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Cocktail History
The Fireside Glow is an autumn cocktail that was created by food writer and author Jessica Strand and was first published in her book Very Merry Cocktails: 50+ Festive Drinks for the Holiday Season. The original recipe is a simple mix of equal parts bourbon and cinnamon syrup with a splash of amaretto for a nutty sweetness. However, this reimagined version refines the ratios, giving more emphasis to the bourbon’s bold character while introducing dessert-inspired bitters to enhance depth and complexity, resulting in a warming, well-rounded drink perfect for crisp fall evenings by the fire.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Bourbon: This is a type of whiskey made in the United States with at least 51% corn, grains, malted barley, and water. I used Clyde May’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
Cinnamon Syrup: This is a sweetener made with cinnamon sticks, white sugar, gum arabic powder, saline solution, and water. I used this sous vide recipe.
Amaretto Liqueur: This is a liqueur made in Italy with almonds, spices, alcohol, and water. I used Di Amore Amaretto Liqueur.
Cherry, Clove, & Cinnamon Bitters: This is a food product made with cherry, cloves, cinnamon, botanicals, herbs, and alcohol. I used Crude Bitters & Sodas “Attawanhood” Cherry, Clove, & Cinnamon Bitters.
Chocolate Bitters: This is a food product made with chocolate, botanicals, herbs, and alcohol. I used Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters.
Cherry: This is a fruit that has been soaked in brandy and rich syrup. I used Luxardo Maraschino Cherries.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Bar Mat: This is a rubber or silicone mat that’s placed on the bar surface to catch spills, provide grip for glasses and tools, and keep the workspace clean and organized. I used the Highball & Chaser 18×12 Bar Mat.
Jigger: This is a small, double-sided measuring tool that’s used to accurately portion spirits and mixers, typically with one side measuring 1 oz and the other 1.5 or 2 oz. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Mixing Glass: This is a sturdy, wide-bowled glass that’s used to stir ingredients before they’re strained and served. I used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.
Bar Spoon: This is a long-handled spoon with a twisted shaft that’s used for stirring, layering, and reaching the bottom of tall cocktail glasses. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Julep Strainer: This is a flat, perforated metal strainer with a handle that’s used to strain cocktails from a mixing glass or tin into a serving glass while keeping ice and solids behind. I used the A Bar Above Julep Strainer.
Cocktail Pick: This is a small, slender tool that’s used to skewer cocktail garnishes. I used one from the I-MART Gold Stainless Steel Cocktail Pick Set.
Lowball Glass: This is a short, wide glass with a thick base that’s used for serving spirits neat or on the rocks. I used a West Elm Patchwork Rocks Glass.
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Orange and golden brown color
• Aroma: Almond and baking spices
• Taste: A warm bourbon-laced flavor with notes of spicy cinnamon, hazelnut, chocolate, and cherry
• Finish: More bourbon and cinnamon
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “The original recipe for this drink was just bourbon, cinnamon, and hint of almond liqueur, which didn’t sound like much to write home about, but my tweaks really take the Fireside Glow to an impressive new level that’s worthy of any bar menu, in my opinion. It’s spicy and bourbon forward, but the cinnamon, cherry, and chocolate notes really round out the flavor and make it significantly more palatable for someone like me. I would 100% enjoy one of these after dinner during the fall season!”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from Very Merry Cocktails: 50+ Festive Drinks for the Holiday Season by Jessica Strand.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2024-12-12.
Fireside Glow
The Fireside Glow is an autumn cocktail that was created by food writer and author Jessica Strand and was first published in Very Merry Cocktails: 50+ Festive Drinks for the Holiday Season. The original called for just equal-parts bourbon and cinnamon syrup with a dash amaretto, but our version alters the ratios and adds in some dessert-inspired bitters for more balance and complexity.
Ingredients
Method
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Add whiskey, amaretto liqueur, cinnamon syrup, bitters, and cubed ice to a mixing glass.
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Stir for 30-45 seconds.
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Strain into a lowball glass over a clear ice cube.
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Garnish with cherry.
