Those who've fled the harsher climates for Arizona may have forgotten what it takes to get through a blizzard. Aaron DeFeo, a mixologist at Casino Del Sol Resort, Spa and Conference Center in Tucson, Ariz. gives lie to that assumption, offering up a unique and spicy cup of warmth that combines powerfully herbal genever with Indian spices, traditional Italian bitter spirits and deliciously tart and sweet apple and honey in a cosmopolitan mug of cheer. The creamy drink seems out of place in Tucson, but DeFeo assures us that it provides some serious comfort on a cold desert night.
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Prep Time:
Total Time:
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
1.5 Oz Bols Genever
.25 Oz Luxardo Amaro Abano
.5 Oz apple honey syrup*
5 Oz chai tea (hot)
Fresh whipped cream
Lemon peel
Fresh grated nutmeg
1 Apple, cut into thin slices
16 Oz apple juice (not from concentrate)
12 Oz honey
Preparation:
Mix the genever, amaro, apple syrup, and chai tea in a mug and stir it gently. Top with the fresh whipped cream and twist a lemon peel over top to express some of the citrus oils. Top the mixture with freshly-grated nutmeg and garnish with a cinnamon stick if you're feeling particularly ambitious.
In a saucepan, bring the juice and apple slices to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes until liquid has reduced to approximately 12 oz. Strain he mixture through cheesecloth, then cool slightly. Add the honey and stir until completely dissolved and the syrup is a rich amber color. Let cool and bottle. If you're not planning on using it right away, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks.