Autumn Bourbon Rickey with Maple Syrup
After a summer of cocktails filled with fruit and juice and sparking something or another and of course tequila, the weather has turned enough to speak of fall and the cocktails start to transition as well. I seem to do more classic cocktails in the fall and winter; times when bourbon seems more at home and a warmer, more full bodied drink is appropriate.
A gin rickey might be considered more of a summer drink but transition it over to bourbon and everything changes…add some maple syrup and fall is definitely in the air. A rickey is one of those cocktails — actually a highball, that is defined more by the accoutrements in the glass than the liquor that’s included. For a rickey that means lime juice, club soda and a lime garnish. So although it’s more commonly known in the summer, you can make a wide variety of rickeys depending on your taste and the season; including a Bourbon rickey, a Brandy rickey, a Scotch rickey (yes you CAN make cocktails with Scotch!), a vodka rickey, and so on. Once the weather starts to cool (and this past week it snowed even!) I’m ready to move from the lighter gin rickey to this one with Bourbon.
In this highball I used Larceny Bourbon from a small batch distiller in Kentucky. Larceny carries on the tradition of John E. Fitzgerald Bourbons with wheat as the secondary grain instead of the traditional rye. Its mashbill calls for one-third more wheat than other competitors, making it a smoother tasting bourbon. It’s become one of my favorites.
Wanting to make something that really spoke of fall, I loved the addition of maple syrup to the classic ingredients in a Bourbon Rickey. Wow. Double Wow. Not too much; I didn’t want a really sweet drink but something about bourbon and maple syrup just sings to me. The lime adds a much needed sour element that keeps the drink from being cloying and this was perfect recently for an afternoon of football. Especially after I’ve had a few (just kidding).
This was a real cocktail folks…great bourbon, just enough soda; a bit of tart and that bit of maple syrup sweet…the perfect ending to a cool fall day.
Autumn Rickey
Ingredients
- 2 Lime wheels for bottom of glass
- .5 oz Grade-B maple syrup
- 1 oz Lime juice
- 1.5 oz Larceny Bourbon
- Club soda
- Lime wheels for garnish
Instructions
- Put two lime wheels in a highball glass and fill the glass with ice.
- Combine the maple syrup, lime juice and bourbon in a shaker and shake until thoroughly combined. Pour over ice in glass and then fill with club soda. Stir briefly to combine.
- Top with more lime wheels for garnish.
I have a question about the Autum Rickey drink – what type of lime juice is used? Roses or more like lime juice from the grocery store that is on the shelf by the lemon juice (not frozen lime juice).
Thanks
I would recommend fresh lime juice; just buy a couple of limes and squeeze them. They’re the best…in lieu of that I would choose either of the others but neither are as good as the real deal!
This is much like a Canadian classic (little known in the US) called the Maple Leaf. I like that you kept yours nice and sour. GREG
I won’t deny I love some sweet, fruity cocktails, especially in the summer but heading into fall and winter I tend to find more grownup cocktails to my liking and a good combination of sweet and sour makes it for me. I’m not familiar with the Canadian version but it makes sense…don’t they put maple on EVERYTHING? (I know I sure love it!).
Hello,
Someone just turned me on to your blog and also “Cooking With Mr. C.” on Facebook (also a blog). I’m so excited to look through your recipes.
Denise
Welcome Denise…glad to have a new reader!
Yum. I shall definitely try this. I also need to subscribe to your recipes… I haven’t been on Twitter as much (!!!!) so even though I know cocktails come out on Fridays, I keep missing everything…. which isn’t fun.
Well yes you MUST!! 🙂
And now, I just have this huge craving to sip on this deliciousness.
Maple syrup makes everything better!
This drink is just CALLING my name! What a stunner 😉
Thanks Ashley…it’s a great fall cocktail; especially if you are a fan of bourbon. And maple syrup. Yum it is!
There’s actually a pretty good argument to be made that bourbon was the spirit used in the first rickey, although of course the gin version has become iconic. Great job! I love the inclusion of maple syrup – brilliant! And I agree one of these would really hit the spot at this time of the year – I need to go check my bourbon supply! 😉 Thanks for this.
That wouldn’t surprise me…so it’s just coming home again then huh? I love maple syrup and bourbon so this was a no brainer. The lime keeps it just tart enough to not be a girly sweet drink. LOVED it John.
I’ve never heard of Larceny bourbon. Not sure if it’s sold here in Australia. This drink looks so delicious, I’m definitely going to track down the best Bourbon I can find to make it. Yum! Thanks Barb! xx
Most welcome Laura…and no surprise you’ve not heard of it. It’s not even distributed in all of the states here in US. I love Maker’s Mark too; it’s good and not too pricey. Can you get that?
I too find my self gravitating more toward traditional cocktails at this time of year. This colder weather always makes me want something like a smooth Boulevardier or a classic Hanky Panky. This one sounds wonderful. I have never tried maple syrup in a drink, but you have convinced me to try. Cheers!
Hanky Panky huh? I’m off to look that up now cause I’ve never heard of it. But it’s true; they’re a bit boozier and as a result a bit more warming. As long as we don’t get too warm. 🙂
You continue to share so many ideas and drinks each Friday and each seems as special as the last. I especially like your photo this week. It’s warm and the tones speak to fall; your drink looks refreshing and cozy at the same time.
You are too sweet; luckily I have a never-ending supply of ideas; I just need more time!
Barb, you’ve created THE perfect fall cocktail! Bourbon and maple syrup are just lovely together. As soon as I pick up some limes I’ll start mixing. Happy weekend to you!
Why thanks Hannah; now come on down and have one with me!
I’m not much of a drinker of anything other than white wines with dinner and a nice Amaretto on ice for cocktails but you are really tempting me with this (still haven’t had a Margarita!) Pretty sure it has something to do with the Maple Syrup! Have a great weekend Barb 🙂
One day it will have to happen. You’ll have to come here JUST for me to make you the bestest (yes) margarita ever!
Anything with bourbon and maple syrup in gets my vote, baby! Inspired 🙂
Right? I loved this one…SO over the sweetness that seems to permeate summer cocktails. It’s big girl time baby! 🙂