Pumpkin Maple Old Fashioned

I am both a pumpkin and alcohol (in moderation, at least most of the time) enthusiast, so when I heard that a pumpkin spirit existed, and even more, it was from a Wisconsin distillery, I was instantly intrigued and determined to seek it out. A small bit of research led me to discover that the genius folks at Great Lakes Distillery and Lakefront Brewery, both in Milwaukee, had come up with the idea to distill the exceptional Lakefront Brewery Pumpkin Lager into a spirit (over a couple of drinks, naturally). Already a devotee of this exceptional brew, the only pumpkin lager available in the world, I was further motivated to obtain this amazing spirit, which most certainly did not disappoint. Since there is no other spirit like this made in the world, I went first to the Great Lakes Distillery website for my inaugural cocktail recipe. Old Fashioned? Love them! And with maple syrup? Absolutely! Just as I suspected, this cocktail is an amazing (and boozy) taste of fall, but only for those who aren't just trying to hide alcohol in sugary mixers to get drunk, but truly enjoy and appreciate the taste of spirits.

Pumpkin Maple Old Fashioned

from Great Lakes Distillery

serves 1

2 oz Great Lakes Distillery Pumpkin Seasonal Spirit
1/2 oz pure maple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
small disc of orange zest

1. Over a mixing glass squeeze orange zest through a flame to expel burnt oils into the glass. Drop in burnt orange zest and add the Pumpkin Spirit, maple syrup, and bitters. Fill glass with ice and stir for about 30 seconds. Strain into a small chilled rocks glass. Garnish with a orange zest spiral.