There is no denying it, our descent into Fall is slowly happening. It’s so hard to let go of summer, but I do find myself looking forward to the sights, smells, and tastes of Fall. Not just on my plate, but even in my cocktail glass, I’m now seeking those classic New England flavors like cinnamon and apple. This Apple Cider Bourbon Spritzer is the perfect drink bridging the lighter cocktails of summer with the warming flavors of Fall.
The Meyer Lemon Sparkling Bitters in my September Degustabox inspired this cocktail creation.
It’s a combination of sparkling water with lightly flavored tonic bitters. (To be honest, it was quite good all on its own. You don’t really need to combine it with anything else.)
I have always seen September as a bit of a bridge between seasons. You still get warm, sunny days but the evenings cool down enough where you start to need long sleeves. I thought why not make a fun cocktail that is a nod to both seasons. The Sparkling Bitters give the drink a light, refreshing, and fizzy summer vibe, while the cider and bourbon are a nod to the tastes of Fall.
Apple Cider Bourbon Spritzer
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Litchfield Distillery Bourbon Whiskey
- 2 ounces apple cider
- Meyer Lemon Sparkling Bitters
- Ice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cinnamon stick
Directions
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar on a small plate or in a shallow bowl. With a little bit of apple cider, wet the rim of an old-fashioned glass. Set the glass rim into the cinnamon and sugar. Make sure there’s enough to coat the entire rim of the glass. Wiggle the glass to cover the wet part completely.
- Turn the glass right side up. Carefully place some ice into the rimmed cocktail glass.
- Then, in a cocktail shaker, add some ice along with the apple cider and bourbon. Gently shake, then strain carefully into the glass.
- Garnish with the cinnamon stick and serve.