Properly Sauced - The Roaring Fire

By Anthony Todd in Food on Dec 8, 2009 6:40PM

Now that the temperatures have dropped and the snow has started to fall, different kinds of cocktails are needed to revive our flagging spirits. Here at Chicagoist cocktail labs, winter cocktails have always been our favorite, and this concoction is no exception.

The combination of a dark spirit with maple syrup was inspired by Charles Joly, of the Drawing Room, but this drink tastes stronger and smokier than the “Nooner” that we featured a few months ago. Rather than sliding down your throat like clarified butter, this drink is like being kicked in the pants by a boot wrapped in an ermine stole.

We aren’t fortunate enough to have a real roaring fire to sit in front of, sipping brandy and watching the snow. This cocktail is as close as you can get without cutting a chimney hole in your roof.

The Roaring Fire

2 oz Laird’s Applejack
3/4 oz Domaine de Canton Ginger liqueur
3/4 oz real Maple syrup
4 dashes orange bitters
1/4 oz Scotch (we used Laphroig)

In an old fashioned glass, combine all of the ingredients. Do not shake! Stir to dissolve the maple syrup, then add 2 large chunks of ice. Don’t garnish with anything - you should only sip this in dim light, and no one will see the garnish.