Red Hot Apple

August 26, 2010 (Day 208) — Red Hot Apple

Count me as one happy camper. The unseasonable fall-like weather has continued in our area! Not only that, but we’ve been able to crack open all the windows in the house and air it out really well for the first time all summer. You really can’t imagine how much I love the smell of fresh air swirling through our house.

On top of that, I received some excellent news from Crispin Cider the other day! They will be distributing in Kansas within the next two weeks! I cannot tell you how excited that news makes me, especially because I’ve come to depend on their line of ciders for some great cocktail mixers.

So, in honor of Crispin coming to Kansas, and the lovely fall weather, and the fact that Crispin was nice enough to honor me with a request of concocting some fall-themed drinks for them. Needless to say, I was flattered and more than happy to.

On top of that, I’ve been talking via Twitter to the amazing Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey folks. I’ve mentioned them before (one of the first ever drinks I made here was using them). It is an excellent, and affordable, flavored whiskey. Ever tasted red hots? Yeah, it’s like those.

And then, my wonderful, beautiful, sexy wife had an amazing idea, as she is often want to do. Combine some Crispin Honey Crisp with the Fireball.

Holy underwear! How did I not think of this before?! We have to protect our phoney-baloney jobs gentleman! Harumph! Harumph!

(I didn’t get a “harumph!” out of that guy.)

Anyway, it just seemed to gel. These are two great cool weather drinks! I’m making fall drinks while preparing for the upcoming football season (not futbol). Why not combine these two amazing drinks into one awesome, juggernaut, Hulk-like cocktail! I mean Lou Ferrigno Hulk. Not crappy Eric Bana. You heard me Bana. What? I shouldn’t make you made? Whatever.

Sorry. I digress. Jenn suggested it because it would remind her of the cinnamon apples her mom used to make in the fall. You know you’ve seen them, especially the Red Hot Apples, with their unnatural red hue. Long story short, it was an amazing idea.

Red Hot Apple

1.5 oz Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey

1.5 oz vodka (Boru)

Crispin Honey Crisp to top

In a chilled rocks glass filled with ice, add your Fireball and vodka. Stir. Top with your Crispin.

Stir once or twice more, very gently to mix.

Ah, but how is it? Holy heaven almighty, this is one tasty drink. The Honey Crisp (which has a great, sweet apple taste to it), combines perfectly with the cinnamon whiskey. If you’re using a solid, low-key vodka (again, I’ve come to rely on Boru for some killer mixer at an affordable price),  it adds a kick to the drink without jacking with the flavors. It really does taste like those cinnamon apples my wife remembers so fondly.

Jenn’s Verdict: Oh, this is good!

Mark’s Verdict: A very solid, well rounded drink. We tried it with just the whiskey and no vodka, and there was a much more pronounced cinnamon flavor. It was not entirely unpleasant. However! Once we added equal parts cinnamon whiskey and vodka, the drink took on a whole new taste. It was solid, well balanced and tasty.

Ruling: A great fall cocktail.

Cheers!

— Mark