Crisp Autumn Serenade

Name: Crisp Autumn Serenade
Ingredients: 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1/4 cup diced peeled fresh ginger; 1/4 cup boiling water; 1 cup bourbon; 1/2 cup pear brandy (such as Poire Williams) or pear-flavored vodka; 1/2 teaspoon Angostura bitters; 2 cups chilled brut-style hard sparkling apple cider (such as Foggy Ridge Serious Cider); 8 thin apple or pear slices (optional)

8 ingredients

2 steps

Ingredients

1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup diced peeled fresh ginger
1/4 cup boiling water
1 cup bourbon
1/2 cup pear brandy (such as Poire Williams) or pear-flavored vodka
1/2 teaspoon Angostura bitters
2 cups chilled brut-style hard sparkling apple cider (such as Foggy Ridge Serious Cider)
8 thin apple or pear slices (optional)

Directions

1

Place first 3 ingredients in a blender; process on HIGH 30 seconds or until ginger is almost liquefied. Cool 2 minutes; strain through a fine sieve into a bowl, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract liquid. Discard solids.
2

Combine 3 tablespoons maple mixture, bourbon, pear brandy, and bitters in a small pitcher. Add ice; stir for at least 15 seconds or until well chilled. Strain about 1/4 cup into each of 8 chilled cocktail coupes or Champagne flutes; top each serving with 1/4 cup cider. Garnish with apple or pear slices, if desired. Serve immediately.