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By in Blog Comments Off on What Are Cocktail Aromatics

What Are Cocktail Aromatics

At Mad River Distillers, we love making cocktails. We also love the experimentation process that leads to our recipes. Through experimenting with different flavors, we can create delicious cocktails with our spirits. Perhaps unexpectedly, one way the flavor of a cocktail can be enhanced is by improving the aroma using cocktail aromatics. So, what are cocktail aromatics?

We all know that our tongues are covered in taste buds, with the ability to decipher whether something is sweet or salty. Our taste buds tell our brain how to perceive flavor. However, for anyone who has ever had a bad cold with a stuffy nose, you know that the flavor experience isn’t limited to our tongues. Our nose actually plays a big role, picking up on aromas that send messages to our brain, also telling us how to perceive flavor. This is where cocktail aromatics come into play.

Our nose and tongue are so connected in the taste experience that aromas can trigger memories in our brain (Macdonald, 2019). According to Science World (Taste-Smell Connection, 2020), “Our sense of smell is responsible for about 80% of what we taste. Without our sense of smell, our sense of taste is limited to only five distinct sensations: sweet, salty, sour, bitter and the newly discovered “umami” or savory sensation. All other flavours that we experience come from smell.” Given this close connection between our taste buds and our sense of smell, it stands to reason that if something smells good, it typically tastes good. At least, that’s what our brains will tell us. On the flip side, if we want to improve the taste of something, one way we can achieve that is by improving the aroma. 

Similar to how bitters can enhance the flavor of a cocktail as it hits your tongue, cocktail aromatics can enhance a beverage simply with the aroma you smell through your nose. A simple and common way to add aroma to cocktails would be through fresh citrus or herb garnishes. You’ve likely ordered a cocktail that was served with a slice of lime, a lemon peel, or even a mint sprig. These all have the power to affect smell just before the drink hits your taste buds, all of which mingle together and send powerful flavor signals to your brain.

What’s particularly interesting with cocktail aromatics is the impact it can have on the flavor of your drink, without diluting it. Typical cocktail recipes may include citrus, syrups, bitters or other ingredients that can add flavor, but also dilute the spirit in the process. With cocktail aromatics, you can add a lot of flavor through smell alone.

Besides adding a garnish, there is another way that you can impact the aroma of your drink. Companies such as Alice & the Magician create specially extracted cocktail aromatic mists and flavor elixirs that can be added to cocktails (or mocktails) to improve the flavor experience. With just a spray or a few drops, you can add flavor without diluting your drink. If our sense of smell is responsible for 80% of what we taste, then you can imagine the possibilities with an aromatic mist or drop. You could use a variety of different aromatics to create new and unique flavor experiences, without diluting your drink or adding a pile of garnishes to your glass, all while still appreciating the full flavor of the main spirit.

Generally speaking, we tend to think of taste as what determines whether something has a great flavor, but as science tells us, that isn’t the full picture. Our nose deserves much more credit for its role in the flavor experience. Cocktail aromatics target your sense of smell to deliver a flavor experience unlike a usual bitter or syrup.

Are you ready to experience the power of cocktail aromatics for yourself? Most of our cocktail recipes feature fresh citrus and herb garnishes, meant to play on your sense of smell. Browse our recipes, such as this PX I Miss You cocktail featuring a clove studded orange peel. To try cocktail aromatics in a mist or drop form, visit our Burlington Tasting Room, where you’ll find some Alice & the Magician products, or visit them online. You can also try our Smokey Bokey recipe featuring their Bonfire Smoke mist.


Written and edited by Brianne Lucas. Published August 16, 2022.

REFERENCES:
Macdonald, R. (2019, April 3). The Science Behind Smell and Taste | Institute of Culinary Education. Institute of Culinary Education. Retrieved August 9, 2022, from https://ice.edu/blog/smell-taste-flavor-connection

Taste-Smell Connection. (2020, July 1). Science World. Retrieved August 9, 2022, from https://www.scienceworld.ca/resource/taste-smell-connection/

By in Cocktails, First Run Rum Comments Off on Apricot Blossom

Apricot Blossom

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Apricot Blossom cocktail on the bar at Mad River Distillers with a bottle of First Run Rum and dried apricots

Apricot Blossom


  • Author: Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Apricot Blossom cocktail on the bar at Mad River Distillers with a bottle of First Run Rum and dried apricots

Description

This cocktail uses an Apricot Infused First Run Rum as well as a Honey Simple Syrup, lemon juice and bitters. It requires a little preparation on your part, but we promise it will be worth it!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz. Apricot Infused First Run Rum*
  • 1 oz. Honey Simple Syrup**
  • 1 oz. fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2-3 dashes Orange Bitters

Instructions

  1. Add ice to a coupe glass to chill it.
  2. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice, then shake for about 15 seconds. (See below for instructions on making the Apricot Infused First Run Rum and the Honey Simple Syrup.)
  3. Dump ice from coupe, then strain shaker into the coupe glass.
  4. Garnish with a dried apricot.

Notes

*To make the Apricot Infused First Run Rum:
Add 1 cup of dried apricots to a 750ml. bottle of First Run Rum. Store the bottle away from sunlight, and shake it every day for one week.

**To make the Honey Simple Syrup:
Heat one part water with one part honey until the honey is fully integrated, then allow the syrup to cool. Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. We recommend using local honey.


