Apple Alchemy

A warming whiskey cocktail that transforms fresh apple juice through maple and rosemary, creating liquid comfort perfect for Virgo's methodical approach to seasonal transition. The walnut bitters add nutty complexity while the torched rosemary garnish provides an aromatic finish that evolves throughout the drinking experience.

Ingredients

• 2 oz apple-infused whiskey*

• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice

• 0.5 oz rosemary syrup**

• 0.5 oz pure maple syrup

• 2 dashes walnut bitters

• Apple fan for garnish

• Fresh rosemary sprig

*Apple-Infused Whiskey:

• 1 bottle bourbon or rye whiskey

• 3 Honeycrisp apples, sliced

• Infuse for 3-5 days, strain and bottle

*Rosemary Syrup:

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup water

• 4 fresh rosemary sprigs

Instructions

1. Prepare apple-infused whiskey: Combine whiskey and apple slices in jar. Infuse 3-5 days, tasting daily. Strain and bottle.

2. In a shaker, combine apple whiskey, lemon juice, rosemary syrup, maple syrup, and walnut bitters.

3. Shake with ice and double strain over large ice cube in rocks glass.

4. Create apple fan by making thin parallel cuts in apple slice, fan out gently.

5. Garnish with apple fan and rosemary sprig.

6. Lightly torch rosemary sprig for 2-3 seconds for aroma.

Notes

• Infused whiskey develops more complexity after 1 week

• Use Grade A maple syrup for best flavor

• Apple fan should be made fresh to prevent browning

• Best served in a rocks glass with one large ice cube

• Pairs excellently with apple desserts, aged cheeses, or fireside contemplation