Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, March 8th at the Total Wine & More in Dorchester, MA. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 3:30pm - 6:30pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.
Fun February Mad River Tasting at Table & Vine Flagship
Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, February 2nd at the Table and Vine Flagship store in West Springfield, MA. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 2:00pm - 4:00PM. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.
Tasting at Liquors 44 in Hadley
Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, February 23rd at the Liquors 44 in Hadley, MA. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 3:00pm - 6:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.
Tasting at Whole Foods Ink Block
Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, February 16th at the Whole Foods in Boston's South End. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 4:00pm - 7:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.
Tasting at Avon Wine and Spirits
Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, February 9th at the Avon Wine and Spirits in Avon, CT. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 4:00pm - 7:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.
First Tracks
First Tracks
- Author: Mad River Distillers
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
Our spin on an Alabaster using our First Run Rum. Named after those first tracks on fresh white snow, this is a simple cocktail but it has a very distinctive flavor thanks to the addition of Chareau Aloe Liqueur and Velvet Falernum.
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz. of First Run Rum
- 3/4 oz. of fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz. of Chareau Aloe Liqueur
- 3/4 oz. of Velvet Falernum
- lime wheel garnish
Instructions
- Chill a coupe glass.
- In a shaker, combine all ingredients.
- Shake for 30 seconds, then strain into the chilled coupe.
- Add a dehydrated or fresh lime wheel for garnish.
Featured Spirit
Whiskey 101: A Tasting at Mad River Distillers
At Mad River Distillers, we ferment, distill and bottle bourbon whiskey, rye whiskey, rum and apple brandy. At our Tasting Room in Burlington, you can purchase our spirits and cocktails, learn about distilling, and shop in our retail section for a variety of cocktail accessories, including bitters, mixers, syrups, books and apparel. You can also sample our spirits with a tasting.
A tasting is a great way to try a variety of our spirits in one sitting, to learn how the individual spirits are made, and the unique qualities of each. Often, people will come into our tasting room and ask about our spirits before ordering, and we’re always eager to share what makes each one distinct. Ultimately, a tasting is your opportunity to determine which spirits you prefer before purchasing a full bottle. While you can order a tasting of any of our available spirits, here we wanted to share a Whiskey 101 on what makes these spirits distinct, much in the same fashion we would share if you were sitting at our Burlington Tasting Room with a flight of four spirits on a board.
Whiskey, which is distilled from grain, is commonly made from barley, corn, rye, or wheat. In Europe, the most common whiskies are those made in Scotland and Ireland, where they are traditionally made using 100% barley and therefore designated a single malt whiskey. In the United States, whiskey is predominantly made from corn or rye. While all Bourbon is Whiskey, not all Whiskey is Bourbon. To qualify as a Bourbon, the Whiskey must be made in the United States and include at least 51% corn (for rye, the requirement is at least 51% corn). Here, the spirits must be aged in charred new oak barrels and the barrels may only be used once. Importantly, there can never be any additives (such as coloring or flavors) in a Bourbon or Rye. Doing so would change the Bourbon designation to a Whiskey.
Below is an overview on each of the whiskey options available at Mad River Distillers Burlington Tasting Room today:
STRAIGHT BOURBON
This is our Vermont version of America’s favorite whiskey. It is a wheated bourbon that is distilled from local grains, and has a distinct corn sweetness which is complemented by a hint of honey from the wheat. As a straight bourbon, this spirit is stored for a minimum of two years in new charred oak barrels. The result is a bourbon with a deep and rich aroma of Vermont-grown corn, smokiness on the palate, and a smooth aromatic finish. It’s a popular choice at Mad River Distillers, which is great for sipping and in a variety of cocktails. It also won a variety of awards, including a Gold award at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and a Silver award from both the American Craft Spirits Association and Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.
BURNT ROCK BOURBON
Named for a popular hiking trail in the Mad River Valley, this 92 proof Vermont-made bourbon has a smokey twist thanks to the unique bourbon mash, which includes smoked barley over maple wood. The combination of 70% corn, 15% rye, and 15% smoked barley results in a bourbon that explodes with flavor and spice, with just a touch of smoke. Recently, the Burnt Rock Bourbon received an Ascot Award, which described this spirit as nutty and buttery with a soft sweet finish, and a lovely mouth-watering texture. Given the high demand for this spirit, what once was a limited offering is now available year-round.
