The Maplecrest

Maplecrest Valley, Thomas Cole and Black Dome Mountains

Thursdays are turning into creative days at Fort Defiance. Maybe its the lag in business during these last dog days of summer. I certainly wasn't feeling up to being too creative tonight as I was fighting off fatigue and a sore throat. I was also fighting off some depression. Its been over a month since I have had a day off and since my birthday that I was upstate in my beautiful mountains with my family. I was fondly remembering my brother's gypsy wedding last summer in the rain and the Wild Mountain Mojitos I made spontaneously with bourbon, maple syrup, fernet and the wild thyme that grows all over our valley. Though I made it as a julep over cracked ice with a big sprig of flowering thyme, I thought it really is a variation of a Manhattan and should be served as such. Besides, Fort Defiance is a classy place. And this new updated version deserves a classy name.

So, ladies and gentlemen, I present the Maplecrest; named for the town in which it was created. The lavender and thyme is a classic herbs de Provence combination. The mix of rye and bourbon give it a spicy sweet flavor. With a spring of fresh thyme floating on top it is an elegant and beautiful cocktail.

The Maplecrest
1 oz Rye
1 oz Bourbon
1/2 oz Fernet Branca
1/2 oz Lavender infused Maple Syrup
Fresh Thyme

Strip and muddle some fresh thyme leaves in the maple syrup. Add other ingredients, ice and stir. Strain into a chilled cocktail coup and float a fresh branch of Thyme.