Tender Knob Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley

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

Mixing time: 2

Servings:

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.