Handcrafted Cocktails: Eve’s Answer

This tasty fall drink (gasp!) doesn’t involve pumpkin.

This cool-weather cocktail is inspired by the venerable margarita but offers a seasonal twist. We play with some fun techniques, like creating a spiced syrup, finding a new use for cranberry juice, and introducing an aged tequila.

Eve’s Answer

Ingredients:

1½ ounces reposado tequila
¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
1 ounce cloudy apple cider
½ ounce spiced raisin syrup
Cranberry ice

For spiced raisin syrup:
4 ounces white grape juice
4 ounces agave nectar
Cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and star anise

For cranberry ice:
8 ounces cranberry juice
2 ounces sweet vermouth
10 ounces water

How to craft it:

To make spiced raisin syrup: Heat white grape juice in a pot (do not boil), add agave nectar, and stir until homogenous. Toast cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and star anise in a pan, add to warm syrup, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to steep for 20 minutes. Makes 6 oz., enough for 4 cocktails.

To make cranberry ice: Combine cranberry juice, sweet vermouth, and water. Pour into an ice tray and freeze overnight.

To make Eve’s Answer: Combine tequila, lemon juice, apple cider, and raisin syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, shake, and strain into a rocks glass or hollowed-out apple over cranberry ice. Scrape with cinnamon stick and place into drink.

Cocktail Companion: Eve’s Answer

Learn more about Charles Joly’s world-recognized bartending skills here and follow his spirited adventures on Instagram.