I got a little distracted the past few days preparing for Thanksgiving at work, so I haven’t been able to tell you about our delicious side dishes. Since it’s still crisp outside, everyone is looking for their “fall drink,” and the one we prepared was an Apple Cider Smash.

My absolute favorite spirit is Bourbon. Maker’s Mark is my favorite if I could ever afford it, but I consider that just for special occasions. My friend, Alex McLelland, provided us with a great Tennessee whiskey – Jack Daniel’s.

It’s a simple recipe, with a great taste, and the whiskey does not over power the drink.

Ingredients:
2 oz Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
4 oz Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple Cider
1/4 lemon, juiced
1 ice cube

This drink is easy enough to make. No shaking or straining is involved. Just make sure the whiskey and sparkling cider is cold! Have you ever gotten to enjoy having a cocktail with just one ice cube? I promise you’ll find it intriguing. The other awesome part is that a lot of liquor stores have gift sets of liquor with cocktail glasses included at the same price. JP’s in Brunswick, GA is one of those places with the gift sets, not to mention the large selection of wines, spirits, mixers, and other specialty liqueurs.

Tell me this doesn’t look delicious! The pre-dinner cocktail was enjoyed while preparing Aunt Sarah’s Thanksgiving Dip, which explains the green onions next to it – they are NOT a garnish.

It’s light and smooth. It doesn’t have the bourbon-burn you might think it will have. Surprisingly, it all blends very, very well.

It’s a beautiful day for bourbon,
Coleman