Apple season is in full swing, so I had to buy some cider at the farmer’s market.  It was fortuitous on my part because the next day a colleague of mine bestowed upon me a bottle of Tortuga Vanilla Rum after a recent trip to the Caribbean.  That of course called for a cocktail recipe.

It may seem sweet but the ginger and sage contrast it nicely, and if your cider is a little tart that would be even better.  This drink isn’t meant to be imbibed in large quantities.  Sip it with a warm apple cobbler or as an aperitif after a day of apple or pumpkin-picking.

Vanilla Rum Cider
Makes 4 small drinks.

Ingredients

1 cup of fresh apple cider
4 oz of vanilla rum (2 shot glasses)
1/4 tsp of freshly grated ginger
4 sage leaves, chopped, plus 1 for garnish
1/8 tsp of cinnamon
A few dashes of orange bitters

Directions

In a shaker filled with ice, combine all ingredients and shake.  Pour into coupes and top with a sage leaf.  Enjoy!