Flaming Golden Apple

There are several components of Episode 24 that combined together to inspire this cocktail: a golden apple, a sweet-talking golden tongued cleric, and a flaming sphere all play important roles in both the happenings of the episode and this drink.

Whether or not you’re caught up with the happenings of The Dimension Door Podcast (although you should be!), this cocktail is perfect for autumn. The fresh, crisp apple garnish sets nicely against the warm, aromatic caramelized brown sugar. Hints of cinnamon add to the pleasant scent, and then the drink itself is just-sweet-enough with the flavors of butterscotch and apple blossom set against a backdrop of a slightly-smoky scotch. Drinking it is a bit like sitting by a bonfire and enjoying a caramel apple.

Keep reading for the full recipe and instructions to make this cocktail.

In a rocks glass, combine:

• 2 ounces blended scotch
• 1.5 ounces butterscotch schnapps
• 3-5 dashes apple blossom bitters

Add ice to the glass (a single large piece is best; I used a sphere to play with the flaming sphere and golden apple elements that inspired this cocktail).
Stir until chilled.

Prepare an apple slice. I used golden delicious to keep with the golden apple theme, but you can use any variety of fresh, crisp apple. This should be a full cross-section of your apple. I chose to preserve the apple shape by cutting it top-to-bottom, but you could cut it horizontally if you prefer the look of a circle. Trim your slice to remove any seeds or stem.

Place your prepared apple slice on top of your rocks glass. Spread 1 tsp of light brown sugar over the top of the slice.

Drizzle high-proof alcohol over the slice until all of the sugar has been dampened with it. This should take 2-3 bar spoons. I used 151 Rum for this, as the flavor pairs nicely with the rest of the drink.

​Use a kitchen torch to light the rum/sugar mix atop of the apple slice. It should burn well, but if it goes out before your sugar is fully caramelized, apply additional flame as needed. While the flame is going, carefully sprinkle several dashes of ground cinnamon over the top. This will both give a lovely visual effect as some of the cinnamon burns off in the flame, and add nicely to the aroma of the drink.

Once the sugar has fully caramelized, allow the flame to go out. Carefully tip your apple slice into your drink, allowing the sugar to slide into the glass. Add a straw and enjoy!