News & Events

By in Blog Comments Off on Mad River Distillers Welcomes Moira Horan as On-Premise Sales Manager for Massachusetts

Mad River Distillers Welcomes Moira Horan as On-Premise Sales Manager for Massachusetts

Warren, VT – March 4, 2024 – Mad River Distillers, a leader in the craft distilling industry known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Moira Horan as On-Premise Sales Manager for Massachusetts and Connecticut. Horan, who previously worked with Mad River Distillers in 2017, returns to the team in a pivotal management role after gaining valuable experience and insights at Fever Tree and Tanteo Tequila.

Moira Horan is a seasoned professional with a proven track record of success in the beverage industry. During her time at Fever Tree and Tanteo Tequila, she developed a deep understanding of the market dynamics and established herself as a key player in driving growth and brand recognition. Her expertise in sales strategy, customer relations, and market penetration will be invaluable to Mad River Distillers as the company seeks to expand its presence and influence in the Massachusetts and Connecticut markets.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome Moira back to the Mad River Distillers family," said Maura Connolly, Co-founder of Mad River Distillers. "Her energy, expertise, and passion for the spirits industry are exactly what we need as we look to strengthen our position in the on-premise marketplace. Moira's unique ability to connect with customers and drive sales will be instrumental in achieving our growth objectives in these key regions."

In her new role, Horan will be responsible for leading sales initiatives, cultivating relationships with key accounts, and developing valuable partnerships that will enhance Mad River Distillers' visibility and market share. Her appointment marks a significant step forward in the company's strategic expansion efforts and underscores its commitment to bringing high-quality, artisanal spirits to a wider audience.

“I’m excited to return to the Mad River Distillers team which is a brand based on authenticity and sense of place,” said Moira Horan. “I look forward to being a part of the brand building in the on-premise in Massachusetts and Connecticut."

Mad River Distillers is confident that Horan's return and her leadership in the Massachusetts and Connecticut markets will usher in a new era of growth and innovation for the company.

About Mad River Distillers: Mad River Distillers is a craft distillery based in Warren, Vermont, dedicated to producing high-quality, small-batch spirits with a focus on sustainability and innovation. Founded in 2011, the distillery has garnered acclaim for its diverse portfolio of award-winning products, including whiskey, rum, and brandy. Committed to the craft and community, Mad River Distillers continues to push the boundaries of traditional distilling while honoring the rich heritage of Vermont's distilling legacy.

For further information, contact Mad River Distillers at info@madriverdistillers.com

By in Media & Events Comments Off on Mad River Rye Finished in Silver Oak Cellars Cabernet Barrels.

Mad River Rye Finished in Silver Oak Cellars Cabernet Barrels.

The Mad River Valley Meets Napa Valley

In the almost-famous Mad River Valley, five villages and two ski areas abut rolling farmland along the flank of Vermont's Green Mountains. And since 2014, the Mad River Valley has become known for whiskey, among other grain-based libations.

Mad River Distillers ferments, distills and bottles a variety of whiskeys at their Warren, VT-based farm for distribution in New England, New York and California. One of the perennial best sellers is Revolution Rye, a whiskey distilled with roasted 'chocolate' rye from the Northeast, which adds a complex and aromatic cocoa/mocha note to the spicy nature of the organic rye grains.

A collaboration between the distillery and Caskforce

In 2018, Nick O’Connell approached Mad River Distillers with the idea for a unique collaborative whiskey, and the distillery jumped at the opportunity. O’Connell is the founder of Caskforce, a Boston-based retailer that curates cask- finished whiskey. He had his eye on some Silver Oak Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon barrels and thought a potential pairing between the wine barrels and Mad River Distillers Revolution Rye would work well together. Silver Oak ages their Cabernet in toasted American oak barrels, which both complements and contrasts the charred American oak in which the whiskey is matured.

O'Connell sourced the barrels and shipped them to Vermont, where Mad River Distillers filled the previous red wine-filled casks with aged Revolution Rye, a unique style whiskey with a rare 100 percent rye mashbill. With only five barrels aged in the Mad River Distillers rickhouse, the new limited release showcases the strengths of both the wine and the whiskey.

“I THOUGHT THE DARK BERRY AND WHITE PEPPER NOTES OF THE SILVER OAK CABERNET CASKS WERE THE PERFECT COMPLEMENT TO THE RICH COCOA NOTES OF MAD RIVER’S RYE WHISKEY,” O'CONNELL NOTED.

Mad River Distillers head distiller Alex Hilton agreed; ”The Silver Oak Cellars barrels heightened the roasted notes of the chocolate rye in our mashbill, while adding a lush velvet smoothness to the mouthfeel of the whiskey.”

