By Karl Neubauer of Hollerhorn Distilling
Winter in the Finger Lakes is a magical time filled with gorgeous hikes, downhill and cross-country skiing, and as we move toward the early spring light again … Maple Sugaring! It is our first harvest of the new year, and for me personally, it has always been a time spent with our daughters boiling sap into the golden elixir. This was the inspiration for our line of “Tree Spirits” distilled from maple syrup when we began distilling at Hollerhorn, and it continues to inspire new variations and ideas behind the bar, and in the kitchen!
This fun cocktail idea came from riffing on whiskey sour recipes and experimenting with our maple distillates that have been aged in freshly dumped bourbon barrels. If you have enjoyed a good whiskey sour, or made one at home, you know the attraction to the beautiful balance of sweet and sour that exists, and the silky mouthfeel that makes these so delicious!
INGREDIENTS
Hollerhorn “Sapling” maple spirit
Wohlshlegel’s maple syrup
1 egg
Lemon juice
Angostura bitters
PREPERATION
Begin with separating an egg white, and placing the egg white in a cocktail shaker along with 2 ounces of Hollerhorn “Sapling” maple spirit, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 1 ounce of Wohlshlegel’s maple syrup.
Fill the cocktail shaker halfway with ice, place the top on the shaker, and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds. The shake is very essential for creating a nice foam that will add to the mouthfeel, and overall success of this cocktail, so really shake it!
PRESENTATION
I believe glassware is a very important part of any cocktail recipe, and will impact the overall experience and enjoyment of flavors. I prefer a coup glass for this sour, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Upon completing the shake, strain the cocktail into a chilled coup glass, making sure to get all of the foam into the top of the glass. Add 3-4 drops of Angostura bitters to the top of the foam, and if you are feeling creative, you can create some interesting designs using a toothpick. Finally, the best part … imbibe!
Hollerhorn Distilling. 8443 Spirit Run Naples, NY 14512. hollerhorn.com.
Karl Neubauer is owner, head distiller, and mixologist at Hollerhorn Distilling in Naples, NY. Hollerhorn is a farm distillery, farm-to-table restaurant, cocktail bar, and event space focused on local bounty, and the highest quality spirit production in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region.
