It’s really warm out for September, above 27C/80C for sure. That isn’t exactly conducive to fall cocktails, but this was what I was in the mood for. Hearty bourbon, sweet honey and apples. It’s cold enough and fizzy enough even to drink on this hot day. Can it be autumn now?!?
Ingredients
2 parts bourbon
2 parts apple cider or apple juice
1 part spiced simple syrup (see below)
1 tablespoon honey
sparking water or club soda to top
ice
apple slice, to garnish, optional
cinnamon stick, to garnish, optional
For the spiced simple syrup
1 cups water
1 cups granulated sugar
1 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
8 allspice berries
6 cloves
3 whole star anise pods
Directions
To make the simple syrup: Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool until lukewarm. Strain syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a heatproof airtight container and discard spices. Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will keep in the fridge for a few weeks.
To make the cocktail: Combine bourbon, apple cider, simple syrup and honey in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously (so that the honey dissolves). Pour into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with an apple slice and/or a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.
