Johnny Appleseed

Toast to the Weekend

This weekend, I plan on toasting to the Holidays with a Johnny Appleseed cocktail. At winter, often apples are the only fruit available at the farmers' market.  I stroll by my local market and pick up a crisp apple.  As I took a bite of the juicy fruit, cold from the weather, it struck me that an apple-based cocktail would be seasonally appropriate.

St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur makes this cocktail sophisticated and balanced.  This recipe for the Johnny Appleseed brings together sweet brandy and fresh elderflower flavor in a cocktail that celebrates the end of fall, and toasts the holidays.

For a cocktail for 2:

Ingredients: 1 oz. St. Germain 2 oz. Calvados VSOP 2 oz. Apple Brandy 1 oz. Dry Vermouth 2 dashes Absinthe, Pernod, or Anise Liqueur

Combine all ingredients in an ice filled shaker.  Stir until cold then strain into a coupe glass.  Garnish with a lemon twist.