If you don't have honey syrup, combine equal parts honey and warm water (for this recipe use about 1 tsp honey + 1 tsp warm water), stir until fully dissolved and cool briefly.

Fill a highball glass or Collins glass about two-thirds full with ice.

Pour in 1 oz apple brandy (or apple vodka) over the ice.

Add 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice and 1/2 tsp honey syrup into the glass. The honey syrup will dissolve easily; if using straight honey, stir briskly to combine.

Add 1 cup apple cider to the glass.

Top the cocktail with 3 oz ginger beer, pouring slowly to preserve some fizz and create a gentle layering of flavors.

Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters on top and gently stir once or twice with a bar spoon to integrate without flattening the ginger beer.

Garnish & Finish

Garnish the rim or float an apple slice on top of the drink, tuck a fresh mint sprig alongside the slice.

Optionally sprinkle a tiny dash of ground cinnamon over the apple slice for aroma and warmth.

Serve immediately with a straw or stirring stick. Enjoy chilled.