Harvest Apple Cooler

Do you want to hear a sad story? I made this drink in early summer. I was so pleased with it. I decided that when the time of year was right, I’d share it with you all. It was going to be wonderful. We would all be enjoying Harvest Apple Coolers together. And we’d all be praising my name. (“Oh, that Nick, he’s really outdone himself this time!”). Well the time is right, and you know what? Utah liquor stores (they’re all state run here) have stopped carrying one of the key ingredients, Stolichnaya Gala Applik!

So sad! Hopefully you live in a place that is not Utah and can get your hands on some apple Stoli. If you can, it’s your lucky day. If not, I’ve found a sub-par alternative that will get us by (still good; otherwise I wouldn’t post it).

All I can say about this drink is that it tastes like a fresh, crisp apple. And, well, it will get you drunk. So. You know. Pretty much perfect.

Harvest Apple Cooler
(serves 1)

1.5 oz. Stolichnaya Gala Applik vodka (or if you’re in Utah or another prohibitionist state, I used Absolut Orient Apple)
1 oz. Lillet Blanc
.75 oz. fresh lemon juice
.75 oz. brown sugar syrup (1 c. brown sugar, 1 c. water heated/stirred until dissolved, then cooled)
Ginger ale
Apple slice

Pour vodka, Lillet, lemon juice and syrup over ice and stir. Top glass with ginger ale. Garnish with an apple slice.

Notes: Lillet Blanc is a french aperitif wine. That means that it’s got wine plus a bunch of other tasty ingredients. If you need to ask for it at your local store it’s pronounced “lee-lay blahnc.” Keep it in the fridge after you open it and it will last longer. Also keep your leftover brown sugar syrup cold, too. This would make a terrific punch. Just size up the recipe accordingly.