This cocktail is a great example of why collaboration between creative people is important. I would never have crafted this drink without the idea from a local distiller, Coppercraft Distillery, to make the fall flavors of warm spices sing with Applejack brandy. Combined in a mule (known to be more of a summer cocktail) this is a great fall sip. The brandy is constructed like the French version, Calvados, with 32 varieties of Michigan apples.
The Autumn Mule
Serves 20 (in a 10-ounce rocks glass filled halfway with ice)
2 ½ cups water
1 ½ cups sugar
3 cinnamon sticks
2 whole nutmeg seeds, smashed
3 teaspoons whole cloves
3 teaspoons allspice
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
7 cups Coppercraft Applejack
1 cup lemon juice
5 cups ginger beer
1 apple, sliced for garnish
Make the syrup:
Combine the spices, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and turn down to a simmer for 5 minutes.
Strain this mixture into a large glass measuring container in order to remove the whole spices.
Make the cocktail:
Combine 3 cups of the syrup with the Coppercraft Applejack and lemon juice.
When ready to serve, add the ginger beer.
Thinly slice apples to serve on the side as a garnish. ENJOY!
Purchase the Lark Cocktails book for dozens more great recipes! #livinglark