REVOLUTION RYE WHISKEY
Earthy and peppery with hints of walnut, berry and tropical spice, our Revolution Rye is made using three distinct rye grain varietals, including chocolate malted rye, which lends the spirit a cocoa richness and finish. This whiskey is carefully fermented from local and organic rye (with a portion of “toasted rye”), and is distilled using our German still to bring out the delicate nuances. The result is a rye unlike any other, and while it is delicious on its own, it makes for some incredible cocktails as well. Perhaps that is why it is our most awarded spirit, including a Gold award from both Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, among others. It is also a Good Food Award Winner, and received 92 points by Wine Enthusiast.
CORN WHISKY (LIMITED)
At 96 proof, our throwback Corn Whisky is a re-do of the original released in 2013. The updated mashbill of our current release includes 75% corn, 10% rye and 15% barley. Aged in ex-Bourbon barrels, the result is a whisky that is spicy and complex, and it won a Silver award from Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America! It is a limited offering, so be sure to stop into our Burlington Tasting Room to try this in a flight while it lasts.
PANDEMIC PEAT (LIMITED)
What happens when you add peated malt to bourbon? We wanted to know, so we produced one barrel of our Pandemic Peat made with a mashbill of 70% corn, 20% rye, and 10% malt, then finished it in a sherry cask. With only one barrel made of this 92 proof spirit, the supply is extremely limited, so if you want to let your tastebuds savor the flavor of this one, you’ll need to visit our Burlington Tasting Room soon!
All of our whiskey mashbills at Mad River Distillers contain unique grains, including oats, chocolate rye and maple-wood smoked barley. We use only regionally-sourced, non-GMO grains and age our spirits on site in the clear, clean air of Vermont. During the aging process, the distillate oxidizes and penetrates the wood of the barrels. This combination of the mashbills and aging process is what imparts a lot of the flavors that make one whiskey spirit distinct from another.
When customers visit our Burlington Tasting Room, we typically explain how our Straight Bourbon and our Revolution Rye whiskeys are on opposite ends of the American whiskey spectrum, and we arrange our spirits on a tasting board from light to bold, both in flavor and in length of finish. Our Straight Bourbon is made with four grains (including oats) but no rye. The taste is soft, and the finish is smooth and delicate. Because we use non-GMO varietals of corn (which are flavorful instead of sweet), rye is not needed to balance the sweetness, a common practice at larger distilleries using generic corn. Our Revolution Rye is made from 100% rye, using bold varietals for a lot of flavor and a long finish.
In between the Straight Bourbon and our Revolution Rye is the Burnt Rock Bourbon, which is made from 70% corn like our Straight Bourbon, but instead of using wheat and oats in the mashbill, we utilize rye and smoked barley. This results in a fuller body than the Straight Bourbon and a medium length finish. Our limited Corn Whisky is not designated a Bourbon, because this whisky is aged in a barrel that previously contained our Straight Bourbon. The resulting whisky is similar to a bourbon, but the grains shine through with less flavor influence from the barrel. The limited Pandemic Peat follows the bourbon making process, except the barley is processed in a traditional Scottish fashion.
If you’re interested in learning more about our bourbons, or any of our spirits, we highly recommend a visit to our Burlington Tasting Room in order to sample and ask questions! Our incredibly knowledgeable team is always happy to chat about our spirits and our process, or even to give you pointers on the perfect cocktails to make at home. We also welcome you to contact us for a tour of our distillery, so you can see and learn from our distilling team firsthand. Tours are scheduled by appointment and last 45-60 minutes on certain days of the week, and include a tasting. Visit our Distillery Tours page to learn more.
We hope to see you soon! Cheers!
Written and published by Brianne Lucas on January 22, 2024.
Burnt Rob Roy
Burnt Rob Roy
- Author: Mad River Distillers
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
A Rob Roy cocktail is a Manhattan riff that is traditionally made using scotch whiskey. In our version of this cocktail, we substitute scotch whiskey with our smoky Burnt Rock Bourbon.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. of Burnt Rock Bourbon
- 3/4 oz. of Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth
- 3 dashes of Angostura Bitters
Instructions
- Chill a coupe glass.
- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass. Add ice, then stir for 20-30 seconds.
- Strain and serve up in the chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.
