Ah here we are again, the time of year where I prepare for my annual Christmas party and remember that I not only have this blog, but pay for the domain too. However well my intentions, I always seem to forget to post my new recipes here…perhaps that should be a goal for 2024? My own regretful thoughts aside, I’m thrilled to share this new original cocktail for those of you who still follow my cocktail journey here.

I had known for some time that I wanted to make a maple syrup sweetened cocktail, but was unsure of just how to utilize it without overpowering the balance with sweetness. While searching for a good whiskey cocktail for my party, I thought up this simple, but balanced cocktail which can highlight your choice of syrup or bourbon to your discretion.
For my selection I have chosen my go to favorite of Wild Turkey as it’s both delicious and reasonably priced. I had originally made this with a double oaked Woodford Reserve, but found the stronger flavors of that particular bourbon to overpower the subtleties of the syrup. I think using a more standard (and readily available) 40% ABV spirit keeps all the flavors in check. The cocktail is essentially a riff on the classic whiskey sour, but with a bit more nuance.

Aroma and Tasting Notes:
A whiff of bourbon and a light amber color greet you for the first sip. The front palette is a crisp but mild sweetness. This is quickly followed by a rich mixing of the whiskey and bitters. Then the longer you let those mingled flavors sit the more of the maple flavors linger. It’s not overly sweet or sour, and each of the flavors balance to create a symphony of subtleties. This cocktail more than makes up for my long absence of blogging and is certainly to be a hit at your holiday parties this year. As simple as it is complex the right bourbon and the right locally sourced syrup can easily elevate this cocktail to new heights!

Alcohol Taste Rating: 6/10
Overall Rating: 9/10

Maple Muse
1 1/2 oz Bourbon
1/2 oz Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Maple Syrup
Dash of Bittercube Trinity Bitters

Pour all into an iced mixing glass. Shake and strain into a chilled coupe (or small cocktail) glass.