Pastiche.

 

Jason Garcia, Pastiche

The 10th Annual Kinsman Brandy Alexander Tour is upon us, and this year, a familiar face in the San Antonio cocktail scene is once again putting his own spin on the classic. Meet Jason Garcia, bartender extraordinaire and soon-to-be-dad, who’s ready to give the beloved Brandy Alexander a run for its money with his latest creation: Apple a Day.

If you’re a fan of the Tour, you know it’s all about reimagining the iconic brandy-based cocktail. But with a background like Jason’s, you can bet his take will stand out. With a career that’s spanned some of Austin’s most well-known bars—think Nickel City—and now back in San Antonio, Jason knows his way around both classic cocktails and unique flavor profiles. At Pastiche, the European-style cocktail bar he calls home, his Apple a Day is a perfect example of his knack for combining technique with inspiration.

Jason’s Apple a Day is a drink that feels like home—if home happens to be a cozy cottage nestled in the heart of San Antonio, with a touch of European flair. His inspiration? A classic apple pie. It starts with Licor 43, a Spanish liqueur with a rich, vanilla-citrus flavor that’s like a warm hug in a glass. Then, Calvados, the French apple brandy, takes things to the next level with its smooth, fruity complexity. The addition of Schonauer Apfel Liqueur adds another layer of apple-forward flavor, deepening the pie-like essence Jason is going for. Finally, Dibs Spiced Syrup blends spices with a touch of sweetness, bringing a perfect harmony to the drink. The result is a cocktail that tastes like a freshly baked pie, with just the right amount of warmth and spice to complement the apple notes.

If you’re dreaming of a cozy night with an apple pie in your hand, visit Pastiche now through NYE, and let Jason’s Apple a Day turn that dream into reality.

Apple A Day.

 

1 oz. Kinsman Rakia
1 oz. Heavy Cream
3/4 oz. Dibs Spiced Syrup
1/2 oz. Calvados
1/2 oz. Licor 43
1/2 oz. Schonauer Apfel

Instructions. Combine all ingredients in a tin over ice. Shake vigorously. Double strain into a Nick and Nora. Grate a Biscoff cookie on top.

Garnish. Biscoff cookie.