Easy Winter Apple Cocktail
Elevate Your Winter Soirée with the Ultimate Apple Winter Cocktail
As the winter winds start to whisper through the Nordic landscapes, there's nothing quite like cozying up with a delightful Apple Winter Cocktail. Inspired by the rich, spiced flavors of homemade apple juice glögi, this cocktail is a symphony of warmth, depth, and refreshment—a perfect libation for the festive season.
Ingredients:
About 2 cups of good quality apple juice
About 1 cup of apple-flavored soda (or experiment with champagne/prosecco)
A splash of your favorite gin or alcohol
Christmas spices: Cinnamon stick, cloves, dried ginger, clementine slices
1-2 egg whites (optional, but adds a frothy touch)
Handful of ice
Garnish:
Dried clementine slices
To make dried clementine slices, thinly slice clementines and arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) for 2-3 hours, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are dehydrated and slightly crispy. Allow them to cool before using.
Thyme
Ice
Preparation:
Infuse the Spiced Apple Juice:
In a pot over medium-high heat, pour 2 cups of apple juice.
Add a harmonious blend of Christmas spices—cinnamon stick, cloves, and dried ginger.
Allow it to gently simmer for around 15 minutes, letting the spices weave their magic.
Remove from heat and let it cool for an hour to let the flavors meld. Strain the spices using a sieve.
Store this spiced apple elixir in a Maison jar and refrigerate until you're ready to craft your cocktails.
Dress the Glass with a Sugary Embrace:
Elevate the presentation by creating a sugar-coated rim. Dab honey around the glass rim and gently dip it into brown sugar on a plate.
Crafting the Apple Winter Cocktail:
In a cocktail shaker or Maison jar filled with ice, combine a splash of spiced apple juice, a generous splash of your preferred alcohol, and 1-2 egg whites for a frothy texture.
Shake this mixture vigorously, infusing it with winter's spirit, and pour it into your prepared glass or glasses.
Top it off with the crisp effervescence of apple-flavored soda. Adjust the ratio of apple juice to soda based on your preference for sweetness and fizziness.
Garnish and Delight:
Finish your masterpiece with a dried clementine slice and a sprig of thyme. The visual appeal is as important as the taste!
Consider experimenting with champagne or prosecco instead of soda for an extra touch of sophistication.
Notes and Tips:
Tailor the cocktail to your liking by adjusting the amounts of apple juice and soda.
For a frothier experience, include 1 egg white per serving. However, the cocktail is equally splendid without it.
Feel free to play with the choice of alcohol, letting your favorite spirits dance with the winter spices.
Embrace the festive spirit and sip on the enchanting Apple Winter Cocktail—a delightful symphony of winter flavors that will undoubtedly elevate your holiday gatherings. Cheers to a year of warmth, celebration, and delightful sips!
