This week has been fraught with a total absence of cooking. (what? fraught with an absence?) Since I am running solo this week, I have not been inspired to cook for a party of one. In fact, I have found that if given to my own devices, I would probably live on prepackaged salads and quesadillas alone with a side of guilt for using all that petrol for the packaging. Also, solo is not entirely accurate because I have been wrangling the Three Dog Night Circus, two dogs new to the house and one new to the world. It’s pretty time consuming, so I thought I would post about the cocktail I served at Chicas Gone Bonitas: Apple Pie Punch! I wanted something cold and refreshing (this is Texas after all and even in October things can still be pretty heated) but embody fall. I think this little ditty accomplishes both and as a bonus it can be served hot on those chilly days.

But first, The Dames:

Then the Drink:

Apple Pie Punch

For the Apple Pie Simple Syrup:

1/2 c maple syrup

1/2 c water

1 4 inch cinnamon stick, broken in half

2 whole cloves

small piece of nutmeg (like 1/8 inch) or a few shavings

For the Punch:

1/4 c Apple Pie Simple Syrup

3 c Applejack

3 c apple cider

3 bottles hard apple cider

1 orange, thinly sliced

1 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced

1) To make the syrup, place all ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Lower heat to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Let cool and infuse for at least 30 minutes. Then strain out the chunky bits.

2) Punch assembly: Pour all the ingredients into a punch bowl (or a drink dome like I did) and top with the fruit. Serve over ice and top with a piece of fruit OR eat all the fruit after the guests have left and get REAL festive. (festive meaning drunk, of course)

CHEERS!