Charles Joly’s 'Eve's Answer'
“This cool weather cocktail is inspired by the venerable margarita, but offers a quick, seasonal twist. We play with some fun techniques, making a baking spiced syrup, cross utilizing juice already in the home for ice and introducing an aged tequila.”
- 1 1/2 ounces reposado tequila
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 ounce cloudy apple cider
- 1/2 ounce spiced raisin syrup*
- Served over cranberry ice**
Prep: Combine tequila, lemon, cider and raisin syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, shake and strain into a rocks glass over cranberry ice. Scrape with cinnamon stick and place into drink.
*For the Spiced Raisin Syrup (this makes 6 ounces, enough for 4 cocktails): Heat 4 ounces white grape juice in a pot (do not boil). Add 4 ounces agave nectar and stir until homogenous. Toast cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice and star anise in a pan, add to warm syrup, cover with aluminum foil and steep for 20 minutes. (Syrup can be used to make non-alcoholic cocktails as well. Combine with fresh citrus and some sparkling water for a fresh, unique soda.)