Featured Spirit

By in Blog Comments Off on Top 5 Cocktails With Lemon

Top 5 Cocktails With Lemon

In recent blog posts, we covered the topic of citrus and how it has the power to transform cocktails. As a follow-up, we shared our top 5 cocktail recipes using lime juice. Now it’s time for lemon juice to get its turn in the spotlight!

Similar to limes, lemons are high in citric acid and low in sugar. However, lemons are slightly more acidic than limes, and they contain more Vitamin C! They’re also versatile, working well in cocktails across each season. As with limes, lemon (and lemon juice) has the ability to bring balance to strong drinks by cutting through the alcohol. Also like limes, lemons can overpower a more subtle spirit, so the goal in all of our cocktail recipes at Mad River Distillers is to achieve a balance that allows the flavor of our unique spirits to come through.

When it comes to cocktails and lemon juice, whiskey sours may be what immediately comes to mind. You simply cannot have a whiskey sour without the lemon juice. However, we have a couple favorites here that combine lemon juice with rum, as well. Here, we share our top 5 Mad River Distillers cocktail recipes that incorporate at least one ounce of lemon juice, so you can appreciate the transformative power of this Vitamin C-packed citrus from home.

1) FINAL WARD
Ingredients:

- 1 oz. Revolution Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 oz. Green Chartreuse
- 1 oz. Luxardo Maraschino

Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake hard until frost appears on the shaker tin. Double strain contents into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

2) MAPLE BOURBON SOUR
Ingredients:

- 2 oz. Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 oz. Vermont Maple Syrup
- 4 dashes Angostura Bitters

Instructions:
Combine Bourbon, lemon juice, and maple syrup in a shaker over ice. Shake briefly, then strain contents into a Double Old Fashioned Glass. Garnish with Angostura Bitters.

3) RYE SMASH
Ingredients:

- 2 oz. Revolution Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 oz. Royal Rose Raspberry Syrup
- .25 oz. Fernet Branca

Instructions:
Combine ingredients in a shaker over ice. Shake briefly. Strain contents into a Double Old Fashioned glass. Top off with Fernet Branca. Garnish with a mint sprig and raspberries

Want to make your own raspberry simple syrup?
Bring ⅔ cup water and ⅔ cup sugar to a boil until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, then add 1 cup of raspberries, using a masher or spoon to break them up in the syrup. Let the mixture cool for 1 hour, then strain out the raspberry pieces. Store the syrup in the fridge (it’s good for about 1 week).

4) ROARIN’ 20’s
Ingredients:

- 2 oz. First Run Rum
- 1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- .5 oz. Ginger Liqueur
- Splash of Fever Tree Club Soda

Instructions:
Shake First Run Rum, lemon juice and Ginger Liqueur with ice until the shaker tin is frosty. Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Splash with club soda, then stir gently to combine.

PX Express cocktail on a table

5) PX EXPRESS
Ingredients:

- 2 oz. PX Rum
- 1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 oz. Lemon Balm Syrup
- 2-3 dashes Bitters Lab Blueberry Cardamom Bitters
- Fever Tree Club Soda
- Sprig of Lemon Balm or Lemon Verbena for garnish

Instructions:
Build this cocktail in a stemless wine glass with ice. Add the PX Rum, Lemon Juice, Lemon Balm Syrup and bitters to the glass. Stir gently to incorporate ingredients. Top with club soda, then garnish with a sprig of lemon balm or lemon verbena. 

Need some lemon balm syrup?
Make it at home by dissolving one part sugar in one part water in a pan over low heat. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the pan from heat. Stir in fresh lemon balm leaves. Once the syrup is cool, strain out the leaves. Store the syrup in the fridge (it’s good for about 1 week).

Interested in finding more recipes that incorporate lemon juice? Try our Direct Message or Bourbon Street cocktail recipes. For even more drink inspiration, visit the Cocktail Recipes section of our website. Cheers!


Written and edited by Brianne Lucas. Published on August 11, 2022.

Cocktails & Cannolis

An event so nice, we’re holding it twice! Cocktails & Cannolis is returning to the Burlington Tasting Room on Saturday, 8/13 from 2-7pm. Come by and order up a special made cannoli from Only Cannoli, along with a delicious craft cocktail from our bar. You won’t want to miss this deliciousness!
By in Cooking & Baking Comments Off on Mini Rum Key Lime Pies

Mini Rum Key Lime Pies

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Mini Rum Key Lime Pies

Mini Rum Key Lime Pies


  • Author: Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 4 mini pies 1x
Mini Rum Key Lime Pies

Description

These simple mini key lime pies are made with key lime juice and fresh lime zest, then covered with a sweet rum-infused whipped topping.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¼ cups of graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 5 tbsp melted unsalted butter
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 - 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
  • 2-3 limes (for lime zest)
  • ¾ cup key lime juice (such as Nellie & Joe’s Famous Key West Lime Juice)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tbsp powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp PX Rum

