Mojitos
Ingredients for 1 drink: 1-1/2 oz rum, juice of 1 lime, 1-2 tsps maple syrup (we recommend light amber or medium), 2-4 mint sprigs, Club Soda water. In a tall glass, crush part of the mint gently to release juices. Add in rum, lime juice, maple syrup and ice. Stir and add desired amount of Club Soda. Garnish with remaining mint sprigs and slice of lime.
Margaritas
This fine recipe, known to a Southwest branch of our family as a Texas Margarita, replaces Triple Sec with a simple sweet to buffer the lime and allow the flavors of your fine Tequila to stand out. Many recipes call for different ratios. We suggest equal parts of Tequila and fresh squeezed lime and enough maple syrup to balance the sour to taste. Again, we recommend light amber or medium amber for their subtleties. Grinding with ice in a blender is another option as is rim salt. Combine with lots of visiting!
Hot Buttered Rum (or Mulled Cider)
One great engine of colonial New England and the revolution. Heat the cider any way you like (One traditional way was with a hot poker.) Add medium to dark rum to your strength and medium to dark amber syrup to your taste. Finish a pot with a pat of real fine butter if your doctor approves. Cinnamon or nutmeg are holiday options.
Cider Sour, another warm drink for cold days!
Makes 2 drinks
2 cups sparkling apple cider, ½ cup bourbon, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, dash of cayenne pepper*, ½ cup Club Soda
In a shaker, combine the cider, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and pepper. Shake together with ice until blended; pour the mixture evenly between 2 glasses with some ice. Top each glass off with the club soda, again divided, and enjoy.
Maple Old Fashioned
Makes 1 drink
2 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, dash of Angostura bitters, orange peel for garnish. Mix whiskey, maple syrup, bitters, and 1 tsp. water in an old-fashioned glass until syrup is dissolved. Add a single large ice cube, then garnish with orange peel.
Enjoy syrups in your teas and coffee. Experiment with different flavors!