There are two types of people in this world: those who romanticise the cold and live for knitted scarves, and those who grit their teeth and count down the days until spring. No matter which camp you fall into, we can all agree on one thing: winter feels a lot more manageable with a good drink in hand. Bourbon is a cocktail classic that’s been around since the late 18th century. Made mostly from corn and aged in charred oak barrels, it’s known for its rich, smooth flavour with hints of caramel, vanilla and smoke. This recipe incorporates apples for a crisp, fruity twist.

Serves: 2 | Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 100 ml bourbon
• 200 ml cloudy apple juice
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• Ice cubes
• Apple slices, for garnish
• Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
• Cinnamon sticks, star anise, or cardamom pods (optional)
• Demerara sugar, for rimming the glass

Method

1. Rim glasses with lemon juice, then dip into demerara sugar.
2. In a shaker or jug, mix bourbon, apple juice, lemon juice, and honey. Stir or shake well.
3. Fill glasses with ice, pour over the cocktail, and garnish with apple slices and rosemary.
4. Add a cinnamon stick or star anise for extra spice, if you like.

Tips

• For an extra wintry feel, gently heat the apple juice before mixing.
• If your apple juice is already quite sweet, go light on the honey or syrup, or skip it entirely.