Ingredients

The following ingredients have 1 Servings
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 honeycrisp apples (sliced with peel)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • ½ tablespoon whole cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 4 ounces cran-apple juice
  • 2 ounces dark rum
  • 1 ounce apple brandy
  • 1 ounce apple spice simple syrup
  • ¾ ounce lemon juice
  • Regular ice
  • Splash of ginger beer
  • Cinnamon (for garnish, optional)
  • Sugar (for garnish, optional)
  • Dry ice (optional (see notes for safety recommendations))

Instruction

  • For the apple spice simple syrup, add the sugar, water, apple slices and spices to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a low boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. When the sugar dissolves, let the simple syrup steep. At least 10 minutes is good, but it's even better if you can give it 30 minutes to an hour. Strain and chill. If you'd like a rimmed glass for serving, reserve an apple slice or two. You can take care of this step ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple weeks.
  • Add cran-apple juice, dark rum, apple brandy, apple spice simple syrup, lemon juice and regular ice to a cocktail shaker. Pop on the top and shake vigorously for about 15-30 seconds.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on a small plate and stir to combine. Take one of the reserved apple slices, cut it in the middle and run it along the rim of your glass. Dip the glass in the cinnamon and sugar. This step is optional.
  • Add regular ice to your glass if not using dry ice. Strain in the drink from the cocktail shaker. Top with ginger beer and gently stir. If using dry ice, add a small piece to the bottom of your glass using tongs and not your bare hands. Let your guests know not to swallow the dry ice so either sip from the top until it stops steaming or wait until it stops completely, about five minutes. To serve a crowd, see the proportions below. Enjoy!