Indulge in Pavilion Nightcap, a rich, autumnal craft cocktail celebrating exceptional Virginia spirits. Complex cider cask finished whisky and aged apple brandy blend seamlessly with fresh apple cider, bright lemon, and herbal thyme. Lifted by a distinctive Cabernet Franc float, this sophisticated drink delivers a smoky, bittersweet, and fruit-forward finish.
Prep: Chill a coupe glass, prepare the honey syrup, and gather the whisky, apple brandy, cider, lemon juice, bitters, foam, red wine, and fresh thyme.
Mix: Add the lemon juice, honey syrup, and fresh thyme sprigs into a cocktail shaker and gently muddle to release the essential oils. Pour in the cider cask whisky, apple brandy, apple cider, tobacco bitters, and fee foam.
Shake: Perform a dry shake without ice to build foam, then add fresh ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled and properly diluted.
Serve: Double strain the mixture into the chilled coupe glass, then slowly pour the Cabernet Franc down the inside rim to float just beneath the foam layer.
Garnish: Place two sprigs of fresh thyme across the top for an aromatic, rustic touch.
*Honey Syrup: Combine equal parts local honey and water (1:1) until fully mixed. Albemarle honey is recommended, though any quality local honey works well.
