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A cozy Bourbon cocktail, aptly named, A Long Winter’s Nap, made with ginger, cardamom, star anise, maple syrup and freshly plucked fir if so inclined (optional, but tasty!).
All things are meltable, and replaceable. Not at this moment, but soon enough, we are lambs and we are leaves, and we are stars, and the shining, mysterious pond water itself. ― Winter Hours
I should probably be embarrassed at how often this has been happening lately. But it’s been so dark, cold and snowy here! This cozy wintry drink called, A Long Winter’s Nap, has become a nightly ritual, tucking me for the evening. I wish I could take credit for the perfectly fitting name, but my brilliant friend Richard came up with it, and to me, it makes the drink.
Bourbon cocktail Ingredients
- You’ll need bourbon, maple syrup infused with cardamom, star anise, ginger, and a few optional Douglas fir twigs, and a little lemon juice.
- The whole spices and ginger give it a delightful flavor, but they are not imperative.
- It can be served warm or chilled, and either way, it’s cozy.
Sometimes I’ll toss in cardamom pods or whole peppercorns, or whatever sounds good in the moment. Orange zest, a cinnamon stick or even a few whole cloves are nice to. Play around with it and just have fun.
I also make this with simple syrup when out of maple – add equal parts of water and organic cane sugar and heat on the stove.
How to Make a Bourbon Cocktail
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add two ounces of bourbon, rye or whiskey.
- Add infused maple syrup and lemon juice.
- Shake and strain into a glass.
- Garnish with lemon
Alternatively, for large gatherings, you could multiply the recipe and pre-mix large batches of this in a pitcher (without the ice) for parties. Serve it over ice.
Store the leftover simple syrup or infused maple syrup in an airtight container in the fridge. The infused maple syrup is great over waffles and pancakes, too.
You can also serve this warm, like a hot toddy (see recipe notes)! This warm wintery drink is perfect for a Holiday gathering.
Cheers friends…Happy New Year!
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A Long Winter’s Nap (Bourbon cocktail)
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Bourbon Cocktail
- Method: shaken
- Cuisine: Drink
Description
A Long Winter’s Nap- a cozy Bourbon cocktail with maple syrup, ginger, and star anise that can be served warm or chilled.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of Bourbon, Whiskey or Rye
- 2 Tablespoons Infused maple (or plain maple syrup)
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- garnish with star anise and lemon slice
Infused Maple Syrup or simple syrup
- 1/2 cup real maple syrup (or make simple syrup- 1/2 cup sugar +1/2 cup water)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sliced ginger
- 3 star anise pods
- Optional additions – Douglas Fir, crushed cardamon pods, cinnamon, whole clove, peppercorns
Instructions
- Place maple syrup and water in a small pot. Add ginger and whole spices. Heat over medium heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes on low heat. Let stand 10 minutes. The longer you infuse, the more intense the flavor. You could let this sit overnight or strain it right away.
- In a cocktail shaker, pour the bourbon, infused maple syrup and lemon juice over ice. Shake and strain into a small glass or martini glass. Garnish with a star anise pod and lemon slice (or zest)
Notes
This can also be served warm. Stir cocktail ingredients together in a small pot, gently heating, and add a little water to taste ( 1/4 cup-1/2 cup), serve in a mug, like a hot toddy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 251
- Sugar: 24.8 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28.5 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: bourbon cocktail, winter cocktail, a long winters nap, bourbon cocktail recipe, cocktail made with bourbon
Fabulous! I infused syrup/water overnight with a small cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, some whole cloves. I love the flexibility of this recipe and it’s a great option for fall and winter nights!
★★★★★
Perfect Carrie- yes, it is a fun one!
51 degrees in Phoenix and the beginning of 2023, sipping on this beautiful drink and feeling very happy. Thanks for sharing and we wish you the best for the year ahead. Keep drinking!
★★★★★
Thanks, Maureen! Happy New year!
Favorite winter drink!!
★★★★★
Yay~!
We live in Alaska and it sure is a cold, wintry evening. Just went for a cross country ski – perfect drink to enjoy and celebrate the coming of 2021.
★★★★★
perfect on this cold night. delicious!
★★★★★
Holy smokes this was yummy!
★★★★★
Love this cocktail, been making it all fall and its a huge hit with my roommates. Thanks!
★★★★★
Awesome Eric!
Finally made this drink as it was the perfect cold Friday night … instead of our usually G & T. Love, love loved it! I infused the maple syrup with star anise, fresh ginger, cardamom pods, whole clove and peppercorns. And served it with a star anise and slice of lemon. It had just enough of the spice and Whisky kick to soothe the body and soul after a very hectic week. Will definitely make again with the leftover simple syrup.
★★★★★
The infused maple syrup is so good. I used fir, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and whole pepper corns as that was what I had on hand. I look forward to trying some of the other suggested spices when I run out of this batch. The cocktail is so yummy and perfect for a cold winters night. It’s now a new favorite of ours!
★★★★★
Delicious! Husband loves it, as do I. Enjoying it while decorating for Christmas. I added Apple slices to the infusion and then served them in the cocktail! We will make again.
★★★★★
Yum! apple sounds like a perfect addition!
Very amazing winter drinks for I like it
★★★★★
Lovely recipe wonderful drink I used organic molasses instead of maple syrup. Came out delicious. Thank you so much for sharing this great Recipe.
★★★★★
Nice tasting winter bourbon drink. A little too much for my wife, but she slept very well! The infused syrup was easy to make. Will definitely make this drink again. Cheers!
★★★★★
Ha Ha…thanks for sharing, and glad you enjoyed~!
Love that star anise on the top! I would love it if you would link this up to Tipsy Tuesday at Grey is the New Black!
Thanks Pam, I’ll check it out.;)
Yum! This sounds like the perfect cocktail for a cozy cold night in. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Katia!