Bad Apple

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail mixing glass with ice. Stir for 10-15 seconds until the ingredients are well mixed and properly diluted. Place a lemon wheel at the bottom of a chilled double rocks glass, then strain the cocktail into the glass over a single large ice cube, garnish optionally with fresh-cracked black pepper, and enjoy slowly and responsibly.

*Apple Black Pepper Syrup

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 large apple, chopped
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

Combine water and sugar in a medium sized saucepan on medium heat, stirring until dissolved. Add the apple and black peppercorns and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Strain into an airtight container and refrigerate. Use within two weeks.