It has turned off chilly here, so I was looking for something autumnal, as one does. A quick peek in the fridge revealed that I had some fresh apple cider left and that dictated the rest of my choices. So, please, won’t you join me now as we stand and make Degroff’s Harvest Moon.

To be fair, there is not a harvest moon tonight, we are well beyond harvest and while the moon is indeed beautiful tonight, it is also decidedly crescent. But let us not stand on particulars or ceremony as we make this ridiculously simple drink. 

We are building this one on the glass so grab something appropriately tall. I actually opted for pretty and deceptively capacious instead of tall, but you do what you have to during these challenging times. Toss 4 1/2 ounces of high quality apple cider in, I went with Red Jacket Farms; 1 1/2 ounces of bourbon, I chose Hudson Baby Bourbon; 2-3 stabs of Dale DeGroff’s Pimento Bitters and stir to the beat of “Autumn in New York“ in honor of our Empire State ingredients. When well mixed, top with a little grated nutmeg and garnish with a dehydrated apple slice, as one does. 

Of course, this is perfectly lovely. Just the thing to knock the edge off a long day. When it comes to simple drinks like this your ingredients really matter and each of these shines. A bit sweet but delightfully balanced. This one would also work really well as a hot cocktail, assuming you have a nice fire to enjoy it by.

 
There is something to be said for simplicity. There is nowhere to hide a mistake in this one. An off ingredient or a heavy hand will show immediately, but when you get it right, well, there is nothing like it. Take your time and get it right, always. Stay safe, stay hydrated and stay sane, my friends.