The Apple-achian Collins is more than a cocktail; it's a narrative of the Virginia landscape, distilled into a glass. It's here where the effervescence of the Whiskey Collins meets the orchard's bounty, creating a drink that's as much a tribute to the local heritage as it is a delight to the senses.

 

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Courage & Conviction Double Cask Reserve: The embodiment of baked apple pie in a smooth, rich whisky.
• 0.75 oz Apple Syrup: Homemade for a taste of Virginia's apple country.
• 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice: Just the right amount of citrus to complement the sweetness.
• 2.5 oz Brut Prosecco: Adding a celebratory sparkle to the mix.
• 1 dash Angostura Bitters: For a hint of spice and depth.
• 2 Sprigs of Thyme: One for the shaker and one to garnish for an herbaceous note.
• Ice: Rocks

 

Glassware: Highball Glass

 

Instructions:

1. Orchard in a Glass: Combine the Courage & Conviction Double Cask Reserve, apple syrup, lemon juice, and one thyme sprig in a shaker tin.
2. Shake to Awaken: Introduce ice and give it a vigorous shake, blending the flavors with the cool crispness.
3. Strain to Sophistication: Double strain the mixture into a highball glass to lay a smooth foundation for the bubbles to come.
4. Top with a Toast: Gently pour in the Brut Prosecco, stirring softly to integrate the effervescence without losing the fizz.
5. Garnish with Green: Add a fresh sprig of thyme as a fragrant garnish, invoking the rolling hills of Appalachia with each sip.

 

Apple Syrup (1:1):

Ingredients:

• 200g Martinelli’s Apple Juice
• 200g White Granulated Sugar
• Yield: ~ 1.5 cups

Preparation:

• Warm the apple juice and sugar in a saucepan until the sugar melts into a sweet, appley embrace.

 

Flavor Notes:

The Apple-achian Collins balances the lush notes of apple and thyme with the complex ginger and butterscotch tones of the Courage & Conviction Double Cask Reserve, reminiscent of a freshly baked apple pie. The crispness of the Prosecco and the dash of bitters add layers of flavor, alluding to the rich apple-producing legacy of Virginia.

 

Celebrating Virginia's Bounty:

This cocktail is a refreshing nod to tradition, reimagined with local flair. Whether you're enjoying a lazy afternoon on the porch or toasting to good company, the Apple-achian Collins is a celebration of Virginia, in a glass. So raise your highball to the mountains, the orchards, and the vibrant spirit of the Old Dominion.