The Mad River Rye Whiskey Finished in Silver Oak Barrels is priced at $54.99 per bottle and available beginning Friday, November 20 in Massachusetts and Vermont.

In MA:

November 20 - Dec 3 Exclusive at at Post Road Liquors in Wayland, Mass., and Upper Falls Beverage in Needham, Mass.

December 4th Onward Post Road Liquors, Wayland, Upper Falls Beverage, Needham, Julio's Liquors, Westborough. Check back for more retailers.

In VT: November 20 Onward

Mad River Taste Place, 89 Mad River Green, Waitsfield, VT 05673. Open Mon-Sat 10 am-6 pm

Mad River Distillers, 137 St. Paul St. Burlington, VT 05401. Open Wed-Sun 2-6 pm

By in Blog, News & Blog Comments Off on MRD Runamok Cocktail Recipes

MRD Runamok Cocktail Recipes

As proud supporters of local Vermont businesses, we are participating in Maple Open House Weekend this March 22nd and 23rd at our Burlington Tasting Room. As part of this statewide celebration, we’re offering in-store Runamok samples of their Salted Caramel Syrup, Sugarmaker’s Cut Syrup, and Sparkle Syrup. We’ll also be offering a featured craft cocktail just for the weekend made with the Salted Caramel Maple Syrup. 

If you’ve ever perused or purchased from the retail section of our Burlington Tasting Room, you’ve likely seen Runamok on our shelves. It’s not only maple syrup that Runamok offers (which serves as a delicious substitute for simple syrup in cocktails). They also offer bitters, an Old Fashioned cocktail mixer, and Grenadine, which we’ve utilized in cocktail recipes featured at our bar and in recipes online.

If you aren’t able to stop into our Tasting Room during Maple Open House Weekend, we invite you to make the featured craft cocktail—or one of our other Runamok recipes below—from home. 

SALTED CARAMEL MAPLE MANHATTAN
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-2 oz. of Revolution Rye 
-3/4 oz. of Sweet Vermouth
-1/2 oz. of Runamok Salted Caramel Maple Syrup
-3-4 dashes of Runamok Maple Aromatic Bitters

Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. To fully incorporate the maple syrup, shake hard a couple times, then stir well until chilled. Strain into a coupe glass, then garnish with 3 Luxardo cherries.

STRAWBERRY SMASH
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-5 rinsed strawberries, leafy ends removed, chopped
-4 fresh basil leaves
-1.5 oz. of Rum 44
-1 oz. of fresh lemon juice
-1/4 oz. or a barspoon of Runamok Maple Grenadine
-Club soda

Instructions:
In a shaker, combine all ingredients except for the club soda. Muddle the ingredients together. Add fresh ice to a shaker, and shake well. Double strain into a stemless glass over fresh ice. Top with club soda, and garnish with a fresh strawberry and basil.

Rye Cider Spritz on a table with ingredients

RYE CIDER SPRITZ
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail
- 1 oz. of Revolution Rye
- 1/2 oz. of Linchpin Apertivo (or Aperol)
- 3 oz. of Apple Cider
- 1/2 oz. of fresh lemon juice
- 2 drops of Runamok Orange Bitters
- Hard Cider to top

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients, except for the hard cider, in a shaker with ice. Shake, then strain into a Collins or highball glass. Top with hard cider. Garnish with 2-3 apple slices.

MAPLE BOURBON SOUR
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-2 oz. of Straight Bourbon
-1 oz. of Runamok Sugarmakers Cut maple syrup
-1 oz. of fresh lemon juice
-4 dashes of Angostura Bitters

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker over ice. Shake briefly. Strain contents into a Double Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with Angostura Bitters.

MAGIC MAPLE MOJITO
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1.5 oz. of Rum 44
-3/4 oz. of lime juice
-3/4 oz. of mint simple syrup
-1/4 oz. of Runamok Sparkle Maple Syrup
-2 dashes of Fee Brothers Mint Bitters
-Club soda or seltzer to top

]

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients except for the club soda (or seltzer) in a tall glass filled with ice. Stir to incorporate ingredients, then top with the club soda or seltzer. Garnish with a lime wedge.

To make Mint Simple Syrup:
Combine 3 cups of simple syrup (a 1:1 ratio of sugar dissolved in hot water) with 1 cup of pressed mint leaves. Blanch the mint in boiling water for 15 seconds, then immediately remove the mint leaves and immerse them in ice water for 1 minute. Strain the leaves from the ice water. Blend the cooled simple syrup with the mint leaves for 1 minute, then strain well. Store the cooled mint simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 2 weeks.

