The Lush Chef

While my family is dealing with light snowfalls and ice in Michigan, I'm still experiencing the occasional hot days in LA.  Which is why this Cider Smash from Miami's relatively new, and now acclaimed cocktail bar, The Broken Shaker, is so perfect.  Located in a hip hostel, the aromatic flavors in this cocktail are reminiscent of a hot toddy and must make travelers feel like they're at home while they're soaking up the rays on those sandy beaches.  That touch of Fernet is curing and the apple cider and rosemary gives it that holiday accent.

Cider Smash 
Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz dark rum - they recommend Atlantico, but I only had Meyers
• 1/4 oz Fernet Branca
• 1 oz apple cider (I used Trader Joe's spiced version)
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz agave or rich simple syrup
• 3 rosemary sprigs, saving 1 for garnish
• Lemon wheel, for garnish

- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the rum, Fernet, apple cider, lemon juice, agave and 2 rosemary sprigs.
- Shake and strain into a chilled Old Fashioned glass with ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a lemon wheel.