Baby, it’s (getting) cold outside! What better way to warm up than from the inside out with a steaming mug of apple cider, kicked up with black walnut bitters and a bit of brandy? This wickedly enchanting autumn indulgence will melt away chills when heated, or try serving it iced as a fun fall cocktail. Multiply the ingredients by four or eight to delight a mitten-clad crowd, or make it as is, snuggle up in some wooly socks and enjoy the spectacular view of the leaves changing color from your window.
Ingredients
4-1/2 oz. apple cider (fresh/locally produced, if possible)
1 tsp. organic mulling spice
3/4 oz. V.S.O.P. brandy
1-1/2 oz. Amaretto Di Sarrono
2 dashes black walnut bitters
Garnish: 1 cinnamon stick
Directions
To serve as a cocktail, combine all ingredients (except cinnamon stick) in shaker with ice. Seal shaker and shake vigorously for 10 seconds; strain cider into a chilled glass and garnish with cinnamon stick.
To serve as a hot toddy, combine cider, mulling spice and bitters in mug or microwave-safe bowl and heat to just-less-than boiling (about 1 minute). Remove container from microwave and stir in amaretto and brandy. Stir drink with cinnamon stick and serve.