Serves 1

Sure, The Mirkwood has bite, but mellowed by autumn spices it makes for a perfect holiday cocktail.

“The rosemary really has nothing to do with the flavor, but the aroma smells like Christmas,” admits Alexa Hazelton, who co-owns Milestone with fiancé Nick Dedier. The couple created The Mirkwood, but their staff members, who clearly include ardent fans of The Lord of the Rings, voted on the name.

½ ounce rye whiskey
¾ ounce applejack brandy
¾ ounce St. George Spirits Spiced Pear Liqueur
½ ounce homemade syrup with sugar, cayenne pepper, chile powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon (recipe to follow)
½ ounce lemon juice
Rosemary sprig, toasted (for garnish)

For syrup

Boil 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water with cayenne pepper, chile powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon (to taste) until sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Let cool completely.

For cocktail

Add to cocktail mixer rye whiskey, applejack brandy, spiced pear liqueur, spiced syrup, and lemon juice. Shake, strain, and serve in cocktail glass. Garnish with toasted rosemary sprig.

courtesy of Milestone Restaurant
4359 Town Center Blvd., Ste. 116, El Dorado Hills
916-934-0790
Milestonerestaurantedh.com
Open 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Mon. – Thurs., 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sun.