An apple a day keeps the doctor away even when it comes to booze, right? Apples are a mixological staple that taste great in both hot and chilled cocktails and work with many different types of alcohol. Even better, apple products are inexpensive, easy to find and make classier mixers than Diet Coke for your next soirée. So transform this everyday fruit staple that all college students know and love into sophisticated winter cocktails.
* 1 shot = 3 tablespoons
Tip: For a simple syrup: bring equal parts sugar and water to a boil, stirring constantly, until sugar dissovles.
Apple Gin and Tonic
Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
3 shots apple juice
2 shots tonic water
2 shots gin
6-8 mint leaves, plus 1 sprig to garnish
Ice
Directions:
1. Mash mint leaves in bottom of tall glass with a wooden spoon.
2. Fill glass with ice.
3. Add gin, tonic and apple juice.
4. Stir well and garnish with a mint leaf.
Warm Spicy Caramel Apple
Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
3 shots apple cider
1/2 shot caramel sauce
1 shot whiskey
Pinch of ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick
Directions:
1. Combine apple cider and caramel and microwave until cider is hot and caramel is incorporated.
2. Add whiskey and stir until combined.
3. Pour into mug or short glass.
4. Garnish with ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick.
Sparkling Pear Apple Fizz
Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
4 shots sparkling apple cider, chilled
2 shots pear vodka, chilled
1/2 shot lemon juice
3/4 shot simple syrup*
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients into a tall glass.
2. Stir well and garnish with apple slices.