Tis’ the season for warm sweaters and boots, bright pumpkins, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the smell of soups and stews… Autumn is a season for all senses. However, I have not purchased my ticket on the pumpkin spice bandwagon. I understand it, and I don’t judge it; it’s just not my thing. Bourbon, cider and ginger? Now we’re speaking my language.
I generally don’t go for fruity, sweet cocktails, so when I was playing with these flavors, I added bitters, which gave the drink some depth and edge. I topped it with ginger beer because I had a summer filled with Dark and Stormy cocktails. If you prefer your drinks sweeter, add your bubbles with ginger ale.
I highly recommend sipping this drink next to a fire built by a bearded man dressed in flannel with a deep laugh.
Mr. Autumn Man 2 Servings
1 tsp. cinnamon sugar
3 oz. bourbon
6 oz. apple cider
4 dashes Angostura bitters (You can also experiement with chocolate mole or orange bitters too.)
6 oz. ginger beer, divided
• Pour 1 tablespoon water on a small plate and pour the cinnamon sugar on another. Take 2 rocks glasses and dip the rims in the water, then into the cinnamon sugar until they are evenly coated.
• Stack bourbon, cider and bitters into a shaker with 4 ice cubes. Shake hard for 30 seconds and strain half into each glass.
• Top each drink with 3 ounces of ginger beer and serve.
This article appears in Guide to the Holidays 2013.