Apples and Pears Cocktail

There’s no better way to celebrate the Autumnal Equinox than with a delicious Apples and Pears cocktail! Aromatic apples, luscious pears, and a hint of lime for extra zest - experience the perfect balance of flavors when you mix ’em up. Gather your friends for a happy hour and raise your glasses for the start of this beautiful season. Cheers!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces apple-flavored vodka
• 1 1/2 ounces pear juice
• 3/4 ounce vanilla-nutmeg syrup*
• 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 5 dashes Angostura bitters
• Hard cider, to top (approximately 1 ounce)
• Garnish: apple slice
• Garnish: nutmeg, freshly grated

Instructions

• Add the vodka, pear juice, vanilla-nutmeg syrup, lime juice and bitters into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
• Strain into a double Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice.
• Top with the cider.
• Garnish with an apple slice and a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg.
• *Vanilla-nutmeg syrup: Combine 2 cups sugar, 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg, 6 vanilla beans (cut in half lengthwise) and 2 cups water in a small saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring until sugar is fully dissolved. Let the syrup cool completely and strain into a closed container. Store in the refrigerator.