An Apple a Day … 4 Apple Cocktails

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, right?

With the cold season still upon us, what better way to keep your immune system in check than with an apple cocktail? Not only are apples one of the most popular fruits, but they’re also incredibly good for you. They have been linked to lower blood sugar, the risk for heart diseases, and promote good gut bacteria.

Here are four apple cocktails that are easy to make at home.

Apple Cider Bellini

Apple Cider Bellini

Ingredients:

• Bottle of Prosecco DOC, such as Santa Margherita
• 1/4 oz. Fig-infused Vodka, such as Figenza
• 3/4 cup Apple Cider
• Powdered Cinnamon and Granulated Sugar (1:1 for Rim)

Preparation: Pour a splash of the fig vodka into a shaker and add 3/4 cup of cider to the mix. Shake to combine. Set out your champagne flutes, and pour the cider mixture about 1/4 of the way into each glass. Top with Prosecco and serve. Really want to sweeten things up? Add a cinnamon-sugar rim for a festive touch.

Basil-Apple Fizz

Basil-Apple Fizz

Ingredients:

• 1/8 Granny Smith Green Apple (Chopped)
• 1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
• 1 oz. Agave Nectar
• 2 Basil Leaves
• 4 oz. Prosecco DOC, such as Santa Margherita

Preparation: Muddle all of the above ingredients and add the Prosecco DOC. Shake and serve in a highball glass.

Green Apple Cup

Green Apple Cup

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. Amaro Lucano
• 1 1/2 oz. Green Apple Juice
• 1 1/2 oz. Ginger Ale

Cucumber, Lemon, Oranges Slices and Mint Sprig (for Garnish)

Preparation: Mix the drink directly in the glass and serve with a slice of cucumber, a slice of lemon and orange, a sprig of mint and ice.

The Maple Apple

The Maple Apple

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 oz. Brandy (or to Indulge, Cognac such as Hennessey)
• 1/4 oz. of Gonzalez Byass Nectar (Pedro Ximinez) Sherry
• 1/2 oz. Calvados Boulard (Apple Brandy)
• 1/4 oz. Maple Syrup
• 1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
• Lemon Zest (for Garnish)

Preparation: Shake all ingredients together with ice, and strain into martini glass. Garnish with lemon zest.