I came across this cocktail, from Lily Neff, bartender at Longman & Eagle in Chicago, in the most recent issue of Whisky Advocate. It’s a perfect sipper for fall, and it makes use of a big current trend in mixology — saline solution, which gives your cocktail a natural saltiness. It’s a curious ingredient. After prepping these cocktails, my wife found her drink too salty, while I thought the salt in my drink was barely noticeable. Experiment at will.

Boots with the Fur
1 1/4 oz. Clyde May’s Alabama style whiskey
3/4 oz. apple brandy/applejack
1/4 oz. maple syrup
6 drops saline (1:1 salt to water)
6 drops Angostura bitters
4 dashes chocolate bitters

Stir all ingredients in a glass over ice. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a thinly sliced fanned apple floating on top.