I have a list of favorite things.

And no, no bourbon does not top that list. 

Close, close but alas no. 

Here in this region of the world, it is the weather. 

Yes, the weather. 

It’s the dang weather that tops my list–depending on the time of year. 

Cool weather–not cold– but cool weather say in the Spring or the Fall that does it for me. Happy as a pig in … you know, bourbon. 

Every year, every single year without fail there’s some Yankee–yes, north of the Mason Dixon line folk–that will go on and on about what a surprise it is to be this dang cold. 

Humid, damp, bone-chilling wet kind of cold. 

Where are we on this seasonal road map? 

Well, thankfully we ain’t there yet. 

Where are we, then? 

Sipping on a cocktail with cider–the good, old-fashioned, no-sugar added kind–that’s been infused with cinnamon, star anise, and a bit of allspice. It’s the most drinkable embodiment of Fall that you ever did have the pleasure of putting pass your lips. 

So damn smooth you’ll forget that it’s even a cocktail or where the afternoon went. 

Where were we, again? 

Ahh, yes– the weather’s feigning Fall and we’re feigning that it’s not Monday. 

Citrus + Cider

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 20 mins

Yield: 4 cups cider

3  1/2 cups old-fashioned cider

2/3 cup satsuma juice (3-4 satsumas) 

1/3 cup meyer lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

1 cinnamon stick 

1 star of anise

5 whole allspice seeds

bourbon 

diet tonic

1 meyer lemon, sliced

Add the first six ingredients to a 4 quart pot, place over medium high heat. 

Cover and bring to a boil once it starts to boil reduce to a simmer. 

Simmer for 20 mins. 

After 20 mins remove from heat, remove lid and allow to cool. 

Once, the cider has cooled, strain thru a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. 

Next, grab y'alls rocks glasses.

Throw in a few meyer lemon slices and ice. 

Add in 1 ½ ounces bourbon, 1 ounce infused cider, and  1/2 ounce diet tonic.

Sit back, relax…hello Tuesday, good to see you.