Late Summer Libations

We apologize at Cafe Drake for not posting many drinks recipes lately. No excuse really - God knows it isn't as if we've stopped imbibing during this thirstiest of seasons. Only two deeply CONFIRMED recipes new to us, ones we feel completely comfortable in sharing and recommending, so find these below:

Unnamed as yet - someone, please help us with a suitable moniker and you'll be acknowledged here and live on in alcoholic infamy forever and ever - the following was inspired by the idea of an apple cocktail, but something more sophisticated than the muy Cancun Apple Martini (which should never be sipped past 21 years of age or in mixed company). Take a champagne flute and fill it a little over half way with the best Calvados (apple brandy from Normandy) you can afford. Fill the remaining portion of the glass with ice-cold hard cider. Garnish with an apple slice (and come Autumn, it better be a Honeycrisp!)

Our second suggestion is equally simple yet also stunning on a newbie palette: mix equal parts apricot nectar, rum and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker and vibrate well with plenty of ice. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a fresh slice of apricot or lemon. Top with a splash of rum after serving.