Sip on a whisky-forward Vampires of Perthshire tonight. (Photo courtesy of Aberfeldy Whisky)

With Halloween on a Saturday this year, it’s seems like an extra treat for both the kids and grown-ups alike. For the latter, the no-school-night positioning of the holiday calls for something strong and stirred — and maybe a little stirring.

This offering from our friends at Aberfeldy certainly has a bit of Boris Karloff-bite, with its whisky-forward nature with a transfixing balance of sweet cider syrup and complex, bitter-leaning Averna amaro. Pick up a bottle of Aberfeldy 12 from Bottle Hampton in Southampton, Hampton Wine Shoppe in Westhampton Beach or Bridgehampton Wine Cellar for your evening witching hour brew.

Vampires of Perthshire

Prep Time 5 minutes
Serves 1 cocktail

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Aberfeldy 12 Single Malt Scotch Whisky
  • 1/4 oz Apple cider syrup
  • 1/4 oz Averna Amaro
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • 1 orange peel

Directions

  • In a mixing glass with ice, combine the Scotch, syrup, amaro and bitters. Stir until well-chilled, about 10 to 15 seconds.
  • Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  • Twist the orange peel to express its oils and drop into the glass for garnish. Boo!

To make the cider syrup:

  • Combine 2 cups fresh apple cider with 1/2 cup dark brown sugar and one cinnamon stick. Simmer over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the liquid begins to thicken a little, about 10 minutes. Strain, discard the cinnamon stick and store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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