There’s no stopping it. Fall is just around the corner. The sun is setting a bit earlier each evening and there is definitely a chill in the air…and, of course, I have just the perfect cocktail creation to usher in this season. There is not a better way to describe “Fall in a glass” than my Bourbon Calvados Cocktail. My curious twist of adding thyme syrup takes this concoction over the top. Mix a drink, light a fire, and grab a snack. Won’t you join me?

INGREDIENTS

1 ounce bourbon

1 ounce Calvados (apple brandy)

2 tablespoons of good quality apple juice

1 tablespoon thyme simple syrup (instructions below)

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

2 drops Angostura bitters

DIRECTIONS

1. To make the syrup, place equal parts of water and sugar in small saucepan. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and add a bundle of thyme. Steep for at least 20 minutes. Strain, and store in a glass jar in the refrigerator.

2. Add ice to a shaker. Add all of the ingredients and shake until combined.

3. Pour into a chilled martini glass and float a thin slice of apple on top. Cheers!

Yield: 1 cocktail

Serving suggestion: Float a thin slice of apple in the drink