Sometimes something will catch my fancy at the likker store. This weekend — it was the seasonal apple cider liqueurs. Both Jack Daniels and Evan Williams do one. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not the biggest fan of brown liquors, so I’ve been hesitant to buy these in the past. After a chat with the salesguy, who was a self-described whiskey nut, I decided to give the Evan Williams a try.

Once safely home for the evening, I poured a little in a glass for a taste. Sweet … apple-y … backnotes of fall spices. I imagine it would be tasty warm! But I was thinking more of an iced cocktail (it was pretty warm over the weekend), and I spied two orphan Shock-Tops in the back of the fridge, a Honeycrisp Apple Wheat and a Pumpkin Wheat. I don’t think I’ve ever attempted a beer cocktail, but I knew the Honeycrisp Apple Wheat had definite apple notes, so I said, what the hell. And so this cocktail was born. The two really do complement each other, and the mild bitterness of the ale tempers the sweetness of the liqueur. You’ll get three drinks out of a bottle of beer — so these really are on the milder side. But very refreshing!

As this runs a little under $10/bottle, it’s a nice addition to your fall larder.

When Evan Met Belgium
Serves 1

3 tablespoons Evan Williams Apple Orchard
Splash of lime
4 ounces medium-bodied Belgian-style wheat ale

Put ice in a rocks glass. Add the liqueur and a splash of lime. Top off with ale. Garnish with an apple chunk if you’re feeling fancy.

Standard caveat: This is a personal recommendation. I have been provided neither product nor compensation for this endorsement.