Instructions

  1. To make the pie crust, first preheat your oven to 325 degrees. In a medium size bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Mix ingredients together with a fork until well combined.
  2. Divide the crumb mix between 4 mini pie shells. Press the crumb mix down into the bottom of the pie shells, and up along the sides. (It may be helpful to use the bottom of another pie shell to press the crumb mixture firmly against the bottom and sides.) 
  3. Bake the crusts in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust begins to lightly brown. Remove the pie shells from the oven, and set them aside to cool. Leave the oven preheated to 325.
  4. Zest two limes, then set the zest aside. (If you want some extra zest on the top of the finished pie, zest a third lime.)
  5. In a mixing bowl, add the 4 egg yolks and can of sweetened condensed milk. Beat them over medium speed for several minutes. The pie filling should now have a smooth texture and be roughly double the volume. 
  6. In the mixing bowl, add a pinch of salt, the key lime juice, and the fresh zest from two limes. Whisk them into the pie mixture. 
  7. Once the mini pie pans have cooled, pour the pie mixture into each pan, then bake them in the oven for 10-15 minutes. The edges of the pie should be risen and firm, and there should be a slight jiggle in the center of each pie. Once it is done baking, remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool.
  8. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream for several minutes until it begins to thicken. Add the sugar and vanilla, and continue to whip until you see stiff peaks form. Add the PX Rum, and whip for another minute until fully incorporated. 
  9. Using a large spoon, spread the rum-infused whipped topping on the pie. Add some lime zest on top for added flavor. Serve cold.

Notes

  • Fresh whipped cream should be served within a few hours. 
  • The whipped topping contains alcohol and is intended for adults 21+ only.

Featured Spirit

By in Blog Comments Off on Top 5 Cocktails With Lime

Top 5 Cocktails With Lime

In a recent blog post, we covered the topic of citrus, and how it has the power to transform cocktails. Limes, which are high in citric acid and low in sugar, have a sour or tart flavor to them. They have the ability to bring balance to strong drinks by cutting through the alcohol. Conversely, in a subtle spirit, lime can be overpowering and so a more subtle use is desired. However, the tart or sour flavor of limes can be reduced simply by letting fresh squeezed juice sit out for a few hours. 

At Mad River Distillers, a balanced cocktail is extremely important to us, not only so that the cocktail is enjoyable, but so that the distinctive flavor of our spirits can shine through. The idea is to enhance, not mask or overpower. Here, we share our top 5 Mad River Distillers cocktail recipes that incorporate at least one ounce of lime juice, so you can appreciate the transformative power of this tart citrus from home.

1) ROSEMARY’S DAIQUIRI
Ingredients:

- 2 oz. First Run Rum
- 1 oz. Lime Juice
- 3/4 oz. Rosemary Syrup
- Fresh Rosemary Sprig

Instructions:
In a shaker, add all ingredients with ice. Shake for about 8-15 seconds. Strain contents into a daiquiri coupe glass. Add a rosemary sprig for garnish. (See the full recipe for instructions on making the rosemary syrup.)

2) FROZEN VERMONT & STORMY
Ingredients:

- 2 oz. First Run Rum
- 2 oz. Venetian Ginger Ale
- 1.5 oz. Lime Juice
- 1.2 oz. Ginger Liqueur
- crushed ice
- Lime Wheel

Instructions:
In a blender, add all ingredients and blend on a low setting until ice is finely crushed. Pour all contents into a copper mug. Add a lime wheel for garnish.

3) MAD MARGE
Ingredients:

- 1.5 oz. First Run Rum
- 1.5 oz. Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
- 1 oz. Lime Juice
- 1 oz. Orange Curacao
- 1/2 oz. Orgeat Syrup
- Mexican Citrus Seasoning
- Orange Slice

Instructions:
Prep your glass by dipping the rim of the glass in lime juice, then in the Mexican citrus seasoning (we used La Anita Clasico Seasoning). Set the glass aside. In a shaker, add the First Run Rum, orange juice, lime juice, Orange Curacao and Orgeat syrup. Add ice to the shaker, and shake for about 30 seconds. Add ice to your glass. Strain the contents of the shaker into the glass. Take the slice of orange and dip it into the Mexican citrus seasoning. As a garnish, add the spiced orange wedge to the rim of your glass.

4) MAD RIVER RUM PUNCH
Ingredients:

- 1 oz. Rum 44
- 1 oz. First Run Rum
- 1 oz. Pomegranate Grenadine
- 1.5 oz. lime juice
- 1/2 oz. Orgeat syrup
- 4 dashes Angostura Bitters

Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake for about 8-15 seconds. Strain contents into a tiki mug. Garnish with an edible flower and an orange wheel.

5) MAI TAI
Ingredients:

- 2 oz. First Run Rum
- 1 oz. Lime Juice
- 1/4 oz. Orgeat Syrup
- 1/2 oz. Triple Sec
- 4 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Mint
- Lemon Wheel

Instructions:
In a shaker, add all ingredients, except for bitters, with ice. Shake for about 8-15 seconds. Strain contents into a tiki mug. Dash bitters on top of the cocktail. Add a lemon wheel and mint sprig for garnish. Note: if preferred, you can shake the bitters with the rest of the ingredients.

These are just some of the Mad River Distillers cocktails featuring an ounce or more of lime juice. If you’re looking for more, try these other great recipes: Put The Lime In The Coconut, Hurricane, Vermontiki, Strawberry Hibiscus Daiquiri, or Parallel People. If you need even more drink inspiration, visit the Cocktail Recipes section of our website. Cheers!


Written and edited by Brianne Lucas. Published on August 1, 2022.

