This is one of several holiday-theme original/adapted drinks I’ve created over the last 18 months. On Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, we traditionally enjoy apples and honey with a prayer for a “sweet new year”. I created the Apple Bee by drawing on a cocktail known as the Golden Delicious. I’ve made this a little less booz.y and increased the apple flavor profile by muddling apples and swapping out higher-proof applejack with apple brandy for a smoother taste. My first iteration of the drink used Barenjager honey liqueur which tasted artificial. Honey- sweetened Benedictine provides a more nuanced and herbal profile and makes for a much better drink.
The Apple Bee
Spirit
Brandy
Cocktail family
Daisy · Smash
Flavors
Fresh · Fruity · Herbal
Makes
Ingredients
- 2 oz Clear Creek Reserve 8-Year Apple Brandy
- 3/4 oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 3/4 oz Benedictine
- 1/4 oz Honey Syrup 3 Parts Honey to 1 Part Water
- 1/4 Honeycrisp or Similar Apple
Method
- Roughly chop the apple and place in the bottom of shaking tin.
- Muddle apple well to release juices.
- Add remaining ingredients to tin, add ice and shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Double strain over a large rock in a double old-fashioned glass and garnish.
- Shana Tovah!
Equipment
- Citrus Press
- Muddler
- Shaker
- Hawthorne Strainer
- Fine Strainer
Glass
Rocks
Garnish
Apple Fan