Cider House Whiskey

Two simple ingredients, whiskey and cider syrup, combine to make a powerfully good drink. A twist of lemon lends a bitter brightness without diluting the richness of the cocktail.

2 oz bourbon
1 oz boiled cider or cider syrup
1 strip lemon zest

Combine bourbon and cider syrup over ice and stir gently. Twist lemon zest and drop into drink, stir again, and serve.

Makes 1 drink.

Note: Boiled cider is a substitute to maple syrup that's found throughout Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts in the US, Québec and Ontario in Canada.

To make it at home, gently boil a gallon of apple cider in a heavy-bottomed pot, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced by ⅛ (making 2 cups syrup), about 2 hours. Let cool to room temperature and store, refrigerated, in an air-tight container.