the thrifty crafter

I never used to be a bourbon drinker.  Whiskey, bourbon, scotch – they always made me feel like my throat was on fire and my nose was being subjected to bad smells for no good reason.  Fast forward to this holiday season, the only cocktails that sound any good are bourbon ones.  Maybe it is the fact that this spirit family does tend to have that internal warming effect that makes them such lovely winter cocktail components.  Regardless, this recipe is great, and I prefer it over ice.  Some spice from a good ginger beer (try Reed’s), some sweetness from the apple cider and a touch of heat from the bourbon.  Garnished with an apple slice, you could sip this spicy-sweet heat by the fire all night!

Ingredients:

• 2 parts ginger beer
• 2 parts apple cider
• 1 part bourbon (we like Blanton’s)
• apple slice

Directions:

Measure out and mix liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice to chill.  Serve over a glass full of ice.  Garnish with a slice of apple. Adjust your liquor depending on the kind of day you’ve had.