Autumn Crush - Great Drinks

Another cider cocktail. It seemed fitting, now firmly entrenched as part of a new tradition. I couldn’t let the last pages of autumn turn without at least another attempt  and fresh take on a cider cocktail. Something to set it apart from all the cider cocktails that flood the scene this time of year. Every year.

First there was the Cider Rum Punch I made just over two years and then last year I was at it again with The Bourbon Bomber  for The Boys Club. This time it’s a little more complex with flavours that work fluidly with each other while reminding you of the subtleties of fall with each sip.



When I slip into the trappings of autumn, cider is one of the calling cards of the season that eases me into it. Settles me down into the relaxed pace synonymous with fall. A warm pot on a chilly evening sitting in front of one of the first fires of the season. And a cold cocktail on the unseasonably warm afternoons. A cocktail to help you absorb the true beauty fall has to offer.

Some days are laced with moments where the warm sun traces the afternoon sky long enough to entice us. To remove the extra layer of clothing, soak up the sun while it radiates warmth and sit back with a drink splashed in autumn’s glory. These are the days, although the numbers are shrinking. Day by day.



This particular cider is punched with apple syrup, maple syrup and chilled chai tea. Rich and deep flavours with intoxicating aromas. The last great cider cocktail you’ll need before you watch autumn slip away. And to help you remember everything it left behind.




Autumn Crush
Ingredients: 

• 1.5 oz. spiced rum
• 2 oz. apple cider
• 2 oz. apple syrup
• 2 oz. hot chai tea, chilled
• 1 tsp. maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp. grated nutmeg
• 1/2 cinnamon stick
• 1 clove

Prep:

1. Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until combined and chill.
2. Strain into an ice-filled rock glass and garnish with an apple slice and piece of a cinnamon stick.

*To make the apple syrup, dissolve equal parts water and sugar over high heat. Grate 1/2 an apple and add 1 cinnamon stick into the boiling mixture, simmer for 10 minutes.  Allow to cool.