Back in the day when I was a bartender, I absolutely loved working on the specialty cocktail list. Most of my bartending jobs were in restaurants that would switch out the cocktail list seasonally, and I loved experimenting to create my own fun drinks. And hey, the taste testing part wasn’t so bad either…

One of my favorite cocktails to make (and drink) has always been an Old Fashioned. Bourbon, sugar (purists will use a sugar cube), Angostura bitters, a tiny bit of water, and an orange peel combine to make one of the original cocktails. No seriously…this cocktail is about 200 years old. I’m not gonna lie, though, sometimes it’s fun to mix it up a little! That’s why one of my favorite ways to enjoy this absolute classic is to give it a satisfying twist and use maple syrup instead of the sugar cube.

I’ve seen this recipe made with rye whiskey before, and you could certainly do that, but just like in my classic Old Fashions, I prefer bourbon. What’s the difference, you ask? The short answer is that rye tends to have a spicier flavor profile that is delicious, just not my personal favorite when combined with the sweetness of the maple in this cocktail.

How to Make a Maple Old Fashioned:

Using a vegetable peeler, peel off a little orange peel (around 3-4 inches) and run it around the rim of the glass. Next, pour the bourbon, maple syrup (make sure you’re using the real stuff!), water, and a few dashes of the bitters into the glass. Stir until the maple syrup dissolves, then add a couple of ice cubes. Give the orange peel a good twist over the drink, then add it in. You could also add a maraschino cherry for garnish! Make a few and serve to your friends, impressing them with your fancy (wink wink) bartender skills!

Want more cocktail ideas? Try my Peach Iced Tea!

**This post was sponsored by The Glass Barn, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.**

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Maple Old Fashioned

A fall-inspired twist on a classic cocktail, this Maple Old Fashioned will warm you up from the inside out on those chilly autumn nights!

Course Cocktail

Cuisine American

Keyword Angostura Bitters, bourbon, fall cocktail, fall flavors, maple syrup

Servings 1 person

Author Meagan - The Crossroads Cook

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1 tsp Maple Syrup
• 1/2 tsp Water
• 3-4 Dashes Angostura Bitters
• Orange Peel

Instructions

• Using a vegetable peeler, peel off a 3 to 4 inch chunk of orange peel. Rub the peel along the rim of a cocktail glass, and set aside.
• Add the bourbon, bitters, maple syrup, and water into the glass. Gently stir until the maple syrup is dissolved.
• Add ice cubes.
• Twist the orange peel over the glass to release the oils, then add the orange peel to the cocktail.

The post Maple Old Fashioned appeared first on The Crossroads Cook.

Oh summer, how I love you. Also on the list of things I love? Heading to the lake for some fun in the sun (mostly just laying out in the sun…), throwing just about any type of food on the grill, and a cold, refreshing cocktail to celebrate it all with. Bonus points for one that is SUPER easy.

That’s where this Peach Iced Tea Cocktail comes in. Light enough that you can drink…lots…of them without getting a stomach ache or feeling full, easy enough that you can just mix it directly in your insulated mug and go, and so delicious and refreshing you can drink them all day. Yep, I’m talking about some good old fashioned day drinking here. Or night drinking. Or evening, sitting on the porch, watching the sunset with your love sitting next to you drinking. Whatever.

I wish I could take the credit for coming up with this one, but I can’t. My friend Meg concocted this one and shared it with me a few summers ago, and boy am I glad she did! It really might be the perfect summer time drink!

How to Make a Peach Iced Tea Cocktail:

You’ll Need:

-Peach Flavored Vodka (pick your poison here. I like New Amsterdam Peach Vodka for this one, but any peach flavored vodka will do!)

-Brisk Iced Tea with Lemon

-Ice

So, you know I’m all about changing recipes up to suit your personal tastes. BUT. There is one ingredient you do not want to substitute here! You’ll want to make sure you use Brisk Iced Tea with Lemon. I’m only able to find them in cans in my area (at Kroger, with the Pepsi products), but you might be able to find other types of packaging. Of course you can use other types of iced tea if you want, but the cocktail will not taste the same. It’ll still be good…just not the same.

So, grab your favorite drinking vessel and fill it up with ice. Add about 2 ounces (give or take depending on the size of your cup/glass) of peach flavored vodka. I like mine on the strong side, so I always add a little more. Fill the glass the rest of the way up with the Brisk Iced Tea with Lemon, and take a big old refreshing sip and enjoy your day!

This post is sponsored by The Glass Barn, Indiana’s Corn and Soybean Growers. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

The post Peach Iced Tea Cocktail appeared first on The Crossroads Cook.