One important bartending tip when it comes to making cocktails with maple syrup. Maple syrup is naturally thicker than simple syrup, so you may find that stirring doesn’t fully incorporate the syrup in with the other cocktail ingredients. Ordinarily, shaking cocktails containing Vermouth is not recommended, as it can make the flavor slightly bitter. When combining a maple syrup with Vermouth in a cocktail, we recommend just a couple hard shakes before the typical stirring, to help the thicker syrup fully incorporate. 

Are you ready to make some craft cocktails combining two great Vermont products? You can find our spirits as well as Runamok products right at our Burlington Tasting Room. We almost always have Runamok Bitters (including their Aromatic, Orange and Floral Bitters), the Maple Grenadine, Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail Mixer and Salted Caramel Maple Syrup in stock. Plus, you can find the always delicious Luxardo Cherries, and other cocktail and barware supplies, as well. See you soon!

Written and published by Brianne Lucas on March 17, 2025.

April Whiskey 101 Class

Join us for a Whiskey 101 Class at our Burlington Tasting Room on Monday, April 7th from 6pm-7pm. Attendees will enjoy a curated tasting of our Bourbons, Ryes, and Single Malts, ranging from our flagship spirits to current limited releases, and even some cellar selections from over the last 10 years! Sign up now! Space is very limited.



By in Blog Comments Off on Bitters Sets: Mad River Recipes Featuring Crude

Bitters Sets: Mad River Recipes Featuring Crude

If this is your first introduction to Crude Bitters, you are in for a treat. This company, founded in North Carolina in 2012, creates hand-crafted cocktail bitters and shrub syrup concentrates. Made in small batches using organic, non-GMO alcohol, their products contain no glycerin, no chemicals and no dyes. 

At Mad River Distillers, we are big supporters of hand-crafted products, and are proud to offer these uniquely flavored bitters at our Burlington Tasting Room. When you visit our retail section, you’ll find a whole wall dedicated to individual bitters bottles and sample sets. What we love about sample sets is they are a great introduction to the wide-ranging use of bitters across different cocktails, using different spirits. With so much flavor variety, we wanted to feature this particular bitters sample set from Crude, which features 5 bottles of their most popular bitters flavors. We’re also offering a cocktail recipe for each (some of which were found on the Crude website but given a little Mad River Distillers spin), so you can pick this set up and immediately make a variety of cocktails leveraging each.

Crude “Rizzo” Bitters

Rizzo bitters feature a blend of rosemary, grapefruit and black peppercorn. These bitters have such a distinctive flavor that they were the first bitters to ever win a Good Food award. 

WEST ERNEST 44
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1/2 oz. of Rum 44
-1/2 oz. of fresh grapefruit juice
-1/2 oz. of fresh lime juice
-1/4 oz. of grenadine
-1 can/bottle of IPA beer
-2 drops of Rizzo bitters

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients (except beer) in a shaker with ice. Shake and serve over ice in a collins glass. Top with IPA and a couple drops of Rizzo bitters. Add a grapefruit peel as garnish.

Crude “Big Bear” Bitters

Big Bear bitters are made using whole coffee beans and bittersweet cocoa nibs, which add a deliciously rich flavor to cocktails.

BIG RYE BOULEVARIDER
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1 oz. of Revolution Rye
-3/4 oz. of Campari
-1 oz. of Carpano Antica
-1 dropper Crude Big Bear Bitters

Instructions:
Add the rye, Campari and Carpano Antica to a mixing glass with ice. Stir well, then strain into a rocks glass. Top with Big Bear bitters. Add an orange peel as garnish.

Crude “Lindsay” Bitters

Lindsay bitters feature a blend of toasted pecan and magnolia bark, with just a hint of heat attributed to habanero. The magnolia bark provides a subtle floral aroma and a bitter finish to balance the nuttiness of the pecan.

MAD NOR'EASTER
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1.5 oz. of Straight Bourbon
-1/2 oz. of fresh lime juice
-1/2 oz. of maple syrup
-ginger beer
-Lindsay bitters

Instructions:
Add the bourbon, lime juice and maple syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake and serve over ice in a rocks glass. Top with ginger beer and 1 dropper of Lindsay bitters. Add a lime wheel as garnish.

Crude “Bitterless Marriage” Bitters

A cool spin on traditional aromatic bitters, Bitterless Marriage combines the tart and fruity base flavor of hibiscus with the floral aroma of lavender and the depth of oak.