Featured Spirit
Winter Cocktail Recipes
Recently, we shared a blog post with hot cocktails to keep you warm on a cold winter day. However, we know some of you will still prefer a cold cocktail no matter the temperature outside. At our Burlington Tasting Room, we serve a variety of seasonally-appropriate cocktails. We always aim to update our cocktail menu each month to reflect seasonal ingredients, which may be reflected in our mixers, bitters or garnish choices. We also have a variety of Winter recipes on our website!
When it comes to our spirits, people tend to lean more toward darker-hued spirits in the fall and winter seasons (like our Straight Bourbon, Revolution Rye, Burnt Rock Bourbon, Maple Cask Rum, First Run Rum or PX Rum), and lean more toward our lighter-hued spirits (like Rum 44 and Vanilla Rum) in the spring and summer seasons. While it’s true that Rum 44 and Vanilla Rum are popular choices for a variety of daiquiri recipes, which are generally thought to be warmer season cocktails, these spirits can absolutely be used in cocktails that work all year round.
Below are some Winter Cocktail Recipes you can try from home, including a couple daiquiri options!
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1.25 oz. of Straight Bourbon
-1 oz. of Carpano Antica
-3/4 oz. of pomegranate juice
-1/2 oz. of simple syrup
-grapefruit peel for garnish
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a shaker. Add ice to the shaker, and shake for about 10 seconds. Add a large ice cube to a rocks glass. Strain contents over a large ice cube. Express a grapefruit peel over the glass, and add as a garnish.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-2 oz. of First Run Rum
-1/4 oz. of All-Spice Dram
-1/2 oz. of simple syrup
-1 oz. of lime juice
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake for 8-12 seconds, then double strain contents into a chilled daiquiri coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail
-2 oz. of Revolution Rye
-1 oz. of fresh lemon juice
-2 oz. of stout simple syrup
Instructions:
To make the stout simple syrup, bring 2 - 16 oz. cans of stout (we used Guinness) to just below a rolling simmer in a saucepan. Heat for 2-3 hours, whisking every half hour. Remove the froth that forms at the top. Once you have reduced the stout to about half (16 oz.), add 2.5 cups of sugar and stir until it is fully dissolved, then cool before using. Store any leftover for up to one week. To make the cocktail, combine the rye, lemon juice and stout simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Stir, then shake well. Serve over a large ice cube. Add an orange peel and candied ginger for garnish.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-2 oz. of Maple Cask Rum
-1 lime, cut in half
-1 bar spoon of sugar (preferably Demerara)
Instructions:
In a rocks glass, squeeze the juice from each half of the lime, then drop the lime in the glass. Add a bar spoon of sugar to the rocks glass, and muddle into the fresh squeezed lime juice. Add the Maple Cask Rum to the rocks glass, then fill the glass with crushed or pebbled ice. Dump the contents of the rock glass into a shaker, and dump back and forth a couple times until ingredients are well incorporated, then enjoy!
Instructions - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-2 oz. of Revolution Rye
-1 oz. of Fassionola syrup
-1/4 oz. of Amaro Braulio
-1/4 oz. of PX Sherry
-¼ oz. of lemon juice
-bar spoon of grapefruit-cinnamon cordial
-5 drops of El Guapo Plynesian Kiss Bitters
-2 drops of Scrappy’s Cardamom Bitters
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Whip, shake well, then pour contents over crushed ice in a highball glass. Garnish with a long cinnamon stick, half lemon wheel, inside out cocktail parasol, orchid, and powdered sugar (as “snow”).
Instructions - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1.5 oz. of Rum 44
-3/4 oz. of lime juice
-3/4 oz. of mint simple syrup
-1/4 oz. of Baird Farm Mint Infused Vermont Maple Syrup
-2 dashes of Fee Brothers Mint Bitters
-Club soda or seltzer on top
Instructions:
To make a mint simple syrup, combine 3 cups of simple syrup (a 1:1 ratio of sugar dissolved in hot water) with 1 cup of pressed mint leaves. Blanch the mint in boiling water for 15 seconds, then immediately remove the mint leaves and immerse them in ice water for 1 minute. Strain the leaves from the ice water. Blend the cooled simple syrup with the mint leaves for 1 minute, then strain well. Store the cooled mint simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 2 weeks. To make the cocktail, combine all ingredients except the club soda (or seltzer) in a tall glass filled with ice. Stir to incorporate ingredients, then top with the club soda or seltzer. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Instructions - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-2 oz. of First Run Rum
-3/4 oz. of fresh squeezed lime juice
-3/4 oz. of cream of coconut
-3-5 dashes of Bittercube Blackstrap Bitters
-lime wheel garnish
-fresh grated cinnamon
Instructions:
Pour the rum into a shaker. Add the cream of coconut and Blackstrap bitters. Add ice to the shaker, and shake for 8-10 seconds. Strain the contents over a chilled coupe glass. Add a lime wheel garnish, then grate a cinnamon stick over the coupe and enjoy.
