The Cozy Bourbon Cocktail That’s Basically an Apple Crisp You Can Drink

Why It Works

• Infusing the bourbon with green cardamom pods gives it a warm, spiced note.
• Honey brings sweetness, while lemon juice provides a touch of sweetness.

This autumnal highball from Union Square Cafe in NYC combines Laird’s bonded apple brandy with bourbon infused with spicy green cardamom pods. It’s lightly spicy but still refreshing. We used Buffalo Trace bourbon, but you can use whichever drinkable bourbon you have on hand. Don’t infuse the bourbon for longer than directed, or it will take on an overly aggressive flavor. This recipe makes 1 cup of infused bourbon, which you can save in a sealed container for future cocktails. To make honey syrup, stir together 1 ounce of boiling water and 1 ounce of honey until dissolved. Let cool before using.

Serious Eats / Deli Studios

September 2012

The Cozy Bourbon Cocktail That’s Basically an Apple Crisp You Can Drink

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For the Cardamom-Infused Bourbon:

• 1/4 cup green cardamom pods (1 ounce; 28 g)

• 1 cup (240 ml) bourbon, such as Buffalo Trace

For the Honey Syrup:

• 1 ounce hot water

• 1 ounce honey

For the Cocktail:

• 1 ounce Laird’s 100 Proof Apple Brandy (1 ounce honey Applejack)

• 1/2 ounce cardamom-Infused bourbon, from above

• 3/4 ounce fresh juice from 1 medium lemon

• 3/4 ounce honey syrup, from above

• Club soda, for serving

• Lemon twist, for serving

1. For the Cardamom-Infused Bourbon: In a mortar and pestle, coarsely crush 1/4 cup cardamom pods. Place crushed cardamom pods in a resealable container or glass jar. Add bourbon, shake, and let sit until fragrant, about 1 1/2 hours at room temperature. Using a fine-mesh sieve, strain bourbon into a clean container or jar; set aside.

   Serious Eats / Deli Studios

2. For the Honey Syrup: In a small bowl, whisk water and honey to combine. Set aside.

3. For the Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add apple brandy, cardamom-infused bourbon, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds.

   Serious Eats / Deli Studios

4. Strain into an ice-filled highball glass. Top with club soda and garnish with lemon twist.

   Serious Eats / Deli Studios

Special Equipment

Mortar and pestle, resealable container or glass jar, fine-mesh sieve, whisk, cocktail shaker