Tastings at VFN's Annual Forum Dinner

Find us at Vermont Fresh Network’s (VFN) 24th Annual Forum Dinner at the Coach Barn at Shelburne Farms on Sunday, July 31st from 5:00-8:00 PM (EDT). This event celebrates the best of Vermont food and the connections between chefs and local farmers and producers. It also raises funds to support VFN’s work to strengthen the local food system. We’ll be there offering tastings, so be sure to stop by our table!

 

A Taste of New England

Find us at A Taste of New England at Spruce Peak in Stowe on Sunday, August 28th from 12:00-4:00 PM (EDT). This great event brings together the region’s best chefs for a weekend of amazing food, world-class wines & spirits, and more. We’ll be there, showcasing our spirits (which will be available for purchase) and offering tastings. Be sure to stop by!

By in Blog Comments Off on How Citrus Transforms Cocktails

How Citrus Transforms Cocktails

Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a cocktail with citrus in it. If you’ve enjoyed a few cocktails in your life, then your hand is probably raised right now, because there are countless cocktail recipes that call for citrus as an ingredient and/or as a garnish. Why is that? Because citrus has the power to transform any beverage—either enhancing flavors or taming them, depending on the other spirits or bitters that are in play (2017).

Citrus has a deep history in the spirits world. In the days where long sea voyages were commonplace, they were always on hand to treat Vitamin C deficiencies (which led to scurvy). Sailors would actually drink spirits (like rum or gin) to counter the sour citrus. It was discovered that the more sour citruses, like lemons and limes, actually tasted better when a bitter agent was in the mix (Shenton, 2016).

Why does citrus have the power to transform cocktails?

Citrus–such as limes, lemons, oranges and grapefruits–are acidic. That acidity can tame the burn of ethanol, while simultaneously adding a bright flavor to your drink. Beyond that, each type of citrus has a different level of citric acid and sugar. The amount of citric acid and sugar in each fruit will determine how “sour” we perceive the flavor (Liu, 2018). For example, oranges are low in citric acid but high in sugar, so we perceive those to be more sweet, whereas a lime is high in citric acid but low in sugar, so we perceive those to be more sour.

There are numerous drinks that have been made popular in the spirit world using citrus, such as the Old Fashioned cocktail with its essential orange slice or the slice of lime that closely follows a shot of tequila (2017). Attempting to sub one citrus for another in a tried-and-true drink combination would result in a much different flavor profile, throwing off the balance and making the drink too sour or too sweet. As an example, a strong, unaged alcohol such as vodka pairs really well with lemon because the lemon’s acidity balances the strong flavor, cutting through the ethanol. In contrast, lemon has the ability to overpower a more subtle spirit (Liu, 2018).

A common question that arises when it comes to citrus is whether it really matters if you use fresh squeezed citrus in your cocktails. In the bartending world, the recommendation is always for fresh squeezed juice, but it really depends on what you’re trying to enjoy, and what you consider to be fresh. Juice that sits out will begin to lose its aromatic compounds, reducing the flavors and aromas. With lemons and limes, freshly squeezed juice that sits out for several hours can actually improve the flavor, as air can reduce the sour taste in the citric acid (Shenton, 2016).

Taylor Sacco shaking a cocktail

Lastly, you’ve likely heard this common rule of thumb—to shake if there's citrus, and stir if there's not. The pulp in citrus can create a light or frothy texture in cocktails rather than the velvety texture of a stirred cocktail. The act of shaking opens up the appealing citrus aromas. Shaking also mixes the citrus more thoroughly in with the spirit, whereas when you stir, the ingredients may separate before you have an opportunity to enjoy your drink. (The same rule applies to cocktails with egg whites. Never stir, always shake!) 

When you order a cocktail at a bar, you might not think very long about the ingredients. You might not realize that each item is working in harmony to create a delicate and delicious balance of flavor, but that’s exactly what is happening, and that’s especially true when it comes to citrus in your drinks. The acid and sugar content of citrus is working in concert with all the other ingredients to enhance or tame flavors. It’s a science, really. Luckily, hundreds of years of skillful bartenders have done a lot of the heavy lifting for us, so we don’t have to guess what goes best with each spirit. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a little experimenting if you prefer things a little more sweet, or a little more sour. 

Happy mixing!


Written and edited by Brianne Lucas. Published July 18, 2022.

REFERENCES:
S. (2017, July 7). The Importance of Citrus in Bartending. Sunday’s Grocery | Buy Our Goods Online. Retrieved July 15, 2022, from http://blog.sundaysgrocery.com/2017/07/importance-citrus-bartending/

Liu, K. (2018, August 9). Cocktail Science: 8 Tips and Tricks For Getting the Most Out of Citrus. Serious Eats. Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://www.seriouseats.com/cocktail-science-using-citrus-smarter

Shenton, W. (2016, April 25). Why Cocktails Love Citrus. Bevvy. Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://bevvy.co/articles/why-citrus-cocktails-are-so-popular/2678

By in Blog Comments Off on It’s Time for Tiki Drinks!

It’s Time for Tiki Drinks!

If summer fills your head with images of tropical, fruity beverages, then chances are that tiki mugs are what you envision in your hand (perhaps including a teeny, tiny umbrella). 

