Fireside Glow

This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.

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, with other grains, water, and yeast, which are distilled and then aged in new charred oak barrels to develop a rich, caramelized flavor.

Cinnamon Syrup: This is a sweetener made with cinnamon sticks, white sugar, and water, which are heated and infused into a syrup with a spiced, aromatic flavor.

Amaretto Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with almonds or apricot kernels, distilled alcohol, water, and sugar, which are blended and infused to develop a sweet, nutty flavor.

Cherry, Clove, & Cinnamon Bitters: This is a concentrated flavoring made with cherries, cloves, cinnamon sticks, herbs, spices, botanicals, and distilled alcohol, which are macerated or steeped to develop a fruity, spiced flavor.

Chocolate Bitters: This is a concentrated flavoring made with chocolate, herbs, spices, botanicals, and distilled alcohol, which are macerated or steeped to develop a bittersweet, chocolate flavor.

Brandied Cherry: This is a type of stone fruit made by soaking maraschino cherries in brandy, water, and spices to make a rich, fruity syrup.

Brands I Used

• 🔗 Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
• 🔗 Disaronno Originale Amaretto
• 🔗 Crude Bitters & Sodas “Attawanhood” Cherry, Clove, & Cinnamon Bitters
• 🔗 Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters
• 🔗 Luxardo Original 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 and used for catching spills, providing grip for glasses and tools, and keeping the workspace clean and organized.

Jigger: This is a small double-sided tool with different volume measurements on each side that’s used for accurately portioning ingredients.

Mixing Glass: This is a sturdy glass vessel with a wide opening that’s used for stirring cocktails with ice before straining and serving.

Julep Strainer: This is a round metal strainer with a perforated bowl shape and handle that’s used for straining stirred cocktails from a mixing glass while holding back ice and solids.

Bar Spoon: This is a long-handled spoon with a twisted shaft that’s used for stirring cocktails, layering ingredients, and reaching the bottom of tall glasses and mixing vessels.

Cocktail Pick: This is a small, slender skewer made from metal, wood, or bamboo that’s used for holding cocktail garnishes in place.

Lowball Glass: This is a short, wide glass with a thick base that’s used for serving cocktails with ice or spirits neat.

Tools I Used

• 🔗 A Bar Above 18×12 Premium Bar Mat
• 🔗 A Bar Above Stainless Steel Japanese Jigger
• 🔗 Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass
• 🔗 A Bar Above Stainless Steel Julep Strainer
• 🔗 Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon
• 🔗 I-MART Gold Metal Cocktail Pick Set
• 🔗 West Elm Patchwork Rocks Glass

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 Take
“What starts as a simple bourbon-and-cinnamon concept turns the Fireside Glow into something far more layered with a few thoughtful additions. The cherry and chocolate notes bring depth and roundness, while the cinnamon keeps everything warm and inviting. It’s bourbon-forward without being harsh—the kind of after-dinner fall cocktail that feels both comforting and bar-menu worthy.”

Recipe

This cocktail recipe was found in the book Very Merry Cocktails: 50+ Festive Drinks for the Holiday Season by Jessica Strand.