It is so easy to make summer cocktails – it seems as though anything fruity on ice is just perfect to drink in the summer.  I think it is harder to make a really great fall/winter cocktail – without making a warm drink.  You want to create something that gives the aura of warmth, something with an intense flavor.

When my husband and I go to New York City, one of our favorite places for a delicious cocktail and dinner is the Gramercy Tavern.  The restaurant is very fancy – but we stick to the bar – in fact we have never even been to the dining room.  They have a wonderful prix fix meal that is extremely reasonable, and some of the best cocktails around.  They are classic cocktails – not the kind that are completely outrageous, but just good solid drinks.

I saw this recipe printed in Bon Appetit last month – and because it was from the Gramercy Tavern, I had to give it a try.  I changed things up a little – since I have been trying to make cocktails without using simple syrup – so I substituted for Snap Liquor – a wonderful sweet liquor with all the flavors of fall – like a Gingerbread treat.  I thought this was amazing, and our friends liked it as well.  It will definitely be my favorite this season.

Bon Appetit – Gramercy Tavern

Preparation

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add apple brandy, and next 5 ingredients. Shake cocktail vigorously 10-15  times and strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with apple slice, if  desired.

For a printer-friendly version of this cocktail, please click here:  Fall Classic Cocktail