As Apple Pie as Mom

I’m not sure if it’s true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but an apple-cocktail certainly can’t hurt. As it turns out, that sage aphorism actually dates back to 1916. But its true origin is from Wales in 1866, where the proverb “Eat an apple on going to bed and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread” was coined.

Ironically, I’m not much of an apple fan. When I was a kid, my mom made the best damn apple pie and apple strudel east of the Mississippi. Unfortunately, apples are hugely abundant back east and mom overdid it, serving apple-inflected desserts on a near constant basis. In time I lost my taste for these lovely confections and still won’t touch an apple product – other than my iPhone – to this day.

The good news is that I don’t have an aversion to the tangy taste of cider mixed with bourbon – a match made in heaven by the way. I only wish mom was around so I could serve her one…or more of these scrumptious cocktails!  After all, turnaround is fair play.

Apple Ginger Zinger

Ingredients

• 1 oz bourbon
• Juice of one lime freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon of Real Ginger Puree Syrup
• Sparkling Apple Cider
• Fresh green apple for garnish

Prep

1. Pour bourbon into an old fashioned glass filled with ice.
2. Add lime juice and ginger puree syrup.
3. Fill glass with sparkling cider and give it quick stir.
4. Add apple wedge to garnish.
5. L’chaim! (Makes one drink.)

   

David Pitlik is a corporate writer by day, a comedy writer from a previous life, and a lover of great food, wonderful drink and sparkling banter with good friends.