Red Delicious

This ruby-hued cocktail showcases a trio of apple deliciousness—fresh apple cider, apple brandy and a French apple aperitif.

1 1/2 oz. applejack
1 1/2 oz. fresh apple cider
1/2 oz. pommeau (French apple aperitif)
1/2 oz. crème de cassis
1/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
Tools: shaker, strainer
Glass: cinnamon sugar-rimmed cocktail (see below)
Garnish: star anise pod

Combine all ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into the cinnamon sugar-rimmed glass. Garnish.

To rim glass: On a small plate combine 4 barspoons of super fine sugar with 1/4 barspoon ground cinnamon. Run a fresh lime wedge around the rim of the glass to moisten. Roll the damp rim in the sugar mixture, set aside. 

From Mix Shake Stir by Danny Meyer (Little, Brown and Company, 2009)