Apple Thyme Bourbon Cocktail

1. Make your spiced simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan (1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water). Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and star anise. Simmer until sugar is dissolved and mixture thickens to a syrup. Chill.

2. To make the cocktail, muddle thyme and 1/4 ounce of the spiced simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, bourbon and cider. Shake, strain and serve over ice with a thyme sprig for garnish.

Note: spiced simple syrup can be kept, covered, in the refrigerator for a few weeks.