Well if you have been following me since the beginning then you know I like to invent at least one fall inspired cocktail a year… because well, I am a girl and I love fall (it’s science). Anyway, this one uses a few of the same ingredients from last year’s “TOUGHEST WEEK” buuuut I have to say I think it’s better… (insert embarrassed emoji with teeth showing here). I use smoky mezcal and spicy cayenne along with some classic fall flavors AND throw a little lime in there. It’s pretty fun.
Before this whole thing becomes daunting to you let me explain that you are literally just throwing everything (bottled cider and whole spices that you can get at ANY grocery store) but the mezcal in a pot to steep (kind of like tea) and that’s it! You just mix it with mezcal after.*This one requires heating part of the mixture up and letting it cool back down (you can cool the hot mixture with ice BUT it will dilute the flavors quite a bit) so you may need a bit of patience for this one. You can make the mix a day or two before and store in the fridge (sans mescal and lime) if you don’t want to wait for it to cool that day. So here it is! THE HOWL!
You will need:
2 sticks of cinnamon
2 pieces of star anise
2 whole pieces of nutmeg (plus some for grating over the top)
1/8-1/4 tsp ground cayenne (1/8 is super mild, 1/4 is more of a kick)
4 cups of GOOD apple cider (the refrigerated kind people)
A decent bottle of Mezcal (one shot’s-worth per cocktail… if you can’t find it, tequila works but doesn’t have the smoky effect which really brings the fall vibe)
The juice of 1/4 of a lime per drink
For garnish: apple slices, whole cinnamon sticks or star anise, and grated nutmeg etc.
In a medium sauce pan, place your first five ingredients. Bring to a boil, turn off heat, and let come back to room temp. (the fridge or freezer will expedite the process).
Once your mixture is cool, fill your tumblers with ice. In a cocktail shaker, place more ice and 1 shot of mezcal per person and 1.5 shots of mixture per person. Shake it up and pour over iced tumblers.
Squeeze in one wedge of lime per drink, stir, and top with garnishes! BOOO M. Lol