FRENCH 44
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1 oz. of Rum 44
-1/2 oz. of fresh lemon juice
-1 tsp. of simple syrup
-Champagne or Prosecco
-Bitterless Bitters

Instructions:
In a shaker with ice, add the rum, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake for 10 seconds, then strain into a champagne flute. Top with 3-4 oz Champagne or Prosecco. Add 6-8 drops of Bitterless Marriage bitters.

Crude “Attawanhood #37” Bitters

Attawanhood #37 bitters add the flavors of cherry, clove and cinnamon to your cocktail. This aromatic bitter is a variation of a classic aromatic, but the tart cherry flavor comes to the forefront, along with dark spice.

HOT SPICED CIDER
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1.5 oz. of Vanilla Rum
-1/4 oz. of Orgeat (or Falernum)
-2 dashes of Dash Crude Attawanhood Bitters
-2 dashes of orange bitters
-hot cider
-cinnamon stick
-lemon twist

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients (except hot cider) in an Irish coffee mug. Stir to incorporate, then top with hot cider. Add a cinnamon stick and lemon twist as garnish.

Now that you’ve learned a little about each of the Crude sample set bitters, and you’ve discovered a cocktail recipe that can be made with each, be sure to visit our Burlington Tasting Room to pick up either the set or individual bottles from our retail section. You can also find bottles of each of our spirits available, as well as other supplies like Orgeat, simple syrup, maple syrup, grenadine, and even glassware. If you’re looking for even more cocktail recipe ideas, be sure to visit the Crude website. Happy mixing!

Written and published by Brianne Lucas on March 3, 2025.

By in Blog Comments Off on How to Make a Grapefruit Oleo-Saccharum

How to Make a Grapefruit Oleo-Saccharum

What is an oleo-saccharum, and how does it differ from a simple syrup? Both simple syrups and oleo-saccharums are used as an ingredient to sweeten cocktails. Simple syrup is made by dissolving equal parts of sugar and water together. A flavored simple syrup is usually made by adding fruit or an herb to the water and sugar mixture as the water dissolves, with any fruit, pith or herbs strained out. Oleo-saccharum, however, is a mix of fat or oil and sugar, and it’s a syrup technique that’s been around for hundreds of years. Here, no water is needed. It is made when muddling a citrus peel or zest along with sugar, leaving the oil from the citrus and the sugar to mix together as the sugar dissolves. Muddling of the citrus is important to help release the oils from the citrus rind. It creates a much more concentrated syrup that is very aromatic. In other words, a little goes a long way. 

Unless a recipe calls for zest, citrus rinds are bitter and often discarded without use. If you have citrus at home that you’re using for other purposes, for example if you’re squeezing grapefruit, oranges, lemons or limes to make fresh juice, then making an oleo-saccharum is actually a great way to give purpose to the rind that would otherwise be thrown away. Instead of juicing with the rind on, carefully remove the rind first and then you'll have extended the use of your citrus!

Recently, our Burlington Tasting Room bartender Given Campbell created an oleo-saccharum using grapefruit, which he integrated into a delicious riff on an Old Fashioned using our Straight Bourbon combined with the slightly bitter Cynar and grapefruit flavors, as well as Angostura Bitters.

Here, Given shares how to make a grapefruit oleo-saccharum and his Old-Fashioned-inspired recipe called Yesterday’s Sunshine:

GRAPEFRUIT OLEO-SACCHARUM

Ingredients:
-6-8 grapefruits
-demerara sugar

Instructions:
Rinse the grapefruits really well. Peel the grapefruit to get as much of the outside peel as possible, while avoiding too much pith (as pith will add bitterness to the flavor). Weigh the grapefruit peels, then weigh out the same amount of grams of demerara sugar, and add both to a Mason jar. Muddle the sugar into the grapefruit peels. Then, shake the contents every day until the sugar is completely dissolved. Strain the peels from the liquid, and store the oleo-saccharum for up to one week in the refrigerator.

YESTERDAY’S SUNSHINE COCKTAIL

Ingredients:
-1.5 oz. of Straight Bourbon
-1/2 oz. of Cynar
-1/4 oz. of Grapefruit Oleo Saccharum
-3 Dashes of Angostura Bitters

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice, then stir well to incorporate. Pour over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

Most oleo-saccharum recipes can be made in 24 hours or less, so while it does require a little preparation, you don’t have to wait too long to get a highly flavorful and aromatic citrus syrup that adds a ton of flavor to your cocktails. If you need a bottle of our Straight Bourbon to make this cocktail at home, visit our website or stop by one of our Tasting Rooms. If you need Angostura Bitters, we carry those at our Burlington Tasting Room, as well. Cheers!

Recipe by Given Campbell for Mad River Distillers. Written and published by Brianne Lucas on February 17, 2025.

