Thirsty Thursday: Autumn Apple

Despite my hatred of all things pumpkin (seriously, people, is pumpkin spice pasta sauce necessary?!), I do love this time of year. I am not made for ninety degree weather and bikinis, but I am pretty happy once a hot chocolate is in my hand and tights are on my body. In an effort to capture all things fall, September and October featured many an apple cocktail in my househould. Eventually, after experimenting, I came up with this drink which I think bridges the gap between summer and autumn well. It’s light, crisp, and refreshing, with a ton of apple flavor to it. It’s especially great for those of you out these who will drink anything sweet involving bubbles. Feel free to use whatever sparkling wine you like, though I tend to go for the cheaper wines when I’m mixing it into a cocktail. My thinking is that if I would drink it alone, I’m not going to put it into a mixed drink. No matter what kind of sparkling wine you use though, this is one of those drinks that goes down quickly and ends up hitting you before you know it, so drink it often but tread carefully. Happy sipping!

Autumn Apple

Yield: 1 cocktail

1 1/2 oz. Calvados

1 oz. apple cider

1 oz. maple syrup

2 oz. sparkling wine

Cinnamon and sugar (for rim, if desired)

1. If you know early on that you’ll be making this cocktail, stick shaker and Calvados in the freezer a few hours ahead of time to get them well chilled.

2. Rim wine glass with cinnamon and sugar, if desired.

3. Take items out of the freezer. Fill up the shaker with ice to keep it chilled while assembling your cocktail.

4. Measure out and pour Calvados, apple cider, and maple syrup into shaker. Cover shaker and shake well for five to ten seconds.

5. Strain liquid into glass. Top with sparkling wine. Enjoy.

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