A Maple Cherry Old Fashioned: The Perfect Cocktail for Taryn O’Kelly’s Cruise Adventure – originally featured on Angel’s Book Nook
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of setting sail on a luxury cruise. The sun, the sea breeze, and the sound of waves lapping against the hull. It’s the perfect escape, but what happens when that relaxing vacation turns into a full-fledged mystery? That’s exactly what happens in Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses, the second book in the Taryn O’Kelly mystery series, where Taryn’s getaway becomes a suspense-filled adventure.
In honor of this book’s release, I wanted to share a cocktail that’s as rich, complex, and satisfying as the mystery Taryn finds herself tangled in. A Maple Cherry Old Fashioned made with Amarena cherries and Irish whiskey. The smoothness of the whiskey combined with the sweetness of maple syrup and cherry finish is a delicious blend of what feels safe, yet leaves a lingering mystery on your palate. This is my favorite drink, the one I turn to when I need to unwind, and I can’t think of a better way to kick back while diving into a good book.
The Story Behind the Cocktail
The Old Fashioned is a timeless classic, beloved by cocktail connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike, for its simplicity and depth. It’s simple whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus. It’s the kind of drink that can take on different personalities depending on the ingredients.
Just like the characters in a cozy mystery, every little detail counts. I’ve given this one a personal twist with the smoothness of Irish whiskey, the sweet richness of Amarena cherries, and a bit of the cherry syrup to round it all out. It’s a cocktail that’s perfect for a relaxing evening. Whether you’re lounging on a cruise or curled up with a book, this cocktail will transport you right into the heart of Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses.
I chose Irish whiskey as the base for this drink because of Taryn’s Irish roots (Mine too) and because it’s smoother and slightly sweeter than many American bourbons, making it perfect for leisurely sipping. The maple syrup brings an earthy warmth, like a cozy sweater on a breezy evening at sea while the Amarena cherries are sweet, dark, and packed with flavor. They add a decadent little pop at the end.
Using the cherry syrup itself, instead of relying only on sugar or additional liqueur, gives the drink a subtle complexity. It’s a little unexpected much like the twists and turns Taryn faces during her not-so-relaxing cruise.
And just like any good mystery, the Maple Cherry Old Fashioned invites you to slow down and pay attention to the details. The swirl of the maple, the dark gleam of the cherry, and the first hint of bitters balanced against the smooth whiskey. It’s a drink made for those who appreciate the art of discovery, whether you’re piecing together a puzzle on a ship deck or simply savoring a moment of peace before the next adventure unfolds.
Maple Cherry Old Fashioned
Serves: 1
Ingredients
- 2 oz Irish Whiskey (smooth and rich)
- 1/2 oz Maple Syrup (for a sweet, earthy richness)
- 2-3 dashes of Angostura Bitters (to balance the sweetness)
- 1 Amarena Cherries (sweet and full of flavor)
- A splash of Cherry Syrup (from the Amarena cherries)
- Ice (preferably a large cube to avoid dilution)
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In your rocks glass, combine the Irish whiskey, maple syrup, and bitters. Stir gently to blend the flavors.
- Add the Cherries: Drop one Amarena cherries into the glass. These cherries are beautifully sweet and full of flavor, making them the perfect addition to this cocktail.
- Splash of Cherry Syrup: Add just a splash of the syrup from the Amarena cherries. This will infuse the drink with even more sweetness and a deeper cherry flavor.
- Add Ice: add a large ice cube to your Old Fashioned glass. The large cube will keep your drink chilled without watering it down too quickly…
- Enjoy You don’t need any extra garnish for this one, the cherries and syrup provide all the flavor and color you need.
This Maple Cherry Old Fashioned is a drink that’s near and dear to me. I created it because I wanted something that combined the rich, smooth warmth of Irish whiskey with the sweetness of maple and the deep, rich flavor of Amarena cherries.
It’s my go-to when I want to relax and unwind, and it’s the perfect companion for a good mystery. The sweetness of the cherries and maple syrup creates a comforting balance. But there’s a little complexity beneath the surface, much like the twists and turns in a cozy mystery. The cherry syrup adds that extra bit of richness that ties everything together, creating a drink that feels as layered and interesting as the stories I love to write.
And I have a feeling Taryn would approve. She’s always ready for a good Irish whiskey.
So the next time you’re curled up with a book (hopefully mine!), or plotting your next real-world adventure, I invite you to mix yourself a Maple Cherry Old Fashioned. Raise your glass to intrigue, romance, and the endless possibilities that lie just beyond the next wave.
And remember, whether you’re sailing into the sunset or diving headfirst into a cozy mystery, it’s always wise to keep your eyes open… and your cocktail close.
Love a good cocktail with a cozy twist? 🍒 Try my Maple Cherry Old Fashioned and let me know what you think. Then grab a comfy seat, because more tasty recipes, bookish fun, and behind-the-scenes goodies are just a newsletter away.
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“Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.” — Mark Twain
As always, thanks for stopping by for some Salty Inspirations!
