Harvest Ember

Description: Embrace the spirit of Lughnasadh, the ancient Celtic festival of the first harvest, with the Harvest Ember cocktail. This drink captures the rustic essence of late summer, combining seasonal fruits and earthy flavors, topped with a smoky finish that evokes the warmth of a harvest bonfire. Ingredients: - 2 oz whiskey (ideally a robust, peaty Scotch or a smooth bourbon) - 1 oz freshly pressed apple cider - 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur - 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1/4 oz maple syrup - 2 dashes of aromatic bitters - A small sprig of fresh rosemary - Muddled blackberries (about 3-4 ripe berries) - Smoked rosemary sprig for garnish - Ice cubes Instructions: 1. In a mixing glass, muddle the blackberries and small sprig of rosemary to release their juices and aromas. 2. Add the whiskey, apple cider, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, maple syrup, and bitters to the mixing glass. 3. Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir well until the mixture is chilled and slightly diluted. 4. Strain the cocktail into an old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice. 5. To garnish, take a fresh sprig of rosemary and lightly torch it to release its smoky fragrance. Place it on top of the drink. 6. Serve immediately, allowing the warm, smoky aroma to enhance the rustic flavor profile of the cocktail. Glass Type: Old-Fashioned Glass This cocktail is perfect for celebrating the bounty of the season, as the rich and earthy ingredients create an experience that is both comforting and evocative of the transitional time between summer and autumn.