Happy Hour: Apple Cider Rum Old Fashioned
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Autumn is officially here!
And while brainstorming "transitional cocktail" ideas that would sweep us (read: pull us) effortlessly from our tight grips of longer summer days into the soothing embrace of autumn's delicious golden light...well, it was a difficult task seeing that parts of the country are still hovering strong in the 90 degree territory.
Luckily our cocktail correspondent, Elana Lepkowski of Stir & Strain, didn't flinch at the nation's conflicting weather reports and was brilliant to come forward with a cooling drink that still stood strong with notes of fall's spiced flavors.
Four Words: Apple Cider Ice Cubes.
Consider you life changed and your season off to the perfect start. Cheers!
~Editor, Kristin Guy
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For those of us in Southern California, it’s been quite difficult to imagine that Autumn is fast approaching. But even as temperatures soar past 100°F for us, I’ve got tunnel vision for apple cider and Fall flavors.
I may have gone a bit overboard when buying apple cider last week. It was available, and I convinced myself that 2 gallons was totally necessary to have on hand (it’s not by the way). My husband had a stroke of genius when he suggested I freeze it into ice cubes and use it for ice in a cocktail!
Which brings us to today’s tipple: the Apple Cider Rum Old Fashioned.
Apple Cider Rum Old Fashioned
2 ounces gold rum, Phraya used here 1 bar spoon brown sugar 3 dashes Miracle Mile Forbidden Bitters splash Canton Ginger Liqueur 3-4 apple cider ice cubes (see note in recipe below)
In a rocks glass, add brown sugar, bitters and Canton. Muddle together. Add apple cider ice cubes to the glass (note: to make ice cubes, pour apple cider into an ice cube tray, freeze overnight). Pour rum over ice cubes and gently stir to combine. To make a “long” version of this, top with a few ounces of club soda.
No need to dress this little guy up. He’s all booze, splashed with the heady aroma of Autumn: apples, spices, rum. Well, rum may not scream falling leaves for some of you, but believe me, it’s a friend to apple cider in this cocktail. Enjoy!
Recipe & Photos: Elana Lepkowski Creative Direction & Styling: Kristin Guy