Thanksgiving next week marks the official start of the holidays. If you're looking for something new to serve your guests, The Blitzen is the perfect way to impress visiting relatives and a festive way to usher in the season. It was created by Julie Reiner, a globally recognized mixologist, author, and judge on Netflix’s Drink Masters. It's one of eight signature cocktails available at the annual Blitzen’s Bar pop-up, available at Omni Hotels & Resorts throughout the country beginning November 28. If you can't make it to one of the pop-ups, this simple yet satisfying recipe is easy to replicate at home.
The Blitzen Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- 3/4 oz Ginger Apple Spice Syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
How to Make The Blitzen
- Combine ingrediants in a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir well for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is fully chilled and properly diluted.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled Old Fashioned glass.
- Garnish with an apple slice or a thin peel of lemon.
To create ginger apple spice syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 1 sliced apple, a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (sliced or grated), and 1 cinnamon stick in a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat, continuously stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes to infuse the flavors. After simmering, remove the mixture from the heat, allow it to cool completely, and then strain the finished syrup into an airtight container to store in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for about one week.
The Blitzen Riff
For a sweet twist, replace the rye with bourbon. This substitution will emphasize the familiar notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, creating a smoother body and allowing the ginger apple syrup to shine more prominently than the dry, peppery spice that is characteristic of the rye whiskey.
Photograph courtesy of Omni Hotels & Resorts.
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