The Tender Knob recipe is a no-fuss, easy-to-mix drink that brings freshness to your glass with its apple and bourbon pairing.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 2 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 197
Ingredients
- 1 slice Organic Granny Smith or Fuji apple - 1/8-inch wide
- 1½ oz Knob Creek Bourbon
- 2 oz Hard Apple Cider
- ¾ oz agave nectar
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- Ice cubes
- Apple slice - for garnish
Equipment
- Shaker
- Double Old Fashioned Glass
- Muddler
- Cocktail Strainer
Instructions
- Prep glass: Make sure your service glass is chilled.
- Add first ingredients: Add to the shaker 1 pinch cinnamon, 1 slice Organic Granny Smith or Fuji apple, and ¾ oz agave nectar.
- Muddle: Muddle your mixture to release and mix all the flavors.
- Combine the rest of the Ingredients: Add 1½ oz Knob Creek Bourbon and 2 oz Hard Apple Cider to the shaker then fill it with ice.
- Shake: Shake the mixture until well-chilled.
- Strain: Strain the contents into a double Old Fashioned glass filled with fresh ice. Do not double-strain; allow some apple bits to enter the drink.
- Garnish: Add an apple slice for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Bourbon: If Knob Creek isn't available, any quality bourbon will do. I sometimes use a rye whiskey for a spicier kick.
- Apple Cider: No hard apple cider? Use regular apple cider and add a splash of club soda for fizz.
- Agave Nectar: Honey or maple syrup can be a sweet alternative, adding their unique flavors.
- Apple: Any crisp apple variety works. I prefer organic to avoid pesticides and unwaxed so the muddle is pure.
Making a Pitcher of Tender Knob:
- Scale: To serve 8, use 12 oz of bourbon, 16 oz of hard apple cider, 6 oz of agave nectar, and 8 apple slices.
- Mix: Muddle the apple slices in a large pitcher, then add the bourbon, cider, agave nectar, and cinnamon. Stir well.
- Serve: Fill Old Fashioned glasses with ice, pour the cocktail, garnish with apple slices, and serve.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative for a completely alcohol-free version.
- Hard Apple Cider Substitute: Opt for non-alcoholic apple cider or apple juice.
- Proceed: Replace the alcoholic ingredients with these substitutes and follow the original steps.
Making it Vegan:
Ensure all ingredients, including the agave nectar and apple cider, are certified vegan. Some ciders may use animal products in processing, so check for vegan-friendly labels.What is a Tender Knob?
A Tender Knob is a cocktail that combines bourbon with apple, accented by a hint of cinnamon. It’s a modern twist on classic flavors, taking its name from the Tendernob area in San Francisco and offering a straightforward yet refined taste experience.
What is in a Tender Knob – The ingredients
A Tender Knob is concocted from the following ingredients:
- Organic Granny Smith or Fuji apple slice: Adds a fresh, crisp taste.
- Knob Creek bourbon: Provides a robust, full-bodied whiskey foundation.
- Hard apple cider: Introduces a fizzy, tart apple flavor.
- Agave nectar: Sweetens the cocktail naturally.
- Cinnamon: Gives a warm, spicy note.
- Ice: Chills and dilutes the drink to the perfect strength.
- Apple slice (for garnish): Enhances the presentation and aroma.