So named after the polynesian idols that are traditionally depicted, these ceramic tiki mugs were popularized in the United States in the 1950’s at polynesian- and tiki-themed bars and restaurants. By the 1960’s, a variety of different style tiki mugs were being manufactured (Admin |, 2019). Today, you can even find them styled after your favorite superhero or Star Wars character.

A few Tiki mugs on a table at Mad River Distillers

While tiki mugs may not impact the flavor or aroma of your favorite adult beverage, they certainly add a bit of fun and flair, perhaps even imparting a small taste of that always desirable vacation life. If you’re looking to add some fun to your drinkware collection, we carry a variety of styles at our Burlington Tasting Room. Need some drink ideas to go with your new tiki mug? Below are a few recipes you can try from home.

Tiki Drink Recipes

MAI TAI
Ingredients:

- 2 oz. First Run Rum
- 1/4 oz. Orgeat 
- 1/2 oz. Triple Sec
- 1 oz. Lime Juice
- 4 Dashes Angostura Bitters
- Mint Garnish
- Lemon Wheel

Instructions:
In a shaker, add all ingredients, except for bitters, with ice. Shake for about 8-15 seconds. Strain contents into a tiki mug. Dash bitters on top of the cocktail. Add a lemon wheel and mint sprig for garnish. Note: if preferred, you can shake the bitters with the rest of the ingredients.

HURRICANE
Ingredients:

- 1 oz. First Run Rum
- 1 oz. Vanilla Rum
- 1 oz. Maple Cask Rum
- 3 oz. Passionfruit juice
- 1 oz. Lime
- 1/2 oz. Orgeat syrup

Instructions:
Shake and strain over ice into a large tiki mug. Garnish with a lemon and cherry.


VERMONTIKI
Ingredients:

- 1 oz. First Run Rum
- 1 oz. Rum 44
- 1 oz. Maple Cask Rum
- ½ oz. Lazzaroni Amaretto
- 1 oz. Lime Juice
- 1 oz. pineapple juice
- 1 oz. orange juice
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Instructions:
Shake all ingredients, except for the Maple Cask Rum. Strain into a tiki mug, then top with a float of Maple Cask Rum. Garnish with pineapple, cherry and lime on a skewer.

MAD RIVER RUM PUNCH
Ingredients:

- 1 oz. Rum 44
- 1 oz. First Run Rum
- 1 oz. Pomegranate Grenadine
- 1.5 oz. lime juice
- 1/2 oz. Orgeat syrup
- 4 dashes Angostura Bitters

Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake for about 8-15 seconds. Strain contents into a tiki mug. Garnish with an edible flower and an orange wheel.


PUT THE LIME IN THE COCONUT
Ingredients:

- 2 oz. RUM 44 or Vanilla Rum
- 1.5 oz. Coconut Cream
- 1 oz. Lime Juice
- 5 Dashes Bittercube Blackstrap Bitters

Instructions:
In a shaker, add all ingredients with ice. Shake for about 8-15 seconds. Strain contents into your favorite tiki mug. Garnish with grated nutmeg and a lime wheel.

CHUNKY MONKEY
Ingredients:

- 2 oz. First Run Rum
- 3/4 oz. Giffard Banane du Bresil
- 1/2 oz. spiced black walnut orgeat
- 1/4 oz. Cheongsam Smokey Mist Tea Liqueur
- 1/2 oz. pineapple juice
- 1/4 oz. lemon juice
- Bar spoon white creme de cacao
- 2 dashes Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters

Instructions:
Combine ingredients. Shake with ice cubes, and strain into a tiki mug. To recreate our decorative garnish, fill a mini ice cream cone with banana candies, cocktail umbrella, monkey charm, and orchid.


Written and edited by Brianne Lucas. Published on July 15, 2022.

References: Admin |, B. (2019, June 2). More Than a Glass: A Brief History of the Tiki Mug (Conference Preview 2019) – Wine, Wit, and Wisdom. Wine, Wit, and Wisdom. Retrieved July 14, 2022, from https://winewitandwisdomswe.com/2019/06/02/more-than-a-glass-a-brief-history-of-the-tiki-mug-conference-preview-2019/

By in Cocktails, First Run Rum, Maple Cask Rum, RUM 44 Comments Off on Vermontiki

Vermontiki

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Vermontiki


  • Author: Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x

Description

A fruity, tropical drink made with First Run Rum, Rum 44 and a delicious floater of Maple Cask Rum.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 oz. First Run Rum
  • 1 oz. Rum 44
  • 1 oz. Maple Cask Rum
  • ½ oz. Lazzaroni Amaretto
  • 1 oz. lime juice
  • 1 oz. pineapple juice
  • 1 oz. orange juice
  • ½ oz. simple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients, except the Maple Cask Rum, in a shaker. Shake.
  2. Strain contents into a tiki mug or glass, then top with a floater of Maple Cask Rum.
  3. Garnish with pineapple, cherry and lime on a skewer.

Featured Spirit

By in Cocktails, First Run Rum, Maple Cask Rum, Vanilla Rum Comments Off on Hurricane

Hurricane

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Hurricane


  • Author: Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x

Description

It's time to get tropical with our Hurricane recipe featuring First Run Rum, Vanilla Rum and Maple Cask Rum.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 oz. First Run Rum
  • 1 oz. Vanilla Rum
  • 1 oz. Maple Cask Rum
  • 3 oz. Passionfruit juice
  • 1 oz. Lime
  •  ½ oz. Orgeat

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a shaker, and shake.
  2. Strain content into a large tiki mug or glass.
  3. Garnish with a lemon and cherry.

