Embrace the cooler months with this maple whiskey cocktail, inspired by the classic Sazerac. In just three minutes you could be sipping on this Fall inspired whiskey cocktail!
If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you know how much I love New England, and Vermont in particular. Next week will be the 4 year anniversary since we first visited Vermont and fell in love. Vermont is the place where I came to enjoy whiskey, thanks to the bartender at the Equinox Resort in Manchester.
They had a seasonal cocktail menu, and on it was a recipe for a Vermont Sazerac. I was intrigued, so I ordered and finally understood why people enjoyed whiskey. The bartender was nice enough to share the simple recipe with me, and I’ve been making them ever since, mainly in the Fall and Winter months. I think you’ll really enjoy this cocktail.
So get out the tumblers. Grab that bottle of whiskey. And let’s cheers to Fall.
What Is A Sazerac?
Ok so what exactly is a Sazerac? Sounds more like a Harry Potter spell if you ask me, but it is indeed a fancy cocktail that uses rye whiskey. It originally hails from New Orleans and is generally made with sugar, bitters, and absinthe, which is the key unique ingredient that distinguishes it from a traditional Old Fashioned.
The Equinox Resort put their “Vermont twist” on it by swapping out the sugar cube for Vermont maple syrup. Of course your cocktail doesn’t have to specifically use Vermont syrup, but it’s fun to use if you can find it. Makes it feel a little more like you’re vacationing in New England 😉 Trader Joe’s currently has a delicious Vermont maple syrup that is aged in bourbon barrels. Pick it up if you find it in your local store, you won’t regret it.
Ingredients For This Maple Whiskey Cocktail
Here’s what you need to round up from your bar cart and pantry…
- Bourbon or Rye Whiskey – Feel free to use either, they both taste delicous! I prefer to use Four Roses Bourbon Whiskey or Bulleit Rye Whiskey for this drink.
- Absinthe – This is a must, otherwise you’re just making an Old Fashioned 😉 I have had my bottle for close to 4 years now, and it is still almost half way full. It doesn’t expire and you need to use just the tiniest amount.
- Maple Syrup – I swapped out sugar and used maple syrup. A traditional Sazerac uses a sugar cube to sweeten the whiskey, but using Vermont maple syrup gives it a warmer, earthier flavor, inspired by the Green Mountains of Vermont.
- Ice – You will use the ice to chill the whiskey before you pour your whiskey into your final tumbler glass to drink.
- Garnish – You have a few options here. A traditional New Orleans style Sazerac uses a lemon peel garnish, but feel free to use an orange peel, and even add a Luxardo cherry (or two).
How To Make This Maple Whiskey Cocktail
Can I Use Rye Whiskey?
You absolutely can! A traditional Sazerac uses rye whiskey and would be delicious. I recommend Bulleit Rye Whiskey for this drink.
Can I Double This Recipe?
If you have a couple guests coming over, you can definitely make a double batch. It just really depends on the size of your cocktail shaker. But most cocktail shakers should be able to easily hold 8 ounces of your whiskey.
Can I Serve This Over Ice?
I just stirred the whiskey with the ice to chill it down, so that it doesn’t water down the whiskey too much. But if you would like you could serve this over ice. Or just add a single ice cube to the end product if you would like to help dilute the whiskey a little bit. But I encourage you to try it as is!
More Cocktails To Sip On
- Gin Grapefruit Cocktail
- Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita
- Coconut Pineapple Margarita Recipe
- Apple Cider Moscow Mules
Tools Needed To Make This Maple Whiskey Cocktail
- Tumbler Glasses
- Cocktail Shaker
LET’S CONNECT!
Follow along with me on Instagram! And if you make this recipe be sure to tag me @howe.we.live so I can see! I love seeing what you’re making!
Maple Whiskey Sazerac
Equipment
- Old Fashioned Glasses
Ingredients
- 4 Ounces Bourbon Whiskey Rye would also work well with this recipe
- ½ Ounce Absinthe
- ½ tablespoon Maple Syrup Vermont preferred
- Ice
- Garnish of lemon or orange peel and Luxardo Cherries Optional
Instructions
- Pour a splash of the Absinthe, about ¼ ounce each, into a Old Fashioned glass, and rinse along the inner edges. After the glass is well coated, discard any excess absinthe.
- In a cocktail shaker or cocktail mixing glass, add a few ice cubes, and add the whiskey and maple syrup. Stir well.
- Strain whiskey mix into the absinthe rinsed glass, and if desired, add ice cubes and garnish. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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