Anyone who has followed my turn at the libations column likely knows by now that I become a bourbon girl as soon as nature’s colors start to change. As I was looking for inspiration, my social media feed alighted upon a new twist to my beloved bourbon-hot apple cider combo in the form of Apple Bourbon Fall Punch.
Hot in a steaming mug or cold and garnished with a smoking cinnamon stick, this beverage is punch perfection. Borrowing a little summer wisdom and utilizing our industry’s hard work to provide berries year-round, I also recommend muddling fresh apple slices and berries as desired to make this even more fresh-forward!
Citrus, apples, berries, and bourbon truly craft the ideal treat to embrace shorter days and longer nights without forfeiting sales in the fresh department.
Encourage shoppers to take their produce experience further by adding whole produce to their cups or complementing the drink with a fruit plate of the remaining cut on the side, adding a dash of cinnamon to really bring out the flavor notes. As I seek to stay on the healthy side of indulgence, but indulge nonetheless, I look forward to curling up with fresh fruits on the plate and in the cup thanks to this autumn delight.
Cheers!
1.5 oz fresh apple cider
1 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
2 oz bourbon (Melissa’s preference is Buffalo Trace)
½ oz maple syrup (Melissa shares WhistlePig® Rye Whiskey Barrel-aged Maple Syrup is a nostalgic favorite)
½ cinnamon stick
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Servings: 1
1. If hot, combine ingredients—except bourbon—into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Then lower to a simmer for 7–10 minutes. If cold, add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker.
2. For hot punch, add bourbon to your favorite mug before pouring in the simmering punch. For cold, set aside a highball glass with desired amount of ice. Add 2–3 ice cubes of ice to cocktail shaker and shake well before pouring into your highball glass.
3. Add a couple of pieces of sliced fruit to beverage and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Light cinnamon stick for smoking effect if desired. Enjoy!