Featured Spirit

By in Media & Events Comments Off on Vanilla Rum Featured in the Boston Globe

Vanilla Rum Featured in the Boston Globe

Mad River Distillers' Vanilla Rum is featured in the Boston Globe as the "delicious result of a Mason jar experiment." It began as a gift for friends and family, when Co-Founder Maura Connolly made vanilla extract from our unaged demerara rum. It was clear then that vanilla needed to be part of our lineup. 

Our Vanilla Rum is infused with fresh chopped Tahitian vanilla beans resulting in a fragrant dry rum that works especially well with citrus. The rum is not sweetened and there are no artificial flavors. You can enjoy Vanilla Rum as a sipper, or in a variety of drinks, such as daiquiris.

Check out the Boston Globe article to learn more about our Vanilla Rum.

By in Cocktails, PX Rum Comments Off on PX Express

PX Express

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PX Express cocktail on a table

PX Express


  • Author: Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
PX Express cocktail on a table

Description

The PX Express cocktail features our PX Rum—a rum finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, resulting in toffee, caramel and raisin notes. But those aren’t the only flavors you’ll find in this cocktail, which includes a lemon balm syrup and blueberry cardamom bitters.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz of PX Rum
  • 1 oz of Lemon Balm Syrup
  • 1 oz of fresh lemon juice
  • 2-3 dashes of Bitters Lab Blueberry Cardamom Bitters
  • Club soda
  • sprig of lemon balm or lemon verbena for garnish

Instructions

  1. Build this cocktail in a stemless wine glass, with ice.
  2. Add the PX Rum, Lemon Balm Syrup,* fresh lemon juice and Blueberry Cardamom Bitters to the glass.
  3. Gently stir ingredients in the glass to incorporate them.
  4. Top the glass with club soda.
  5. Add a sprig of lemon balm or lemon verbena for garnish.

Notes

*To make a lemon balm syrup:

  1. Start by making a regular simple syrup, heating to dissolve one part sugar in one part water in a pan.
  2. As the simple syrup cools, stir in fresh lemon balm leaves.
  3. Once the syrup is completely cool, strain out the lemon balm leaves. Kept refrigerated, the syrup should be good for one week.

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By in Cooking & Baking Comments Off on Blueberry Coupe Pie

Blueberry Coupe Pie

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Blueberry Coupe Pie in a coupe next to a bottle of Mad River Distillers Vanilla Rum

Blueberry Coupe Pie


  • Author: Mad River Distillers (adapted from Maine Spirits)
Blueberry Coupe Pie in a coupe next to a bottle of Mad River Distillers Vanilla Rum

Description

If you find yourself with a pint (or more) of fresh blueberries in your fridge, put them to good use in this Blueberry Coupe Pie! A little bit of our Vanilla Rum in blueberry pie filling is served in a beautiful coupe, then topped with whipped cream and lemon zest. It’s the perfect date night dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pint of fresh blueberries
  • 2 tbsp sugar (for blueberry pie filling)
  • ½ tsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp Mad River Distillers Vanilla Rum
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tbsp sugar (for graham cracker crust)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • Whipped cream
  • Fresh lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Rinse the blueberries, then place them in a small saucepan over low heat. 
  2. Add sugar and lemon juice to the saucepan, and stir occasionally on simmer until blueberries soften and begin to burst.
  3. While the blueberries are on simmer, prepare the graham cracker crust. In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crust, melted butter, and sugar. Mix ingredients together, then set them aside.
  4. Add cornstarch to the pan and stir into the blueberry mixture. Continue to cook until it thickens (at least a few minutes), then remove from the heat.
  5. Stir the Vanilla Rum into the blueberry mixture, then allow the pie filling to cool.
  6. While the blueberry pie filling cools, press the graham cracker crust into the bottom of 6 coupe glasses. (You can also use rocks glasses or other small dishes.)
  7. When the blueberry pie filling has cooled, spoon the mixture into the glasses over the pie crust.
  8. When ready to serve, zest a fresh lemon. Add whipped cream on top of each blueberry pie, then sprinkle the lemon zest on top of the whipped cream, and enjoy!

Notes

  1. Depending on what flavor profiles you prefer, our First Run Rum or Maple Cask Rum would make good alternatives to our Vanilla Rum in this recipe.
  2. These pies contain alcohol and are intended for adults 21+ only.

Recipe adapted from Maine Spirits.


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By in Blog Comments Off on Wedding Gift Ideas

Wedding Gift Ideas

It’s wedding season! If you (or someone you know) is getting married soon, then chances are you’re in need of a few gift ideas. 

Gifts are typical for the best man, maid of honor, wedding party, ushers, other wedding helpers, parents of the bride and groom, and of course, the bride and groom themselves. So, here are a variety of gift ideas to give thanks to those who are the most integral to you on your very special day.

Mad River Distillers Wedding Gift Ideas

Old Fashioned Gift Pack

Know someone who loves to have an Old Fashioned cocktail in their hand? Check out our Old Fashioned Variety Pack with ready-to-go (ready-to-drink) cocktails made from our Bourbon Whiskey, Maple Cask Rum, and Revolution Rye spirits. There’s no need to take out a mixing glass and stir, you just pour and enjoy.

