Well here we are for Day 9 of my Christmas Countdown. Today’s drink recipe is a Spiced Apple Cocktail, just the treat as a pre dinner aperitif.

The mix of juniper and star anise gives this cocktail a spicy hit, along with the alcohol of course. One is definitely enough. Two is downright dangerous!

Enjoy!

SPICED APPLE COCKTAIL
Recipe by Margo Falding

INGREDIENTS

3 c apple juice
⅓ c caster sugar
10 thyme sprigs
2 tsp juniper berries, lightly crushed
peel of 1 lemon
4 star anise
1 c vodka
½ c dry vermouth
⅓ c lemon juice
1 c ice cubes

To Serve
green apple slices, dipped in lemon juice
thyme sprigs

METHOD

Place the apple juice, sugar, thyme, juniper berries, lemon peel and star anise in a medium saucepan over high heat and bring to the boil. Cook for 15 minutes. Strain, discard the spices and herbs, then refrigerate until cold.

To serve, mix to combine the apple syrup, vodka, vermouth, lemon juice and ice and stir until cold. Strain into 8 glasses and top with apple slices and thyme sprigs.

Serves 8

NOTE: For a slightly drier cocktail omit the sugar from the syrup.