2 tablespoons apple brandy (such as Calvados or Laird's)
2 tablespoons bourbon
2 tablespoons fresh apple cider
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 dash of Angostura bitters
Dried or fresh apple slice (optional)

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 1 tablespoon thyme simple syrup, apple brandy, and next 4 ingredients. Shake cocktail vigorously 10-15 times and strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with apple slice, if desired.

Thyme Syrup
1/2 cup sugar
15 sprigs thyme

1 part dark spirit (whiskey or brandy)
3 parts boiling water
Honey and lemon to taste
Optionally, add cinnamon or cloves

Also consider: infusing the liquor with apples: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/honey-bourbon-toddy#recipe-ingr... (or subbing in Calvados). Take it a step further with mint and absinthe: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/castle-dip

From http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2013/11/aged-eggnog-recip...

Eggnog (based on Dr. Lancefield's recipe)
1 dozen eggs
2 cups sugar
1 quart half-and-half
1 750-ml bottle gold or dark rum
1 750-ml bottle bourbon
1 quart heavy cream
Nutmeg to taste (at least 1 teaspoon)

Beat eggs in a stand mixer until frothy and light. While mixer is running, gradually add sugar until fully dissolved. With mixer still running, add half-and-half, then slowly add bourbon and rum. Transfer mixture to a large bowl.

Bufala Negra, from Imbibe: http://www.imbibemagazine.com/Bufala-Negra-Cocktail-Recipe

Bourbon and fresh basil meet the tart and tangy cocktail from H. Harper Station barman Jerry Slater combining balsamic syrup and ginger beer.

2 oz. bourbon
4 fresh basil leaves
1 brown sugar cube or sorghum
1/2 oz. balsamic syrup (see below)
2 oz. ginger beer
Ice cubes

Muddle the balsamic syrup, basil and sugar cube, add bourbon and ice and shake hard. Strain over fresh ice cubes into an Old Fashioned. Top with ginger beer and garnish with basil leaf.