Old Fashioned Kit

If that someone you know loves an Old Fashioned, but prefers to make them from scratch, our Burlington Tasting Room has all the ingredients you need to put together a great Old Fashioned kit. Just pick up a bottle of our Straight Bourbon or Revolution Rye, Angostura Bitters and a jar of Luxardo Cherries. We’ll put them in a craft paper bag for you—all you’ll need is a little tissue paper and a thank you card to complete the gift.

Tropical Tiki Gift

Does someone in your party prefer fruity beverages with a tropical twist? Who could blame them! Fruity rum drinks are delicious, and at Mad River Distillers, we are well known for our rums. At our Burlington Tasting Room, you can find each of our rum spirits, including Rum 44, Vanilla Rum, First Run Rum, Maple Cask Rum or PX Rum. We also have a variety of tiki glasses for sale, and common tropical drink mixers like Orgeat, so you can easily put together a Tropical Tiki gift set.

Spirits Gift Pack

These flask-sized bottles are a popular choice for wedding party gifts. At 200ml, they are a great way to sample a variety of our spirits. It’s also a budget-friendly way to gift spirits to a larger group. And, it’s the perfect size to stow away in luggage, a small purse or pocket (you know, should that be needed).

Bitters Gift Set

Have you ever received a gift that you wouldn’t have thought to buy yourself, but you are super excited when someone gets it for you? Bitters easily fit into this bucket (and almost any gift bag, just saying). Cocktail lovers know that one of the best ways to enhance a cocktail is by using bitters. So, if you have a cocktail lover helping out with your wedding, you can’t go wrong with a gift set, or even a single bottle. Our Burlington Tasting Room has a whole wall dedicated to bitters! Don’t worry, if you need help figuring out what to choose, our team is happy to point you in the right direction.

Barware Starter Set

If your friend or family member would love a ready-to-drink Old Fashioned because they don’t have a barware set at home, we can remedy that. At our Burlington Tasting Room, we carry all the cocktail making essentials—shakers, strainers, barspoons, ice trays & more—so you can easily build and gift a great barware starter set.

Glassware Gift

A great addition to any spirit or cocktail-themed gift would be glassware. We carry a variety of styles at our Burlington Tasting Room, such as rocks glasses, Glencairn glasses, stemless wine glasses, beer glasses and more, so you can choose a glass that would traditionally be used to serve each recipient's favorite cocktail, or whatever glass you prefer.

Gift Local

In addition to the gift ideas above, we also carry a variety of Mad River merch for sale online and at our Burlington Tasting Room. The bonus? By stocking up on your wedding party gift supplies with Mad River Distillers, your purchases help to support local business. After all that gifting, if you’re tired and need a break, grab a chair at our bar and sample some spirits or cocktails for yourself.

To find the items above (and more), visit us at 137 St. Paul Street, in Burlington, VT. 

Not Local, But Like Our Spirits?

If you're located out of state, visit our Purchase page to see where you can pick up our spirits online and in stores near you. 

Best wishes for a smooth and joyous wedding day! Cheers!


Written and edited by Brianne Lucas. Published on June 20, 2022.

By in Blog Comments Off on Customize Your Cocktails With Syrups

Customize Your Cocktails With Syrups

Taylor Sacco shares how you can customize cocktails by using simple but flavorful syrups.

One of the things that I’ve come to love most about cocktails is the ability to customize them. There are almost an endless number of tweaks and variations you can make that takes your cocktail from something familiar to something fresh. The challenge, I find, is in how you tweak your cocktail. I recently covered the topic of Rum Infusions, which is one really great way to add new flavors to your favorite rum-based cocktails. Another way you can customize your cocktails is by using syrups.

Take a classic daiquiri recipe: 2 ounces rum, 3/4 ounce lime juice and 3/4 ounce simple syrup. Easy peasy. What if we want to test out some tweaks to the recipe? Once you start adding to the basic recipe, the specs (or breakdown of ingredients) can get complicated very quickly. Suddenly, you can find yourself with an overabundance of ingredients that create a cocktail which no longer resembles the original. The key here is to enhance flavors, and not cover them. 

Syrups Make a Simple Solution

What a breakthrough it is to start making your own flavored syrups at home! So many cocktails—such as classic daiquiris, old fashioneds, gimlets, tom collins, mojitos and whiskey sours—call for simple syrup. Creating a custom syrup is a simple way to elevate your cocktail by adding just a few ingredients to your syrup while it cooks, then removing the ingredients when it’s done. Pretty cool, right?

Like most cocktail experimentation, syrups can be straightforward or complex. It really comes down to your interest in experimenting, and what flavors you’re looking to impart in your drink. Really, the raw potential of different flavor combinations and ideas should bring a smile to your face. Feel free to play around with different ideas using different herbs, teas, spices and fruits. 

As a starting point, here are two flavorful simple syrup recipes you can try from home:

THREE BERRY SYRUP
Ingredients:
-1/2 cup granulated sugar
-1/2 cup water
-10 blueberries
-5 raspberries
-2 large strawberries

Instructions:
Combine the sugar and water in a pan, and place it over high heat, stirring occasionally until all of the sugar has dissolved. Once you have a uniform syrup, reduce to medium-low heat and add your berries. Using a muddler, mush the berries against the bottom of the pan to release all of their berry goodness. Simmer for 10 minutes. To remove all of the fruit seeds and skins, pour the syrup through a cheesecloth into a container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. 