Valentine's Day Sip & Snacks

Join us for a special Valentine's Day Sip & Snack at the Burlington Tasting Room on Friday, February 14th. Enjoy a pre- or post-dinner cocktail and snack for just $35 per couple. Price includes your choice of cocktail (1 cocktail per person), and you can choose from a cheese, vegan or dessert snack option to share.

Seating is extremely limited! Book your table today.

Tax and gratuity are additional.

By in Blog, News & Blog Comments Off on Winter Cocktail Ingredients

Winter Cocktail Ingredients

We often talk about seasonal cocktails. What makes a cocktail better suited for one season versus another? It usually has to do with the flavor profile of the ingredients. For example, we typically consider any drink with Orgeat (a sweet almond syrup) to be for warmer season cocktails, since it is commonly used in tiki drinks, which we associate with warm beaches and tropical vacations. Well, the same is true for winter cocktails in that certain flavors and spices are commonly associated with colder months. In some cases, the association to winter is obvious. A Hot Toddy, or other hot cocktail, is an obvious choice simply based on the temperature of the drink. However, other ingredients, like cinnamon or cardamom, may remind you of baked goods during the holiday season. 

Here, we share a variety of products that are great ingredients to have on hand when making cocktails during the winter season.

SKI SEASON SANGRIA
The seasonality of this product is built right into the name! What makes this mixer perfect for the winter is its combination of cranberry, orange, cinnamon, clove and allspice. These are popular winter spices for their warming effect. Just mix it with rum, like our versatile silver Rum 44, and you’re ready to go.

WOOD STOVE KITCHEN

MOLE BITTERS
Mole betters combine chocolate with spice to add depth to cocktails. It works great to add a kick of flavor to a spiked hot chocolate, but also complements the complex flavors in cocktails like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. The Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters combine cocoa, cinnamon and spice for a warming quality that gives it a hint of Mexican chocolate.

BITTERMENS BITTERS

CHICORY PECAN BITTERS
These bitters are a Good Food Award winner! These aromatic bitters combine the warming flavors of coffee, chicory, pecan and cinnamon. It works particularly well in brown spirits, and in cocktails like an Old Fashioned, or even in spiced cider drinks.

EL GUAPO BITTERS

SPICED DEMERARA
Spiced Demerara by Cocktail & Sons is a syrup made with a variety of baking spices that are sure to remind you of the winter season. Raw sugar combines with peppercorns, allspice, coriander, cassia bark, wild cherry bark and orange peel. As you might have guessed, this makes it a great syrup in an Old Fashioned, but it’s also great in Sazeracs!

COCKTAIL & SONS

BLACK WALNUT BITTERS
Another Good Food Awards winner, these aromatic bitters add a complex, rich and nutty flavor to cocktails. Made with walnuts and black walnut leaf, as well as clove, roasted cacao nibs, allspice and black peppercorns, the warming spices here make it a great addition to bourbon cocktails like a Manhattan.

STRONG WATER

NAUGHTY FIGGY BITTERS
One of the newer additions to our Burlington Tasting Room, Naughty Figgy Bitters from Bitter Queens is a flavorful blend of figs, cocoa, black walnut, cinnamon, gentian and citrus. We recently featured these bitters in a riff on a French 75, but they also work great into winter drinks like an egg nog, coquito, and hot buttered rum, as well as in a Manhattan.

BITTER QUEENS

HOT TODDY MIXERS
A Hot Toddy is a winter cocktail staple, typically combining bourbon, hot water, honey and lemon. These mixers from Wood Stove Kitchen make it easy to sip on something warm, because all you need to do is combine them with Bourbon and hot water. The Honey, Lemon & Ginger mixer contains a blend of spices including clove, and the Spiced Apple mixer contains a blend of apple juice, cinnamon, cloves, allspice and orange zest.

WOOD STOVE KITCHEN

BOGARTS & BOKERS BITTERS
Bogarts Bitters are said to have started the cocktail movement, appearing in the first cocktail book ever published, back in 1862. These bitters contain a special warming blend of dark spice, chocolatey coffee and European spices that works well in a variety of cocktails. When Bogarts are unavailable, we recommend Bokers Bitters for its unique blend of warming spices, with a cardamom woody nose and a cardamom, coffee and orange taste.

