Katrina Van Tassel’s Spiced Apricot Cocktail

Inspired by the blooming Katrina Van Tassel of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, this spiced apricot cocktail blends fresh, sweet apricot with warm, autumn spices!

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Inspiration from the Book

Katrina Van Tassel is the only daughter of wealthy Dutch farmer Baltus Van Tassel in the hamlet of Sleepy Hollow. As such, it isn’t long before she catches the eye of the clumsy and bumbling Ichabod Crane. In Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Crane is particularly taken by this “blooming lass of fresh eighteen; plump as a partridge; ripe and melting and rosy-cheeked as one of her father’s peaches“. Inspired by the lovely Miss Van Tassel, this enchanting brew marries ripe, sweet apricots with warm spices. Katrina Van Tassel’s spiced apricot cocktail will be sure to win the hearts of any young suitor!

Inspiration from the Movie: Katrina’s Spell of Protection

The Katrina Van Tassel of Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow is no shrinking lass. Powerful in her own right, with knowledge of magical folklore, she aims to help bumbling detective Ichabod Crane as he faces the fearsome Headless Horseman. Startled by her use of magical sigils, Ichabod briefly suspects Katrina of conspiring with the Headless Horseman. When all is revealed it turns out that her sigil was a protection spell to watch over him. Perhaps some of that protection magic can be found in Katrina Van Tassel’s Spiced Apricot Cocktail as well!

Ingredient Notes

Apricot nectar: A spiced simple syrup made with apricot nectar instead of water intensifies the apricot flavour in this cocktail. If you can’t find apricot nectar, then peach nectar or cocktail would make a good substitution.

Apricot brandy: Fruit brandy is made by the distillation of fermented fruit juice. While there are some true apricot brandies on the market, the term is often used for any type of apricot liqueur. Bols makes a good apricot brandy that is widely available. I particularly like Giffard’s Abricot du Roussillon for this apricot brandy cocktail, although that can be hard to track down in North America.

Spices: Simmer the syrup with whole spices such as cinnamon sticks, star anise, and whole cloves.

Gin: I like to use gin as the base alcohol in this cocktail.

Lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice adds some balancing acidity to the sweet apricot flavour.

How to Make a Spiced Apricot Cocktail

Make the spiced apricot syrup

Begin by making the spiced apricot simple syrup. Combine the sugar and apricot nectar in a small saucepan. Add the whole spices. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Turn down the heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

Remove from the heat and cover. Let steep for 30 minutes and then strain the syrup. Cool completely before using. This syrup will last for 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge.

Make Katrina Van Tassel’s Spiced Apricot Cocktail

In a cocktail shaker combine the gin, apricot brandy, spiced apricot syrup, and lemon juice. Add ice, cover, and shake for 10 to 15 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with fresh flowers and a cinnamon stick if desired, and enjoy!

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: The Feast

Check out The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: The Feast master post for more Sleepy Hollow inspired recipes in this series!

• Toffee Apple Pie with Vanilla Custard
• Cider-Brined Roast Chicken
• Pumpkin Cheese Pie with Gingersnap Crust