For Immediate Release:

Apples and whiskey add All-American flair to sweet drinks

Waukegan, Ill. (August 18, 2015) – Recent years have seen an increase in the popularity of American distilled spirits, with American whiskey seeing a particular growth in popularity. In 2013, premium American bourbon and Tennessee whiskey crossed the $1 billion threshold for the first time (Distilled Spirits Council of the United States). With this increase in popularity comes a desire for new cocktail recipes to try with friends.

"Put mixology skills to the test using All-American ingredients like apples and whiskey," said Matt Nielsen, COO of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Inc. "By keeping a few simple add-ins on hand, such as Nielsen-Massey vanillas and flavors, it's easy to pull together delicious cocktails for friends that warm up cool autumn evenings."

In addition to Nielsen-Massey vanilla, pantry staples such as cinnamon sticks, ginger, cloves and seasonal citrus and fruits make it easy to create whiskey-based cocktails for even unexpected visitors.

A take on classic mulled drink recipes, Nielsen-Massey's Mulled Whiskey Cider (recipe below) adds nostalgic warmth to any adult gathering with its smooth vanilla and bright orange flavors. A take on hot apple cider, this toasty treat is made with fresh Gala apples and notes of citrus. Enjoy it by the fire after a day of apple picking or pour it into a thermos for brisk tailgates.

Mulled Whiskey Cider
Serves 6

Ingredients
2 quarts apple cider
1/2 cup 100% pure pomegranate juice
1/3 cup 100% pure maple syrup (adjust maple syrup if cider is already sweet)
1 Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean
1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Pure Orange Extract
3 large cinnamon sticks
12 whole cloves
5 whole allspice berries
1/4 teaspoon cardamom seeds
2/3 cup whiskey
1 large Gala apple, thinly sliced (garnish)

Directions
Add apple cider, pomegranate juice and maple syrup to a large saucepan; heat over medium-high heat. Split vanilla bean in half lengthwise with the tip of a small knife. Scrape both sides of the bean with the knife's dull side and add the seeds and bean to the saucepan.

Add the orange extract, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries and cardamom seeds to the saucepan; stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 30 minutes.

Strain mulled cider through a fine mesh sieve. Add whiskey; stir to combine. Serve with a fresh apple slice.

Other drink recipes perfect for cool, autumn weather include:
Apple Pie Martini
Mocha Coffee
Chocolattini

About Nielsen-Massey Vanillas
Throughout its more than 100 year history, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas has earned its reputation as a manufacturer of the finest extracts in the world. The full line of Nielsen-Massey’s Pure Vanilla products include: Vanilla Beans and Extracts from Madagascar, Tahiti and Mexico; sugar and alcohol-free Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar, Organic Fairtrade Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract and Organic Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Beans. Nielsen-Massey Fairtrade products are certified by FLOCERT.

Nielsen-Massey Vanillas also offers a full line of Pure Flavors: Pure Chocolate Extract, Pure Almond Extract, Pure Orange Extract, Pure Lemon Extract, Pure Coffee Extract, Pure Peppermint Extract, Orange Blossom Water and Rose Water. All Nielsen-Massey products are All-Natural, Allergen-Free, GMO-Free, and certified Kosher and Gluten-Free. The company is headquartered in Waukegan, Illinois, with production facilities in Waukegan and Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.

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Photos are available upon request. For more information about Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, contact:
Gardi Wilks, gwilks@savoragency.com
Savor – the food agency, 847.556.7511