Apple Spritz

Here’s a cocktail for the gorgeous yet mildly frustrating time of the year, when you turn the heat on in the middle of a cold night only to flip on the air conditioning in the afternoon as the temperature shoots back up into the 80s. Where you’re feeling all the feels in your autumn sweater with coffee in the morning, only to sweat and reach (yet again) for the bug spray after lunch. I love apple brandy cocktails in the fall season, and this cider spritz is both autumnal and refreshing as you wind down the week on a Friday – or any – afternoon.

Recipe

Apples to Apples (from the forthcoming book “Cheer: A Liquid Gold Holiday Drinking Guide”)

1 ounce Laird’s Apple Brandy (or other Apple Brandy)

½ ounce Cocchi Americano Vermouth (or Lillet)

1 dash orange bitters

3-4 ounces dry sparkling cider (try Nashville’s own Brightwood Cider)

Garnish: rosemary, thyme or apple slice

In a Collins or rocks glass, fill ¾ full with ice and add the brandy, Cocchi and bitters, and stir to mix ingredients. Add the cider and stir a little more to incorporate everything. Garnish with a combination of rosemary, thyme and an apple slice.