Cocktail: Gingered Apple Sparkler

When entertaining, although it might sound fun to mix bespoke cocktails for all your guests, doing so would mean trapping yourself behind the bar when you would probably rather be mingling. A drink like this can be prepared ahead of time in bulk and served from a pitcher.

I served this as my 2011 Thanksgiving cocktail, and it was a big hit. It would be perfect for a holiday party too.

Gingered Apple Sparkler
Adapted from Bar Lurçat via Food & Wine Magazine

Makes 1 drink (multiply as needed)

1 1/2 oz. citrus vodka
1 1/2 oz. apple liqueur (Berentzen Apfelkorn)
Splash of Angostura bitters
3 oz. ginger beer
Maraschino cherry (optional garnish)

1. Combine vodka, apple liqueur and bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake until cold and pour into a highball glass with ice. Top with ginger beer and stir to combine. Top with cherry.