If you’re looking for a fantastic new cocktail to spice up your October parties, Nielsen-Massey’s recipes should come to mind immediately .

“Put mixology skills to the test using All-American ingredients like apples and whiskey,” said Matt Nielsen, COO of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Inc. “By keeping a few simple add-ins on hand, such as Nielsen-Massey vanillas and flavors, it’s easy to pull together delicious cocktails for friends that warm up cool autumn evenings.”

On one hand, there’s a take on classic mulled drink recipes through Nielsen-Massey’s Mulled Whiskey Cider (recipe below). It adds nostalgic warmth to any adult gathering with its smooth vanilla and bright orange flavors. On the other, it brings a new, yet familiar, twist on hot apple cider. This toasty treat is made with fresh Gala apples and hints of citrus. Enjoy it by the fire after a day of apple picking or pour it into a thermos for brisk tailgates.

Mulled Whiskey Cider
(Serves 6)

Ingredients
2 quarts apple cider
½ cup 100% pure pomegranate juice
⅓ cup 100% pure maple syrup (adjust maple syrup if cider is already sweet)
1 Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean
1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Pure Orange Extract
3 large cinnamon sticks
12 whole cloves
5 whole allspice berries
¼ teaspoon cardamom seeds
⅔ cup whiskey
1 large Gala apple, thinly sliced (garnish)

Directions
Add apple cider, pomegranate juice and maple syrup to a large saucepan; heat over medium-high heat. Split vanilla bean in half lengthwise with the tip of a small knife. Scrape both sides of the bean with the knife’s dull side and add the seeds and bean to the saucepan.

Add the orange extract, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries and cardamom seeds to the saucepan; stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 30 minutes.

Strain mulled cider through a fine mesh sieve. Add whiskey; stir to combine. Serve with a fresh apple slice.

Maybe your taste buds are craving something sweeter. Try out their delicious Apple Pie Martini (recipe below). For this cocktail, you must first create their signature Vanilla Syrup and use it in the martini preparations.

Apple Pie Vanilla Syrup

1 cup apple juice
1 1/2 teaspoons Nielsen-Massey Tahitian Pure Vanilla Extract
15 whole cloves
3 whole cinnamon sticks
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar

Directions

In a small saucepan, add juice, vanilla extract, cloves and cinnamon sticks; stir to combine. Cook over medium heat until juice is reduced by half. Carefully add sugars, cook and stir until sugars are melted; remove from heat. Completely cool and strain before use. Refrigerate unused syrup in an airtight container. Apple Pie Syrup is also a great addition to a hot mug of apple cider.

Yields ½ cup syrup

Apple Pie Martini

Ingredients
4 fl. oz. half-and-half
1 fl. oz. Coffee Liqueur
1 fl. oz. Apple Pie Vanilla Syrup
1/2 fl. oz. apple pie liqueur
1 cinnamon stick
freshly grated nutmeg (garnish)

Directions

Add ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.

Garnish with a cinnamon stick and freshly grated nutmeg.

Add one of these delectable cocktails to your recipe box today! Your guests will thank you.