Instructions - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1.5 oz. of Revolution Rye
-3/4 oz. of Averna
-1/2 oz. of Campari
-1/2 oz. of Cold Brew Coffee
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass over ice. Stir for 8-12 seconds, then strain into a double rocks glass over a large ice cube. Add an orange peel for garnish.
Instructions - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1.5 oz. of Maple Cask Rum
-1/4 oz of. Nocino Liqueur
-1/4 oz. of cinnamon syrup
-1 dash of Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass over ice. Stir briefly, then strain contents into an Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Between these cold winter cocktail recipes above, and our list of hot cocktails to drink on a cold day, you have plenty of drink options to carry you through until spring. If you happen to need more ideas, you can always check out our Cocktail Recipes page, where you can look for cocktails by spirit, or even search for a specific cocktail if you already have something in mind. If you need spirits or other supplies, visit our Burlington Tasting Room, where we boast the largest bitters selection around. Cheers!
Written and published by Brianne Lucas on January 8, 2024.
Rum Bijou
Rum Bijou
- Author: Mad River Distillers
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
Typically made with gin, our riff on the Bijou is made combining Rum 44 with juniper bitters, sweet vermouth and Green Chartreuse.
Ingredients
- 1 oz. of Rum 44
- 1 oz. of Green Chartreuse
- 1 oz. of sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes of Juniper bitters
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass.
- Add ice, then stir for about 30 seconds.
- Strain and serve up into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with 3 Luxardo cherries.
Featured Spirit
5 Cocktails to Ring in the New Year
It’s that time of year when folks break out their finest duds and pop the traditional bottle of bubbly to celebrate the New Year with friends and loved ones. While pouring a bubbly drink in a flute or tulip glass might be the obvious choice, let's be honest, Champagne isn’t for everyone.
At Mad River Distillers, we have more than 100 cocktail recipes on our website, but we’ve picked 5 recipes that would make excellent options for toasting as the clock strikes 12. Here are our top cocktail picks for ringing in the New Year:
Bourbon Spritz
This drink checks some important boxes. First, it has a lovely presentation, with a bright orange color and orange slice garnish. Second, you combine our Bourbon with Aperol and your choice of Prosecco, a sparkling wine or club soda to give it those traditional New Year's bubbles.
Sparkling Silver
Combining our silver Rum 44, sparkling wine, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice and an orange peel garnish, this bubbly cocktail is fun, festive, fruity and zesty. It's great for toasting, or for brunch!
Fancy Pants
This may not be an obvious choice when it comes to toasting, but with a name like this on one of the biggest party nights of the year, it had to be on our list. If bubbles just aren’t your thing at all, but you love a good whiskey drink, mix up a Fancy Pants with our Bourbon, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, orange and Angostura bitters, and an orange twist.
Mad Capri
If you really want to use your champagne flute, consider this citrus and herb flavored cocktail featuring our Revolution Rye whiskey. The Rye, Cynar Liqueur, Casoni 1814 Apertivo Liqueur (or Aperol), and lemon juice all mix together and are topped with Prosecco for a bright and bubbly drink that’s unlike any other.
Mad Celebration
With a presentation that most closely resembles Champagne, our Mad Celebration cocktail was made for just such an occasion. You start with a sugar cube in a flute, add a couple dashes of bitters, pour the Mad Apple Brandy over the sugar cube, and top with a chilled sparkling wine. It’s the sparkling cocktail to raise as you wish a loud “Happy New Years!”
There is much to look forward to in the new year! We hope you enjoy our top New Year’s cocktail picks, and that you celebrate safely this year and every year.
From the entire Mad River team, we wish you a fantastic 2024! Cheers!!
Written by Brianne Lucas and updated on December 22, 2023.
Sparkling Silver
Sparkling Silver
- Author: Mad River Distillers
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
Combining our silver Rum 44, sparkling wine, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice and an orange peel garnish, this bubbly cocktail is great for toasting or for brunch!
