How to Make the Elite 8 Punch Cocktail - The Perfect Elite Drink

If you’re a fan of bourbon, fresh citrus, and apple ale, the Elite 8 Punch Cocktail by Traeger Kitchen is a must-try. This refreshing beverage combines the smoky depth of brandy and bourbon with the zest of grilled citrus and the crispness of apple ale. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating this vibrant cocktail, along with a unique twist to make it your own.

Ingredients

• 2 oranges
• 1 lemon
• Agave syrup (to taste)
• Granulated sugar (to taste)
• 1 1/2 oz B&B French Brandy
• 1/2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz smoked simple syrup (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 dashes bitters
• Ice
• 1 (12 oz) bottle of Redd's Apple Ale

Instructions

1. Preparation:

   • Set your Traeger temperature to 350°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
   • Peel the skin off the oranges and lemon into 1-inch-wide strips. Juice the lemon and set aside the peels and juice.

2. Grilling the Citrus:

   • Brush the cut sides of the oranges with agave and place directly on the grill grates, cut-sides down. Grill until slightly charred, approximately 20-30 minutes. Let cool and then squeeze the juice into a measuring cup.
   • Toss the orange and lemon peels in granulated sugar until well-coated. Place the peels directly on the grill grates and cook until the oils caramelize and the edges are toasted.

3. Mixing the Cocktail:

   • In a shaker, combine the brandy, bourbon, Traeger Smoked Simple Syrup, 1 1/2 oz grilled orange juice, 1/2 oz lemon juice, and bitters. Add ice and shake until very cold.
   • Fill a large glass with fresh ice and strain the cocktail into the glass. Top with Redd's Apple Ale and garnish with a grilled orange and lemon peel.

Adding a Herbal Note

To add a unique herbal twist to this cocktail, consider incorporating fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary. Here's how you can do it:

• Herbal Infusion:

  • Before starting, prepare an herbal-infused simple syrup by simmering equal parts water and sugar with a handful of fresh thyme or rosemary until the sugar dissolves. Let it steep for 30 minutes and strain out the herbs.
  • Replace the smoked simple syrup with the herbal-infused syrup in the cocktail recipe.

• Herbal Garnish:

  • Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary to the cocktail as a garnish. Lightly torch the herb to release its aromatic oils, adding an extra layer of flavor to your drink.

This twist not only enhances the flavor profile of the Elite 8 Punch Cocktail but also adds a refreshing and sophisticated herbal note that complements the citrus and bourbon beautifully.