Riesling—a classic Thanksgiving wine pick—has apple-like flavors that pair wonderfully with a meal of turkey and stuffing. In this Thanksgiving cocktail, the wine (Marrero favors dry Rieslings from the Finger Lakes or Alsace) adds brightness to a mix of fresh apple cider and bourbon. Blending dried figs with honey syrup gives you a sweetener that’s full of earthy, nutty notes, and a small amount of floral liqueur gives the tart, refreshing drink a subtle luscious quality.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 1 cocktail

　　

For the Fig-Infused Honey Syrup

2 Tbsp. honey

　　4 dried figs, halved

　　

For the Cocktail

1 oz. bourbon

　　¾ oz. dry riesling

　　½ oz. St-Germain Elderflower liqueur

　　½ oz. apple cider

　　½ oz. fresh lemon juice

　　¼ oz. Fig-Infused Honey Syrup

　　Garnish: Apple slice or dehydrated apple slice

　　

Step 1

To make the fig-infused honey syrup, warm honey, dried figs, and ½ cup water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring to completely dissolve honey. Keep warm 10 minutes, lowering heat if needed to avoid coming to a simmer. Do not let boil. Remove from heat, let cool, covered, 10 minutes. Pour fig mixture into a blender and blend until smooth, about 1 minute. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a resealable jar. Makes enough syrup for about 10 drinks; store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

　　

Step 2

To make the cocktail, add bourbon, riesling, St-Germain, apple cider, lemon juice, and fig-infused honey syrup to a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into a stemmed cocktail glass, coupe, or small wine glass. Garnish with apple slice (or dehydrated apple slice) and serve up.