His & Hers Cocktails - Bourbon Cider

Is there anything better than crisp fall weather and apple cider?  Add some bourbon to the mix, college football and I think you might have the beginnings of a perfect afternoon.  To make things even better, today's cocktails would be great multiplied and served as pitcher drinks for a crowd topped off with sparkling apple cider or plain sparkling water.  You could even serve them warm by mixing everything together in a crockpot set to the warm (and then poured into a Thermos for tailgating).  Which ever cocktail you choose, we hope you find them to be a delicious and versatile as we do.

His Ingredients 
3 oz Apple Cider
1 1/2 oz Bourbon (Mitcher's Small Batch Bourbon)
1 1/2 tsp Fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz Spiced simple syrup
Apple fan 

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine all ingredients except the garnish.  Shake until chilled.  Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and top with apple fan.  

Her Ingredients 
2 oz Apple Cider
1 1/2 oz Bourbon (Buffalo Trace)
1/2 oz St. Germain
1/2 oz Fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp Spiced simple syrup
Lemon twist

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine all ingredients except the garnish.  Shake until chilled.  Strain into a coupe glass and garnish.

Spiced Simple Syrup
In a small pot over medium heat, combine 1/2 c demerara/raw sugar with 1/2 c water, 1 small cinnamon stick, a few whole cloves and 1" piece of fresh ginger thinly sliced.  Stir until sugar dissolves and remove from heat before it comes to a boil.  Let sit for 1 hour.  Strain and chill until ready to use.