We had a great time last week at our first-ever Pumpkin Fest! This week’s cocktail was a new one created for that event, intended for those who don’t actually like pumpkin. It’s perfect for fall, with crisp fall flavors.
I Hate Pumpkin 
1½ oz Bourbon Cask Rum
¾ oz Spiced Apple Syrup*
½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1 oz Apple cider (we used Zeigler’s brand)
1 Drop Angostura Bitters
Shake ingredients with ice. Strain into ice-filled rocks glass, and then garnish with a slice of fresh apple.
For the Spiced Apple Syrup, we take 1½ cups sugar to 1 cup water, and add 1 Fuji apple, peeled, cored & diced. Add ½ tsp cinnamon, a few dashes of ground ginger or a few coins of fresh ginger, and a dash of allspice/nutmeg/ clove (one or all, as you prefer). Bring to a simmer, simmer for 5-6 minutes. Cool completely, then strain. Store syrup in the refrigerator for up to 30 days. The apple chunks are great on yogurt or waffles/pancakes, so keep em if you want to!
