Did you know that Colorado is home to many heritage apple varieties? In fact, Colorado was one of the nation's largest apple producers in its early days. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith and McIntosh, often found in large grocery stores, grow well here, as do lesser-known, limited-availability heritage cultivars like Colorado Orange, Ben Davis and Winter Banana.
Consider this cocktail recipe when gathering this holiday season as a tribute to Colorado's rich apple-growing history. You can press your own cider, visit a local apple orchard, or purchase the ingredients for this recipe at the grocery store.
For more information on Colorado's apple history and unique varietals, visit the Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project at montezumaorchard.org.
Apple Cider Bourbon
This easy fall cocktail is festive and delicious. Served chilled in this recipe, it's also delicious using hot cider. This is a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients:
· Apple cider
· 1 ½ ounce bourbon or whiskey
· ½ ounce honey
· ½ ounce lemon juice
· Cinnamon
· Apple slice
Instructions:
Add the first four ingredients, along with ice, to a cocktail shaker and shake. Serve over fresh ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice. Enjoy!
Recipe courtesy of Angela Broockerd.