THE BITTER TRUTH

These are just some of the products we carry at our Burlington Tasting Room that work great in winter cocktails. For specific winter cocktail recipe ideas, be sure to check out our Winter Cocktail Recipes blog post. While our Straight Bourbon, Burnt Rock Bourbon and Revolution Rye are popular go-to spirits in the winter, there are plenty of rum options to get you through the cold months as well. Check out our Rum In The Cold Season blog post for rum recipes featuring our Vanilla Rum, Rum 44, Maple Cask Rum, First Run Rum, and PX Rum. Also, If you ever visit our retail section and are looking for recommendations, our team is always happy to help! 

Happy sipping!

Written and published by Brianne Lucas on January 21, 2025.

By in Blog, News & Blog Comments Off on Mocktail to Cocktail Options

Mocktail to Cocktail Options

Referred to as Dry January, this is a time of year where many choose to take a break from consuming alcohol. Besides this month-long campaign, there are other occasions where someone may want to pass on alcohol. For example, when someone volunteers to be a designated driver. There are also moments where you may be hosting a gathering with guests that drink alcohol, and guests that don’t. For all of these various occasions, non-alcoholic drink options or mocktails have been created. 

While we are a distiller of craft spirits, we appreciate the need for options. That is why we carry several products at our Burlington Tasting Room that we recommend as excellent mocktails but also that incorporate well as an ingredient in a cocktail! Here are just some of the non-alcoholic brands we carry that we invite you to check out.

SWITCHEL
If you aren’t familiar with Vermont-crafted Switchel, this beverage combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tang of apple cider vinegar, along with lemon, ginger and molasses. It is known for its natural ingredients, with healthful properties. This non-alcoholic drink can be enjoyed on its own, or in cocktails such as our Switchel in the Rye recipe.

VERMONT SWITCHEL

SHRUBS
A shrub is made with a combination of vinegar, sugar, and fruit. You may not want to drink it entirely on its own, but it’s a great way to add sweetness, flavor, and complexity to a mixed drink (whether mocktail or cocktail) with just one ingredient. If you’re curious to read more about shrubs, and want some cocktail ideas, we have a blog post dedicated to them here.

TAIT FARM SHRUBS
BLAKE HILL SHRUBS

WOLFPEACH
Another Vermont product, Wolfpeach’s Nectar of the Gods is a special elixir made from sea buckthorn, barrel-aged wild and heirloom apple cider vinegar, and raw honey. You can drink this by itself, in a cocktail, or even drizzle it on a dessert! We have previously featured this in a spritz mocktail combined with macadamia syrup, lemon juice and soda.

WOLFPEACH

GHIA
Ghia carries several non-alcoholic drink options, including their spritzed non-alcoholic aperitifs, their Strawberry and Orange Le Fizz beverage, and their original apéritif made with potent plants, heady herbals, and botanicals for a bright and bitter flavor. These are all intended to taste just like a cocktail, without actually including any alcohol. Similar to an Italian amaro, this works well into cocktails as well, such as our Ghia Daiquiri recipe.

GHIA

As a very smooth and versatile spirit, our Rum 44 would be a great choice for combining with any of the products above. While all of these items are currently available at our Burlington Tasting Room, and are often integrated into mocktails featured on our menu, we’re always trying and bringing in new products. Be sure to stop in and see what options we have! If you’re looking for a product featured here but did not find it in our retail space, be sure to visit their websites for more information. Cheers!

Written and published by Brianne Lucas on January 6, 2025.

By in Cocktails, PX Rum Comments Off on It's All Downhill

It's All Downhill

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It's All Downhill

  • Author: Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This delicious cocktail combines several Spanish flavors, including our Sherry-finished, barrel-aged PX Rum along with Sweet Vermouth, Dry Curacao, a hint of Absinthe, an olive and a lemon twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 oz. of PX Rum
  • 3/4 oz. of Sweet Vermouth
  • 3/4 oz. of Sherry
  • 1/4 oz. of Dry Curacao
  • Absinthe (spritz or rinse)
  • olive
  • lemon twist

Instructions

  1. In a mixing glass, combine the PX Rum, Sherry and Dry Curacao.
  2. Add ice to the glass, then stir well to incorporate.
  3. Using an atomizer, spritz some Absinthe in a rocks glass. If you don't have an atomizer, just swirl a small amount of Absinthe in the glass, then dump it out.
  4. Add a large ice cube to the rocks glass.
  5. Add an olive to the rocks glass, then pour the drink over the olive.
  6. Add a lemon twist as garnish.

Notes

Note: Avoid substituting with Triple Secs, as they will be too sweet.

Featured Spirit

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By in Cocktails, PX Rum Comments Off on PX75

PX75

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PX75

  • Author: Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This riff on a French 75 combines our PX Rum with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, figgy bitters and Prosecco!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 oz. of PX Rum
  • 1/2 oz. of fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz. of simple syrup
  • 2-3 dashes of Bitter Queens Figgy bitters

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients, except the Prosecco, in a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake well, then strain into a flute glass.
  3. Top with chilled Prosecco, and garnish with a lemon twist.