Ingredients
- 1/4 oz. of simple syrup
- 3/4 oz. of fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz. of Orange Curaçao
- 1.5 oz. of Rum 44
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 2 oz. of dry sparkling wine
Instructions
- In a shaker, combine the Rum 44 with simple syrup, lime juice, orange curaçao and Angostura bitters.
- Add ice to the shaker, then shake for 15 seconds.
- Strain into a flute glass, then top with the dry sparkling wine.
- Add an orange peel for garnish.
Featured Spirit
Hot Cocktails for a Cold Day
As the temperatures dip even further this winter, we know you might be reaching for warmer beverages over your usual chilled cocktails. We don’t blame you. Sometimes, a hot chocolate or a hot toddy is just the thing you need to warm your bones on an ice cold day.
It just so happens that we love our hot cocktails in the winter season, so we’ve compiled a list of some favorites you can make right at home. After all, when it’s really cold, we know you’d rather stay indoors. If you decide to venture out, our Burlington Tasting Room always offers a hot cocktail on our menu through the winter.
These hot cocktail recipes will give you all the cozy and toasty vibes:
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
- 1.5 oz. of Maple Cask Rum
- ½ oz. of fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz. of honey ginger syrup
- 2 dashes of El Guapo Chicory Pecan Bitters
- 2 dashes of Vena’s Aromatic Bitters
- Hot Water
Instructions:
Combine ingredients in your favorite mug. Top off with hot water. Stir and garnish with candied ginger and a lemon peel.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
- 1.5 oz. of Vanilla Rum (or Revolution Rye)
- 6 oz. (or less) of prepared Hot Chocolate
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
Measure and pour 1.5 oz. of Vanilla Rum (or Rye) into an Irish coffee mug glass. Prepare up to 6 oz. of your favorite hot chocolate mix. Pour the hot chocolate into the mug, and stir well to combine. Top with whipped cream, and enjoy!
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail
- 1.5 oz. of Burnt Rock Bourbon
- ½ oz. of fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz. of honey ginger syrup
- 2 dashes of El Guapo Chicory Pecan Bitters
- 2 dashes of 18.21 Earl Grey Bitters
- Hot Water
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in your favorite mug and stir well to incorporate. Top off with hot water. Stir again, and garnish with a lemon peel.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
- 1.5 oz. of Revolution Rye
- 1 oz. of demerara syrup
- hot coffee
- 2 oz. of whipping cream
- ½ oz. of Benedictine (or cinnamon syrup)
- cinnamon
Instructions:
In an Irish coffee mug, add the Revolution Rye, demerara syrup and hot coffee. Stir to combine ingredients. In a shaker, combine the whipping cream and Benedictine (or cinnamon syrup) and shake for a full minute until whipped cream is formed. Top the coffee with whipped cream. Grate fresh cinnamon on top.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
- 6 oz. of prepared hot chocolate
- 1.5 oz. of Vanilla Rum
- ½ dropper of Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters
- cinnamon stick
Instructions:
Measure and pour the Vanilla Rum into your coffee mug. Prepare 6 oz. of hot chocolate mix and add it to the mug. Add the mole bitters, then stir all ingredients in the mug. Top with whipped cream, freshly grated cinnamon, and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
SMUGGLERS COVE HOT BUTTERED RUM
Instructions - Yields 1 Cocktail:
- 1 tsp freshly ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground anise seed
- 2 sticks salted butter
- 2 cups packed golden brown sugar
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 oz Maple Cask Rum
- 2 tbsp of spiced butter batter
- 6 oz. of hot water
- Whipped cream
Instructions for Buttered Rum Batter:
In a bowl, combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, cloves, all spice, and anise seed. Set it aside. In a small saucepan, melt the 2 sticks (1 cup) of butter over low heat. Be sure to note the expiration date on the sticks of butter for future reference. Once melted, add the sugar and stir to combine. Next, stir in the molasses and vanilla extract, then add the spice mixture from the bowl. Continue to stir over low heat until all the ingredients are combined. This should take about 15 minutes. Once the ingredients are integrated, remove the saucepan from the heat. Once the butter batter has cooled but is still warm, pour it into a storage container. We portioned the batter into ice cube trays, measuring 2 tablespoons of batter to be used per drink. Allow the batter to cool completely into a solid cube, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Follow the expiration date on the butter packaging. The butter batter should yield about 15 servings.
