Ah, September – the month of transition, where we bid a fond farewell to the scorching days of summer and welcome the cool embrace of fall. What better way to bridge this seasonal shift than with a refreshing yet comforting cocktail? The Frozen Fall Apple Negroni, a delightful twist on the classic Negroni that's here ease the transition, and enjoy what’s left of the warm days.
As the days gradually grow shorter and the first hints of autumn colors appear, I always find myself craving apples. Though I’m not an avid apple eater, I love the idea of a refreshingly crisp frozen apple, similar to the apple sorbet I used to enjoy at my favorite japanese restaurant as a child. It wasn’t too sweet, was kind of tart, and somewhat floral. It really enhanced the natural essence of apple in a way that was totally different from eating an apple or enjoying artificial candy apple flavors. I still dream about this sorbet to this day.
Although it is without the warming apple pie spices, it still screams fall in my humble opinion. Just anything with apple flavor signals a change is in the air. Combine that with my secret ingredient—chamomile tea—and you’ve got something really cozy, yet refreshing to sip on.
But the true magic happens with the botanical wonders—the nonalcoholic spirits—that you can mix in to truly take this drink to the next level, and take what would have just been a really good smoothie into cocktail territory.
Using Ghia or Wilderton Bittersweet introduces a hint of autumnal bitterness, while Cut Above Gin lends its crisp, refreshing quality. Roots Divino Bianco, with its herbal elegance, ties it all together in perfect harmony. Be sure to use some lemon juice to add some brightness and to preserve the pristine off-white color. Otherwise, it will turn brown like applesauce and that is totally unappealing.
The Flavor Profile
This drink is simply refreshing. It's floral and tart, with pure essence of apple underscored by slight bitterness, and mild sweetness. All the different floral ingredients play well together to create just a really clean taste. You could even top this off with some sparkling wine for a fun twist on a Negroni Sbagliato as well!
The Ingredients
Though it seems like a lot of ingredients, these NA spirits are the foundation of a really strong nonalcoholic home bar:
- 6 ounces cold-brewed chamomile tea
- 1 ounce apple juice (no sugar added)
- 2 ounces lemon juice
- 6 ounces Ghia or Wilderton Bittersweet
- 6 ounces Cut Above Gin
- 3 ounces Roots Divino Bianco
- 1 ounce Elderflower cordial
- 4 cups frozen chopped apple
- Orange twists, for garnish
Instructions
Whipping this together is super easy! Just dump everything but the orange peel into a blender, and give it a good whirl until you get your desired consistency. I like mine like a smoothie, but remember the longer you blend, the more liquid it becomes.
This recipe will make four servings. So be sure to prepare enough garnish for each glass.
Let me know if you make this one!
