.TGIF.

Ah Friday, thank goodness. Last Friday I had such high hopes for a good weekend but ended up spending most of it in fog of anxiety and sadness over recent events. This weekend I feel a bit more collected and just might be able to relax in spite of my morose self. To kick things off I might be giving this cocktail by the good folks at Saveur a shot. Cheers!

BOURBON CIDER

INGREDIENTS

1 cup sugar

2 tbsp. whole cloves, crushed

1 3″ piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

1 cinnamon stick

3 oz. apple cider

1½ oz. bourbon

1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Dried apple slice, to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Boil 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Remove from heat; stir in sugar, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon; let sit for 1 hour. Strain and chill syrup.

2. Mix ¾ oz. ginger syrup, cider, bourbon, and juice in a shaker with ice; shake to chill. Strain into a martini glass; garnish with apple.