This is a festive vodka cocktail, favored with apple, one that I created in order to sample my holiday cheer infused vodka. You could use your favorite plain vodka in its place, and perhaps add some cinnamon to the cocktail in order to get some of the flavors of the infused vodka. It won't be the same, but it will be tasty. Whatever you use, it must be vodka that has been living in the freezer; without those syrupy frozen notes, though strong, the cocktail can fall a bit flat. This is a strong martini type cocktail and I recommend a martini or Nick and Nora glass for this if you have one.
Multiply as needed for however many cocktails you need. This is the recipe for one.
2 oz holiday cheer vodka
1 oz apple brandy or apple Schnapps
2 tsps boiled cider or maple syrup
Juice from 1/2 lemon
Sparkling cider or apple juice to top up the glass
Add the first four ingredients to an ice filled shaker. Shake well to combine and chill,
Strain into a chilled martini glass and top with sparkling cider or apple juice. I garnished my glass with a thin slice of apple, but a cinnamon stick or a sprig of rosemary would be pretty too.