“Dreaming of Fall”
When it’s in the upper 90’s in Southern California, I tend to dream of fall. Okay, really whenever it’s above 70 degrees I’m dreaming of fall. I don’t like the sun and I don’t like the heat. Why do I live where I do? I’ll let you ponder the possibilities.
It was late August, at the tail end of my vacation, it was hot and humid, and my wife and I were craving something refreshing that tasted like fall felt, like we dream of fall feeling (we don’t really get fall in S. Cal, it’s more of a cooler summer), and this is when I concocted our cocktail of the month.
I’ve made many fall cocktails over the years and they almost always have a bourbon, rye or whiskey base. It just feels right for the season. But, I felt like challenging myself, mixing it up so to speak, and find a different base liquor. I found this in one of my favorite ingredients, the artichoke based Cynar. Cynar has always been a supporting flavor in my cocktails, so I thought it was due time that it played the staring role.
The supporting players here really aid in bringing in the fall feel: Calvados (apple brandy), St. Germaine (elderflower liquor) and Apple Bitters. I added in the Dry Vermouth to curb the sweetness from each of the other ingredients. The balance is almost perfection. “Dreaming of Fall” is such a unique and flavorful cocktail, it will definitely be in the running for Cocktail of the Year.
HOW TO MAKE
1oz. Cynar
1oz. Dry Vermouth
.5oz St. Germaine
.5oz Calvados
2-3 dashes Bar Keep Apple Bitters
Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Stir vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Strain into a coup glass.
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