Pumpkin Comfort

Recipe

1 ½ oz Purity Vodka

½ oz Goldschlager

1 oz Pumpkin Puree

½ oz Brown sugar syrup

1oz Apple Juice

Make a batch of simple syrup with brown sugar and cool. (simply bring equal parts of brown sugar and water, and a cinnamon stick to a boil on low heat.)

In a Boston shaker, combine all the ingredients. Shake well with ice until the Pumpkin puree has blended into the alcohol. Pour the creamy concoction into a rocks glass and garnish with ground cinnamon.

Inspiration & Creation

Living in sunny California, I miss the East Coast most during Fall as we herald our thanksgiving festivities. I long for the warm scents of pumpkin, apples and cinnamon that warms the nostrils on a cold evening. If you identify with me and feel far from home this month, why not celebrate the season with thanksgiving in a glass? Just imagine a sip of Mum’s home-cooked goodness from the family table…

The pumpkin steals the focus in this concoction. It is the largest creation in the fruit family. Full of seeds, it symbolizes plenty. We give thanks for abundance in our lives here in the Western world, while much of the

world’s population hunger for the basic necessities.

The pumpkin is made even more magical with fruits and spices richening its smooth flesh. Cinnamon thus plays an important role. “Myth contends that the Pheonix lights itself on fire atop a cinnamon-laden pyre.” The spice has been used in purification rituals in ancient Asian rituals. We top this off with apples signifying good health. Brown sugar compliments these ingredients and makes the golden orange color of this cocktail a touch more vibrant.

For a more festive twist, add a tiny drop of red food coloring. Garnish with with a star anise for an exotic look. The Pumpkin Comfort is easy to pre-batch as a specialty cocktail for a dinner party. Try it next week as we give thanks in a land of plenty.