Featured Spirit

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Did you make this recipe?

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By in Blog Comments Off on Cocktails to Ring in the New Year

Cocktails to Ring in the New Year

It’s that time of year when folks break out their finest duds and pop the traditional bottle of bubbly to celebrate the New Year with friends and loved ones. While pouring a bubbly drink in a flute or tulip glass might be the obvious choice, let's be honest, Champagne isn’t for everyone.

At Mad River Distillers, we have more than 100 cocktail recipes on our website, but we’ve picked some top recipes that would make excellent options for toasting as the clock strikes 12. Here are our sipping selections for ringing in the New Year:

PX75
A riff on a French 75, this cocktail combines a couple distinctive flavors to make a bubbly sipper unlike any other. Our PX Rum, with its nutty and smoky aromas and flavors, combines with figgy bitters, as well as lemon juice, simple syrup, and chilled Prosecco.

PX75 RECIPE

Bourbon Spritz
This drink checks some important boxes. First, it has a lovely presentation, with a bright orange color and orange slice garnish. Second, you combine our Bourbon with Aperol and your choice of Prosecco, a sparkling wine or club soda to give it those traditional New Year's bubbles. 

BOURBON SPRITZ RECIPE

Sparkling Silver
Combining our silver Rum 44, sparkling wine, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice and an orange peel garnish, this bubbly cocktail is fun, festive, fruity and zesty. It's great for toasting, or for brunch!

SPARKLING SILVER RECIPE

Fancy Pants
This may not be an obvious choice when it comes to toasting, but with a name like this on one of the biggest party nights of the year, it had to be on our list. If bubbles just aren’t your thing at all, but you love a good whiskey drink, mix up a Fancy Pants with our Bourbon, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, orange and Angostura bitters, and an orange twist.

FANCY PANTS RECIPE

Mad Capri
If you really want to use your champagne flute, consider this citrus and herb flavored cocktail featuring our Revolution Rye whiskey. The Rye, Cynar Liqueur, Casoni 1814 Apertivo Liqueur (or Aperol), and lemon juice all mix together and are topped with Prosecco for a bright and bubbly drink that’s unlike any other.

MAD CAPRI RECIPE

Mad Celebration
With a presentation that most closely resembles Champagne, our Mad Celebration cocktail was made for just such an occasion. You start with a sugar cube in a flute, add a couple dashes of bitters, pour the Mad Apple Brandy over the sugar cube, and top with a chilled sparkling wine. It’s the sparkling cocktail to raise as you wish a loud “Happy New Years!”

MAD CELEBRATION RECIPE

There is much to look forward to in the new year! We hope you enjoy our top New Year’s cocktail picks, and that you celebrate safely this year and every year.

From the entire Mad River team, we wish you a fantastic 2025! Cheers!!

Written by Brianne Lucas and updated on December 23, 2024.

MRD Holiday Tasting at Nejaime's in Stockbridge

Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, December 20th at the Nejaime's Wine Cellars in Stockbridge, MA. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 2:00pm-5:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.

Lawson's Holiday Market in Waitsfield

Find us at a Holiday Pop Up Market at Lawson's Finest Taproom in Waitsfield, VT on Saturday, December 14th from 11:00am-3:00pm(EDT). This great event brings together local artisans and producers for a festive variety of holiday gift ideas! We’ll be there, showcasing our spirits (which will be available for purchase) and offering tastings. Be sure to stop by!

By in Blog Comments Off on 2024 Burlington Tasting Room Holiday Gift Guide

2024 Burlington Tasting Room Holiday Gift Guide

Another gift-giving season has arrived! If you’re working on your list still, whether for family, friends or co-workers, we’ve got some great gift options for you at our Burlington Tasting Room. Our retail section offers a variety of items to make an incredible cocktail-themed gift basket, or to simply help someone stock up with supplies for their home bar. We carry a variety of glassware, barware, syrups, mixers, bitters, recipe books, Mad River merch, and of course, our ready-to-drink cocktails and spirits! Need some specific ideas? Read below for our 2024 Burlington Tasting Room Gift Guide, then stop in to check off your shopping to-do list!

Here are our top gift recommendations for 2024:

OUR FAVORITES GIFT PACK

Our “Favorites” gift pack includes three of our best-selling Vermont-made spirits in “flask” (or pocket) sized 200ml bottles. Each set includes our Straight Bourbon, Revolution Rye and Maple Cask Rum. This is a great way to introduce someone to our craft spirits. Each can all be sipped on their own, but if the person you’re gifting loves a good cocktail, be sure to have them visit our website for recipe ideas.

