Bourbon Apple Cider Smash
Fresh apple cider, bourbon, lemon and bruised thyme — brisk, warming and gone too quickly.
The cocktail for an afternoon that turns suddenly cold. Fresh apple cider, a measure of bourbon, a little lemon and a bruised sprig of thyme — brisk, warming and gone too quickly.
Build it in the glass and don’t fuss. Use clear, fresh-pressed cider; the cloudy kind will muddy it.
Ingredients
- 45ml good bourbon
- 90ml fresh apple cider
- 15ml fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 3 thin apple slices
- 1 sprig thyme
- Ice
Method
- 1
Add two apple slices and the thyme to a heavy glass and muddle gently to release the oils.
- 2
Fill with ice, then add the bourbon, cider, lemon and maple. Stir until well chilled.
- 3
Top with a little more ice, garnish with the remaining apple slice and a thyme sprig, and serve at once.
For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and double the cider with a splash of sparkling water — just as autumnal, entirely welcome at lunch.
Drinks
The Negroni, for a Quiet Evening
Equal parts gin, vermouth and Campari — the most civilised way to end a day, served over a single large ice cube.
Spiced Mulled Wine
The most companionable of cold-weather rituals — red wine warmed with citrus, spice and a little honey.
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