Apple Schnapps

In the long, dark evenings of winter, what would be more welcome than a fragrant whiff of sunny apple-orchard autumn preserved in schnapps? Tell the lucky recipient to serve this schnapps chilled from the refrigerator in small shot glasses with hors d'oeuvres. Or perhaps guests would enjoy it at room temperature as a digestif with dessert or after dinner.

Rotten Apple Martini

A gummi worm garnish adds a whimsical touch to this sour green martini. For best flavour and colour, choose a sour apple liqueur (such as Sour Puss Sour Apple). If using a sweet schnapps (such as Berentzen Apflenkorn), add 1 tbsp (15ml) lime juice.

Apple Cider Cocktail

Oatmeal Cookie Martini

With the tiniest stretch of imagination, this creamy concoction tastes like a mouthful of oatmeal cookies – minus the raisins, of course!

Frosty Peach Daiquiris

Peaches give this drink a smooth texture and a heavenly flavour. If you're short on time, use frozen sliced peaches; they'll make the drink extra frosty.

Roasted Peaches with Caramel Sauce

Roasting whole peaches yields tender fruit with concentrated flavour. Serve with ice cream or frozen yogurt.