caramel apple martini

a Simchat Torah grownup treat

William’s Candy Shop on Surf Avenue in Brooklyn has been a Coney Island icon since 1941. Even before you walk into the store, the smell of sugar wafts through the door, reigning you in. A plethora of classic sweets of yesteryear, such as skewers of house made marshmallow kebabs covered in caramel, chocolate, and an array of colorful toppings, giant lollypops, fresh fudge, and sticky popcorn novelties fill the cases. Licorice ropes in every color hang from curtain rods in the window, luring in passersby. The whirr of the cotton candy machine fills the air with music as it spins out fluffy pink and blue sugar clouds that seem to be made of angel’s hair.

But it’s really all about the apples. Fresh caramel, crunchy red candy, or translucent sweet jelly coats perfectly chilled crisp sweet apples. You can have them plain, or coated in peanuts, coconut, or other treats. It’s hard to choose a favorite, but whichever way you go, you should know that there’s no better way to settle the stomach after five consecutive rides on the Cyclone. These apples are pure joy on a stick—to this day, my pulse quickens at the mere thought of them, every bit as much as it did when I was five.

Somehow, jelly apples and caramel apples have come to be a ubiquitous part of Simchat Torah celebrations. Children march in parades, carrying Israeli flags with these fabulous treats perched on the top of their flag sticks. Perhaps it’s because the holiday falls in . . . well . . . fall, when apples are ripe and ready for dipping. Perhaps it’s because we want the kids to know that Torah should always be sweet in their mouths.

While, as I said before, these treats continue to delight me even into my dotage, I love this grownup version of the caramel apple, almost as much. Caramel Apple Martinis are a perfect way to celebrate Simchat Torah. One or two will inspire you to hoist a Torah high and dance, but I’d be wary of having too many before joining the throng. We wouldn’t want to risk losing our balance and spilling our drinks . . . or G-d forbid, any other mishap.

This cocktail is also perfect for Thanksgiving.

And for any day that ends in Y.

Ingredients:

2 ounces of your favorite vodka or gin

1 ounce sour apple schnapps

 ½ ounce butterscotch schnapps

 1 round slice of dried apple

Method:

• Combine the first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker with lots of ice and shake until frosty.

• Strain into a martini glass and float a round of dried apple slice on top.

Did you make it? Was it fabulous?