GINGER HONEY SYRUP
Ingredients:
-1/2 cup raw honey
-1/2 cup water
-1 oz of ginger, sliced or grated

Instructions:
In a pan, combine honey, ginger (cut into thin slices) and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 40-60 minutes, tasting as you go, until you’ve reached the right level of ginger flavor melded with your syrup. Strain out ginger slices and store syrup for up to three weeks. 

It’s Time To Make Cocktails

Now that you have some delicious homemade syrups, it’s time to make some delicious homemade cocktails! Here are a couple cocktail recipes you can make using your newly made syrups above. Enjoy!

Rumberry Daiquiri next to a jar of berry simple syrup and Rum 44

RUMBERRY DAIQUIRI
Ingredients:

-2 oz Rum 44
-3/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice
-3/4 oz Three Berry Syrup

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake for 20-30 seconds and strain, straight up, into a coup. Garnish with a slice of strawberry. 

Ginger Drop cocktail on a table next to a jar of ginger honey syrup

GINGER DROP
Ingredients:

-2 oz First Run Rum or Bourbon
-3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
-3/4 oz Honey Ginger syrup

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake for 20-30 seconds and strain into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with a twist of lemon.


Written by Taylor Sacco and edited by Brianne Lucas. Published on June 17, 2022.

By in Bourbon, Cocktails Comments Off on Bittersweet & Sacred

Bittersweet & Sacred

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Bittersweet & Sacred cocktail on a table

Bittersweet & Sacred


  • Author: Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Bittersweet & Sacred cocktail on a table

Description

A little bitter, a little sweet. The Bittersweet & Sacred cocktail combines our Straight Bourbon Whiskey, elderflower liqueur, Campari, freshly squeezed lime juice, simple syrup and a few dashes of Bennett Exorcism Bitters.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 oz Mad River Distillers Straight Bourbon
  • 3/4 oz elderflower liqueur
  • 3/4 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
  • 1/2 oz Campari
  • 2-3 drops Bennett Exorcism Bitters

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake hard, then strain contents into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
  3. Garnish with a twist of lime wrapped around a Luxardo cherry.

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By in Cooking & Baking Comments Off on Mad River Rum Popsicles

Mad River Rum Popsicles

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hand holding two rum popsicles

Mad River Rum Popsicles


  • Author: Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 4 popsicles 1x
hand holding two rum popsicles

Description

Need a treat to beat the heat? Enjoy some cool and boozy bites with our Mad River Rum popsicles. Here we show you how to make a Pina Colada and a Strawberry-Lemonade popsicle with our Rum 44. However, feel free to experiment by combining whatever Mad River rum and fruit you prefer!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz of Rum 44*
  • 4 chunks of pineapple
  • 6 strawberries
  • 2 oz of pineapple juice
  • 2 oz lemon juice
  • 2 oz maple syrup
  • 4 tbsp greek yogurt
  • Popsicle mold

Instructions

  1. Get your popsicle mold ready. We’re using a Tovolo Robot Pop Mold. The recipes that follow will make at least two popsicles each.
  2. To make two Pina Colada popsicles: In a blender, combine 1 oz of Rum 44, 4 chunks of pineapple (about 1 inch in size), 2 oz of pineapple juice, 1 oz of maple syrup, and 2 tbsp of greek yogurt. Blend until all ingredients are smooth. Carefully pour the popsicle mixture into two of the molds, then place the popsicle handles into the molds.
  3. To make two Strawberry-Lemonade popsicles: In a blender, combine 1 oz of Rum 44, 6 strawberries, 2 oz of lemon juice, 1 oz of maple syrup, and 2 tbsp of greek yogurt. Blend until all ingredients are smooth. Carefully pour the popsicle mixture into two of the molds, then place the popsicle handles into the molds.
  4. Place the popsicle mold in the freezer and let it freeze completely. This should take at least 4 hours.

Notes

  • *Feel free to experiment by combining different rums with different fruits. Depending on what flavor profiles you prefer, our First Run Rum, Vanilla Rum and Maple Cask Rum would make excellent rums for combining with fruits.
  • If you prefer, you can replace maple syrup with another sweetener, such as sugar.
  • These popsicles contain alcohol and are intended for adults 21+ only.

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By in Cocktails, Revolution Rye Comments Off on Brooklyn

Brooklyn

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Brooklyn


  • Author: Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x

Description

A cousin to the popular Manhattan cocktail, this delicious Brooklyn cocktail combines our Revolution Rye with Dolin Dry Vermouth, Bigallet China China and Luxardo Maraschino.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz Revolution Rye
  • 1 oz Dolin Dry Vermouth
  • 1/2 oz Bigallet China China
  • 1/4 oz Luxardo Maraschino
  • Luxardo cherry for garnish

Instructions

  1. Add ice to a coupe glass to chill.
  2. In a mixing glass, combine the Revolution Rye, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Bigallet China China, and Luxardo Maraschino.
  3. Add ice to the mixing glass, and stir for about 30 seconds.
  4. Remove the ice from the coupe glass. Strain the contents of the mixing glass into the chilled coupe.
  5. Add a Luxardo cherry for garnish.

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