Autumn has arrived and something in the air is electric! The treeline is on fire as the leaves glow like embers in a newly lit fireplace-vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow ablaze! The blistering heat of the dog days of summer has now faded, replaced with crisp and cooling breezes of the fall. Besides the "new look" Mother Nature has donned for the season, I also cannot resist the flavors of the fall! Pumpkin pie, Candy Corn, Thanksgiving Turkey, and my childhood favorite, Apple Cider. There is something about this spicy and soulful creation that reminds me of my Grandmother's kitchen and memorable holidays spent with my family in Savannah. After a recent date night to Bonefish Grill, I was inspired to share a grown-up version of this grog with my Divas! The server at the restaurant insouciantly mentioned their new "Fall Apple Martini" as if he new the less he shared about this apple infused alcohol, the more it would "a peel" to me! (That pun is for you, Ricky!) As demure as his offer was, I bellied up to the bar and could not resist this spicy siren's charms. The drink was refreshing yet heart-warming, with all the right things in all the right places! As any self-respecting bartender would do, they denied me the recipe but they did want to share with me that the vodka used to make this red delicious drink had been infused with 4 different types of apples for 3 days! I say "who has the time" and decided then and there to make a cleverly concocted copy for myself. Give this drink a whirl, I guarantee you will "fall" head over heels for this autumnal elixir!
Apple Cider Martini
Ingredients:
All Natural Apple Cider (Available at Whole Foods, Fresh Market, Publix, etc.)
Vanilla Vodka
Honey
Fresh Nutmeg
Cinnamon Sugar
Red Apple Slices
Assembling the Drink:
Chill your Martini Glasses. Pour 2 1/2 oz of Vanilla Vodka into the shaker. Add 4oz of apple cider
Sweeten with a bit of honey and throw in a few ice cubes. Shake vigorously for a minute until the drinks are well mixed. Style your decadent martini by rimming your martini glasses the cinnamon sugar mix before pouring your lavish libation. Before serving, grate a small amount of fresh nutmeg over the Apple Cider Martini. (I know this seems like a costly and frivolous addition, but trust me- it's the crowning glory to this concoction!)
Top with a thin slice of red apple and serve immediately.
Bottoms Up, Y'all!
