Ingredients:

1 2⁄3 fl oz Speyside single malt Scotch whisky (Glenfarclas 15, 46% abv).

1⁄2 fl oz Amaro Averna

1⁄4 fl oz Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

1 1⁄2 fl oz Apple cider (Blake’s orchard cloudy & unsweetened)

1⁄6 fl oz Demerara/Muscovado/brown sugar syrup (2 sugar to 1 water)

1⁄12 fl oz St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram liqueur

2 dash Angostura Aromatic Bitters

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into chilled DOF glass over a big cube of ice. Garnish with orange zest twist.

Surprisingly, the cider punches through all of the spice and bittering elements. I chose the Glenfarclas for its super smooth and sherry-forward character. It is perceptible as a woody sweet base note.

These ingredients came together to produce a seasonal-appropriate, harmonious cocktail. Great as a pre-dinner libation at a family feast.