Instructions for Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail:
Combine all ingredients in an irish coffee mug. Stir until the butter batter is fully incorporated into the hot water and rum. Then, top with whipped cream and cinnamon stick.
The Hot Buttered Rum recipe takes the most preparation, but it’s really incredible, so if you have some free time this winter, be sure to work this into your weekend plans. When it comes to the hot chocolate mix in our hot cocktails above, we recommend Lake Champlain Chocolates, a business neighbor in Burlington. Their hot chocolate mix is excellent, and you can often find it at our Burlington Tasting Room. Visit both of us if you find yourself craving even more chocolate! We also carry bitters in our retail section, so you can pick up a bottle of 18.21, Bittermens and El Guapo there (along with a wide variety of other options). Cheers!
Written and published by Brianne Lucas on December 19, 2023.
Holy Mole Hot Cocoa
Holy Mole Hot Cocoa
- Author: Mad River Distillers
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
A boozy hot chocolate with the flavors of vanilla, cinnamon and mole.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. of prepared hot chocolate
- 1.5 oz. of Vanilla Rum
- ½ dropper of Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters
- cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Measure and pour the Vanilla Rum into your coffee mug.
- Prepare 6 oz. of hot chocolate mix and add it to the mug.
- Add the mole bitters, then stir all ingredients in the mug.
- Top with whipped cream, freshly grated cinnamon, and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Featured Spirit
Toasted Earl Grey Hot Toddy
Toasted Earl Grey Hot Toddy
- Author: Mad River Distillers
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
The flavor of earl grey tea in a hot toddy? It's a natural combination. This hot cocktail combines our Burnt Rock Bourbon with bitters, lemon juice and honey ginger syrup.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz. of Burnt Rock Bourbon
- ½ oz. of fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz. of honey ginger syrup
- 2 dashes of El Guapo Chicory Pecan Bitters
- 2 dashes of 18.21 Earl Grey Bitters
- Hot Water
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in your favorite mug and stir well to incorporate.
- Top off with hot water.
- Stir again, and garnish with a lemon peel.
Featured Spirit
MRD Tasting at Northampton Liquors 44
Join Mad River Distillers on Saturday, December 16th, 2023 at the Liquors 44 in Northampton, MA. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.
Christmas Eve Boozy Hot Chocolate!
We’re opening early on Christmas Eve for last minute shoppers with our famous hot chocolate bar! Enjoy free hot chocolate, spike it if you like; or sit and enjoy a myriad of holiday cocktails, including spiked hot chocolate with vanilla rum and homemade whipped cream, Coquitos, Rumtoph, Irish Coffee, and Hot Buttered Rum.
Store Hours 10 am – 3 pm December 24th. Hot Chocolate bar until 2 pm. Drinks until 2:30.
Vert Mont Perfumery Pop-up
Warren based Vert Mont Perfumery has unveiled their newest scent- Bay Rum Vert- a modern version of the classic cologne using Mad River Maple Cask Rum! Experience the scent while you shop for holiday gifts and enjoy a cocktail from the Mad River Distillers menu.
Vermont Vacation
Vermont Vacation
- Author: Amy Chappelle of The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
A delicious and simple recipe from Amy Chappelle of The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn, combining our Maple Cask Rum with Contratto American Vermouth and a couple dashes of bourbon bitters.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. of Maple Cask Rum
- 1 oz. of Contratto American Vermouth
- 2 dashes of Bourbon Bitters
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir well, then strain into a martini glass and serve up.
- Garnish with Luxardo cherries.
Notes
At The Lawn, this delicious cocktail is batched with 3 bottles of our Maple Cask Rum (750 ml), 1. 5 bottles of Contratto (750 ml), house made bourbon bitters, and 4 ounces of aged port, which then rest in a new charred oak cask before serving.
Featured Spirit
MRD Tasting at Bridge Package Store in Groton, CT
Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, December 22nd, 2023 at the Bridges Package Store in Groton, CT. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.
Burlington Tasting Room
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Monday12pm-6pm (cocktails, tastings & retail sales)
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Tuesday12pm-6pm (cocktails, tastings & retail sales)
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Wednesday12pm - 6pm (cocktails, tastings & retail sales)
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Thursday12pm - 8pm (cocktails, tastings & retail)
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Friday12pm - 8pm (cocktails, tastings & retail)
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Saturday12pm - 8pm (cocktails, tastings & retail)
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Sunday12pm - 6pm (cocktails, tastings & retail)