Apples are one of the few winter fruits available around the world during the season of cheer, so is it any wonder that the crunchy, deep red pear has found its way into so many holiday traditions? In pagan times, people decorated trees with apples, fruits, and nuts during the winter solstice, and eventually Christians also adopted this practice. As part of Rosh Hashana, Jewish families dip apple slices in honey to express their wishes for a sweet and fruitful year ahead.
Apples are often used as decorations, such as in pomanders from France’s Pomme d’Ambre, where cloves are stuck into the apple pulp and incorporated into holiday centerpieces. They are also often given as stocking stuffers or gifts. In the Eastern European Christmas tradition, young men present young women with decorated apples. Stores in Asia often sell apples wrapped in festive paper as gifts.
For me, there’s no better way to celebrate this season than with a refreshing sparkling beer. December is full of indulgent meals and heavy drinks, so a light and bright apple sparkler is just a pick-me-up. Here are this month’s favorites.
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- 1 1/2 Oz.Upstate Vodka, a handcrafted apple-based spirit
- 1 oz.freshly squeezed apple juice
- 1/2 Oz.ginger juice
- 1/2 Oz.chai spice syrup
- 2 oz sparkling cider
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with apple slices, dried cinnamon apple cubes, and cinnamon sticks.