Apple Thyme Bourbon Cocktail

The weekend calls for a cocktail.

We have a few variations on the theme below.  Sometimes we use rosemary, sometimes we use less simple syrup and oftentimes we use more bourbon.  I would also like to have it with a sparkling cider or even a mulled adaptation.  However you chose to assemble it please sit back, relax and enjoy.  Toast to it with someone you appreciate and who appreciates you back.

The work week is too long to do anything less.

Apple Thyme Bourbon Cocktail

Ingredients:

2 ounces Bourbon

2 ounces Chilled Apple Cider

Fresh Thyme

2 Cinnamon Sticks

4 Whole Cloves

2 Star Anise

1 cup of Sugar

Ice

Method:

(1) Make your spiced simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan (one cup of sugar and one cup of water).  Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and star anise.  Simmer until sugar is dissolved and mixture thickens to a syrup.  Chill.

(2)  Muddle thyme and 1/4 ounce of the spiced simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.  Add ice, bourbon and cider.  Shake, strain and serve over ice with a thyme sprig for garnish.

* Spiced simple syrup can be kept, covered, in the refrigerator for a few weeks.