ 2 teaspoon onion powder

1⁄ 8 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Salt and pepper

1 pound ground pork

For the Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter

1⁄ 2 medium onion, diced

1 1⁄ 2 cups Woodchuck Smoked Apple Cider

1⁄ 4 cup ketchup

1⁄ 3 cup apple cider vinegar

1 6 ounce can tomato paste

2 tablespoons brown sugar

Salt and pepper

To Make the Meatballs:

Combine everything except pork in a large bowl. Add pork and mix with your hands until well combined. Shape mixture into 1-inch round balls. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches for 10 minutes until well browned and cooked through.

To Make the Sauce:

Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until onion is soft. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil, cooking until liquid is reduced by about 1/3.

Pour sauce over meatballs and enjoy!

Woodchuck Cider Pub Cheese



2 cups shredded Cabot Extra Sharp or Seriously Sharp cheddar cheese

2 cups shredded Colby cheese

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 cup Woodchuck Farmhouse Select Cider or your favorite Woodchuck cider

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

3 tablespoons pickled jalapenos, coarsely chopped

1⁄ 8 teaspoon ground red pepper