Campfire Sling

A friend of mine raved about a drink he had with rye, maple syrup and a “candied” orange slice. The bitters, a distillation of alcohol and chocolate, lend a sweet tone along with the maple syrup. This kind of reminds me of a s’mores in a glass. After some research, I was able to replicate it with a twist on the orange. A campfire isn’t a prerequisite, but it sure adds to the sipping enjoyment.

Ingredients for 1 Drink

2 ounces rye whiskey

1½ teaspoons real maple syrup

3 dashes chocolate bitters

Preparation

Add rye, maple syrup and bitters together in a mixing cup with a scoop of ice.

Shake and strain over a big ice cube or serve up
(shake with ice and then strain to serve without).

In the winter, leave out the ice all together and sip next to a fire, inside or out.

Garnish with a candied orange slice.

Candied Orange

1 orange, sliced ⅓-inch thick

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Heat a non-stick sauté pan over medium heat. Sprinkle one side of the orange slice with sugar and place sugar side down in hot pan. Sprinkle the other side with sugar and flip after about 30 seconds. Cook the other side until golden brown. Cool on parchment paper or a plate. Make a shallow cut on one edge and attach to the rim of the drink.

NOTE

Bourbon or a whisky of choice can be switched out for the rye. A nice thick peel of orange twisted over the drink to release its oils, and then run around the rim of the glass, is a fine swap for the candied orange slice. Chocolate bitters are in most upscale liquor stores and available online.