Autumn Ready
All the fall flavours in one delicious cocktail.
By Erin Henderson
At first glance, the Autumn Ready, a punchy cocktail invented by America’s Test Kitchen (which also goes by the name Autumn in New England in some of their publications), seems a bit… suspect.
You may also like: Apple Cider Sour
It’s the addition of apple cider vinegar that raises the eyebrows. But once you calm yourself, you realize the dash of ACV is simply another form of acid – and all drinks need acidity for balance. Usually, citrus juice is the go-to ingredient to add a bit of punch, but really, there’s no reason why a fruity vinegar couldn’t be used.
If you’re feeling nervous about it, I say fortune favours the brave. Give this a try – I did, and it’s now in the heavy rotation of my fall cocktail offerings. Autumn Ready, indeed.
Autumn Ready
The Autumn Ready has become one of my Top 3 drinks of fall. It's really very, very good. Too good, in fact. But that's a story for another bar stool and the sailors have been sworn to secrecy.
Yes, this drink first seems a little wacky thanks to the splash of ACV. But the vinegar adds a subtle note of apple-y tang, not a vinegary bite.
If you're looking for swaps, you can dry dark rum for bourbon, rosemary for sage and, while I really think you should give the apple cider vinegar a go, you can always use lemon juice if you prefer.
Makes: 1 drink
Bartender level: easy +
Special Equipment: Muddler, or handle of a wooden spoon
Ingredients:
- 2–4 fresh sage leaves (plus a small sage sprig for garnish)
- 2oz bourbon
- 1oz fresh apple cider
- ¼oz maple syrup
- ¼oz apple cider vinegar
- 2–4 fresh sage leaves (plus a small sage sprig for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Into an empty shaker add the sage leaves and muddle for 20-30 seconds until the leaves are broken down and the fragrance is released
-
To the shaker, add the bourbon, apple cider, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar., and salt Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled – about 20-23 seconds.
-
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
-
Garnish with a sage sprig and serve.
