Cider Whiskey Cocktail

Happy Halloween!

It's not often (never) that I have gotten a request to create a drink or recipe but last week a good friend of mine, troubled by the current state of economic affairs said to me, "you should do a cocktail blogpost this weekend, I drink whiskey." So, in honor of my stressed-out friend, I present you with the Cider Whiskey Cocktail.

Generally speaking, I'm not much of a whiskey drinker. My Irish heritage commands I drink it though so occasionally I'll have an Old Fashioned and, come to think of it, it is an essential component in my famous (in my mind anyway) Holiday Egg Nog.

I wasn't at all sure what sort of cocktail I would come up with but today I found myself making my twice-yearly shopping trip to Trader Joe's to stock up on my favorite items. I have always been fond of their Spiced Apple Cider and instantly wondered how whiskey would be combined with it. I headed home, mixed it up, and drank in the smooth whiskey overtones with apple cider undertones. This is not a sweet drink, and the spices in the cider are subtle. I found it to be both sophisticated and seasonal. Now, I want to try a heated version with a cinnamon stick garnish.

For one drink:

• 2 ounces Irish Whiskey
• 3 ounces Spiced Apple Cider
• 2 drops Peychaud's Bitters
• 2 thin slices apple, for garnish

Fill a low-ball glass with crushed ice. In a cocktail shaker combine the whiskey, cider and bitters. Give it a few good shakes and pour over the ice. Garnish with the apple slices and drink this soothing concoction.