Get some much-needed cheer with this recipe for an apple pie-inspired bourbon cocktail

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Pie is a welcome sight all year round, but the last months of the year are when the pastry really shines. Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cushaw pie and apple pie are all delicious desserts to enjoy after Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.

Mixing dessert and cocktail isn’t a new idea. Jars of pumpkin pie moonshine are readily available and boozy milkshakes have skyrocketed in popularity. This cocktail recipe is easy enough to do at home with basic kitchen equipment, but requires more work than just shaking ingredients together, making it a great party cocktail to impress guests.

Bartenders at The Lounge at the Miami SLS Brickell hotel said they made the drink to be reminiscent of a freshly-baked apple pie. Featuring bourbon, orange liqueur, ginger beer and apple cider, the drink also gets a boost of flavors from butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. It’s garnished with an orange slice and a sprig of rosemary, which helps cut through the richness of the drink.

How to make Spiked Apple Pie

Core and chop your apple, then add to a small saucepan with water, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter. Heat until apple is softened and sugar is dissolved. In a rocks glass, add bourbon and ice. Spoon in some of your warm apple mixture, then add orange liqueur, apple cider and top with ginger beer. Stir together, then garnish with an orange slice and sprig of rosemary.