Apple Picker Cocktail
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 1 1x
Description
This cocktail is full of Autumnal flavors but, unlike many seasonal drinks, it is served cold, making it ideal for the current mild weather.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) Canadian whiskey (other whiskeys will work here as well)
- 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) apple cider
- 1 tbsp. (15 ml) spiced simple syrup (see recipe below)
- 1/4 oz. (8 ml) lemon juice
- 1-2 dashes bitters
- Lemon twist, for garnish
- Ice
Spiced Simple Syrup
- 1 cup (240 ml) (or equal part) sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) (or equal part) water
- Small handful spices: cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole allspice, whole cloves, black peppercorns, cardamom seeds or pods, etc. Think wintery baking spices. In this batch I used 3 small cinnamon sticks, 1 star anise, 4 allspice, 3 cloves, and 4 or 5 black peppercorns.
Instructions
- Combine and shake ingredients, strain, and garnish: Combine all liquid ingredients except the bitters in a shaker half-filled with ice; shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Add 1-2 dashes of bitters on top and garnish with a lemon twist.
Spiced Simple Syrup
- Simmer ingredients, cool, and store: Simmer sugar, water, and spices in a small pot over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Simmer another 5-8 minutes, then let cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Cocktails
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 200
If You Liked This Recipe, You’ll Love These
- Holiday Cocktail – Yuzu Hot Toddy by Kenta Goto
- Butterbeer Cocktail
- Brown Bread Vodka Cocktail
- Asparagus with Pancetta and Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the recipe call for Canadian whiskey specifically?
Canadian whiskey is specified because it tends to be lighter and slightly sweeter than bourbon or rye, which lets the apple cider and spiced simple syrup flavors come forward without a heavy whiskey bite. The recipe does note that “other whiskeys will work here as well” — so bourbon, rye, or Irish whiskey are all valid substitutes depending on your preference.
What goes into the spiced simple syrup, and how long does it keep?
The recipe’s spiced simple syrup is an equal-parts sugar-and-water base simmered with a small handful of wintery baking spices — the batch used here includes 3 small cinnamon sticks, 1 star anise, 4 allspice, 3 cloves, and 4–5 black peppercorns. After dissolving the sugar and simmering 5–8 more minutes, strain it and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Making a batch ahead means it’s ready for multiple cocktails.
