The first hint of fall in the air and we are running for the cider cocktails. Summer may be refusing to give up, but cooler temps and all things autumn are right around the corner. #FALLELUJAH
This recipe was named after the McSweeney’s article, “It’s Decorative Gourd Season, Motherf*ckers” that was published in 2009. It sums up my feelings about all things Fall.
The bourbon of choice for this cocktail is 1792 Small Batch. This totally affordable high rye bourbon has all of the caramel and vanilla we love in our bourbon, but also has a spiciness on the finish that holds up well to all that is going on in this cocktail.
Decorative Gourd Season
Yield: 1 cocktail
Served: On the rocks
Glass type: Rocks or Old fashioned
2 oz 1792 Small Batch Bourbon
1 oz Apple Cider Reduction*
.75 oz Fresh lemon juice
.75 oz Cynar**
.5 oz. Make & Muddle 7 Syrup
Dash Aromatic Bitters
Lightly salted Apple slice for garnish
In a cocktail shaker with ice, add the first six ingredients and shake until cold.
Strain contents from the shaker into an old fashioned glass with ice. Garnish with
lightly salted apple slice.
* Apple Cider Reduction is made by taking apple cider and boiling it until it is
reduced by half. This intensifies the flavor without adding dilution to the cocktail.
**Cynar is a bittersweet Italian liqueur (amaro) primarily flavored with artichoke
leaves in addition to other herbs. It is fairly common and can be found wherever
you find other liqueurs and amaro.
Recipes of the month are provided by Jennifer Brian, a spirits professional, self-proclaimed Cocktail Evangelist, co-founder and owner of craft cocktail company, Make & Muddle and author of cocktail cookbook, The Classic Cocktail Revival. She is based in the bourbon epicenter of Louisville, KY.
