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Cocktail History
The Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz is an autumn cocktail that was created in 2021 by Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest. Originally meant to be a batch cocktail, this version, crafted for individual servings, features spiced bourbon as its base, lending a cozy depth of flavor and combines it with fresh citrus for brightness and a distinct maple syrup that’s infused with classic baking spices, all of which enhance its autumnal character. To finish, a splash of sparkling wine provides a fizzy lift, creating a balanced cocktail perfect for fall gatherings or a festive toast.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Sparkling Wine: This is a type of wine made with white or red grapes and infused with carbon dioxide. I used La Marca Prosecco.
Bourbon: This is a type of whiskey made in the United States with at least 51% corn, grains, malted barley, and water. I used Eagle Park Distilling Bourbon.
Spiced Maple Syrup: This is a sweet, amber-colored syrup made by boiling down the sap of sugar maple trees and flavoring it with baking spices.
Lemon Juice: This is the tart, acidic liquid extracted from lemons. I used fresh lemon juice.
Orange Bitters: This is a food product made with oranges, botanicals, herbs, and alcohol. I used Angostura Orange Bitters.
Orange Twist: This is the peel of an orange that has been twisted into a corkscrew shape.
Cinnamon Stick: This is a rolled and dried bark from the cinnamon tree. I used Simply Organic Cinnamon Sticks.
Star Anise: This is a star-shaped spice derived from the fruit of an evergreen tree. I used Frontier Co-op Star Anise.
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.
Boston Shaker: This is a two-piece cocktail shaker consisting of a metal tin and a glass or metal mixing glass that’s used for shaking and blending ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Hawthorne Strainer: This is a metal strainer with a spring around its edge that’s used to filter out ice and solids when pouring the cocktail into a glass. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.
Paring Knife: This is a small, sharp kitchen knife with a narrow blade that’s used for peeling, trimming, and garnishing. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.
Juicer: This is a handheld tool that’s used to extract juice from fruits by pressing or twisting it against a reamer or cone. I used the Black+Decker 32 oz Electric Citrus Juicer.
Peeler: This is a small, handheld tool with a sharp blade that’s used to remove the outer skin of fruits and vegetables. I used the OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Peeler 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 thrifted lowball glass.
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Warm amber hue with a frothy top
• Aroma: Maple syrup, wine, citrus, and warm spices
• Taste: Smooth and balanced mix of rich maple sweetness, baking spices, and the bold character of bourbon lightened by a hint of fizz
• Finish: Crisp and refreshing with lingering notes of more maple and a twinge of lemon
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “I can never pinpoint what a cocktail topped with sparkling wine is going to taste like. I half expected this one to mostly taste like a fall-flavored wine drink, but I was pleasantly surprised at how complex it ended up being. The bourbon and maple shine on their own right alongside the bubbly, resulting in a really refreshing but seasonal recipe. I really liked the Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz and could see myself popping a bottle of bubbly just so I could make it for friends.”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from Half Baked Harvest, an online food and beverage recipe publication.
Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz
The Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz is an autumn cocktail that was created in 2021 by Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest. Originally meant to be a batch cocktail, this single-serving version mixes spiced whiskey with citrus and a unique maple syrup flavored with baking spices before topping it all off with sparkling wine.
Ingredients
Method
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Add bourbon, spiced maple syrup, lemon juice, bitters, and cubed ice to a shaker.
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Shake for 10-20 seconds.
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Strain into a lowball glass over fresh cracked ice.
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Top with sparkling wine.
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Garnish with orange twist, cinnamon stick, and star anise.
