Blue Ridge Harvest Cocktail

Description: Inspired by the breathtaking beauty and the rich, earthy tones of the North Carolina mountains during fall, the Blue Ridge Harvest Cocktail captures the essence of the season with gingery warmth, apple freshness, and the complexity of gin. A vivid representation of autumn's embrace, this drink is as crisp and memorable as a mountain hike. Ingredients: - 2 oz North Carolina gin - 1 oz fresh apple cider - 0.5 oz ginger liqueur - 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice - 0.25 oz honey syrup (1:1 ratio of honey to warm water) - 1 dash angostura bitters - Garnish: thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick Instructions: 1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, apple cider, ginger liqueur, lemon juice, honey syrup, and bitters. 2. Shake vigorously until well-chilled. 3. Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice. 4. Garnish with a thin slice of apple resting on the ice and a cinnamon stick. Glass: Rocks glass This cocktail mirrors the vibrant and colorful experience of a North Carolina autumn, offering a seasonal delight with every sip.