Peppery Apple Cocktail #CrazyIngredientChallenge

I love the idea behind the Crazy Ingredient Challenge. In the Crazy Ingredient Challenge, we are assigned two ingredients to cook and create.  Lori of Lori's Culinary Creations and Kelly of Passion Kneaded are our fearless leaders. So, here goes...

May's Crazy Ingredient Challenge = apples and bell peppers

The Rest of the Crew

An InLinkz Link-up

Peppery Apple Cocktail 

At first glance, those ingredients seemed tough to pair. Then I realized that they have been partners in several of my recipes, including Apple-Herb Chutney with Lamb Lollipops. I considered making a version of my Apple Pico de Gallo and adding in some fresh peppers; then I thought about re-making my Sweet Pepper Masa Cake and adding apples or applesauce to the batter. But, while I was brainstorming, Jake tossed out the idea of a cocktail and the gears started spinning. I've made one before - Sweet Bell Cocktail - so it wasn't such a crazy suggestion. Done.

Ingredients makes 1 cocktail

• 2 T organic red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 t freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1-1/2 ounces gin
• 1-1/2 ounces apple juice
• 1 t maple syrup
• 1 organic red bell pepper, fashioned into a glass (optional)
• Also needed: ice, cocktail shaker, muddler, strainer, and straw (optional)

Procedure

I couldn't find my shaker and muddler for this, so I used the blunt end of my molinillo in a glass measuring cup. Add the sliced peppers and lemon juice to the glass and muddle it together. Try to get as much juice from the peppers as you can. Let it sit for a minute or two. Strain juice into a cocktail shaker (or large jar). Fill with ice and pour in gin, apple juice, and maple syrup.

Shake or stir to combine. Strain into prepared bell pepper glass, if using. Or a regular tumbler works, too. Serve immediately with a straw, if desired. 

Jake was happy. He even ate the bell pepper glass when he was finished! Cheers.