COCKTAILS GIFT PACK

This gift pack includes three ready-to-drink cocktails! That’s right, no mixing is required! Simply pour into a chilled glass (with or without ice, as may be preferred), and start sipping. These gift packs contain a 200ml sized bottle of our Old Fashioned made with Straight Bourbon, Maple Fig Madhattan made with Maple Cask Rum and Black Fig Vodka, and our Old Fashioned made with Revolution Rye.

BITTERS KITS

Our Burlington Tasting Room boasts an extensive selection of bitters (perhaps the biggest in the state). Bitters are an excellent way to add and experiment with cocktail flavors. While there are a few bitters we always recommend for home bars (such as Angostura Bitters, Orange Bitters and Peychaud Bitters), we offer a variety of popular kits, each containing several bitters flavors, from brands such as Crude, Strong Water, Bitter Queens, The Bitter Housewife, Scrappy’s & more.

MAPLE SYRUPS

Besides the fact that this liquid gold makes a great substitute for simple syrup (while offering double duty on your homemade pancakes), we have some other connections to Maple Syrup here at Mad River Distillers. We have a brand new (and very delicious) “Double Tapped” Rum Maple Syrup that was aged for years in our rum barrels, and contains 17.2% alcohol. We also carry Wood’s Rum Barrel Aged syrup, which is aged for several months in newly emptied rum barrels that we provide, in addition to Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup from Old City Syrup Company, which aged in our newly emptied bourbon barrels.

ALL THE MIXERS

Just like there are a ton of bitter options to create unique cocktail flavors, the same is true with mixers. A simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to cocktails, while nut and fruit flavored syrups (like the Macadamia Nut or the Prickly Pear syrups featured here) add specific flavors that taste amazing in tropical cocktails and daiquiris. You can find other popular tropical cocktail syrups like grenadine, falernum and orgeat on our shelves as well.

BARWARE & HOME GOODS

If you know someone with a home bar looking to stock up or expand on their supplies, we carry all the items someone would need, including jiggers, shakers, strainers, bar spoons, mixing glasses, cocktail picks, muddlers, ice cube molds, glassware, tiki mugs, coasters, recipe books and more.

WEARABLES

Give the gift of local (and support local business at the same time) with some cool Mad River Distillers merch, including hats, comfy tees and cozy hoodies. Other Mad River Distillers merch includes stickers, travel mugs, glassware, coasters, flasks and whiskey stones.

DIY OLD FASHIONED KIT

You can’t go wrong with the ever-popular Old Fashioned cocktail. At our Burlington Tasting Room, you can find all the supplies you need to put together a simple Old Fashioned Kit: a bottle of Straight Bourbon or Revolution Rye, Angostura Bitters (which are used in a wide variety of other cocktails) and Luxardo Cherries. We also carry some dehydrated garnishes. If you need a rocks glass and large ice cube, we have you covered with glassware and ice cube molds, as well!

MAD RIVER SPIRITS

Not to be forgotten… The most spirited gift of all is of course our award-winning spirits! At our Burlington Tasting Room, you can find bottles of our rye, bourbon and rums. Many are available in two sizes. We also have some limited spirits on hand (which means, they won’t last long, so get a bottle while supplies last). When you stop into our Burlington Tasting Room, you can take a Tasting break and sample some of the spirits for yourself before deciding which bottles to purchase.

These are just some of the items you can find at our Burlington Tasting Room. Other available items include a variety of mocktail drinks, Bourbon Caramel chocolate bars from Lake Champlain Chocolates, Cocktail Smoker Kits and Vena’s Infusion Kits. If you have any questions or need advice on a gift, we’re always happy to help with ideas so you can assemble a great package for your loved ones.

Visit us at 137 St. Paul Street in Burlington for all your spirits and barware needs, and show your support for local business! While you’re there, order a tasting or cocktail from our bar. If you aren’t local or visiting the area, check out our Purchase page to see how you can find our spirits online.

Wishing you all a spirited and safe holiday season!

Written by Brianne Lucas and published on November 25, 2024

MRD Tasting at Kappy's in Danvers

Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, December 20th at the Kappy's Fine Wine & Spirits in Danvers, MA. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 4:00pm-6:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.

MRD Tasting at Bottles Fine Wine in Providence

Join Mad River Distillers on Saturday, December 14th at Bottles Fine Wine & Spirits in Providence, RI. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 4:00pm-7:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.

MRD Tasting at Route 110 Liquors in Amesbury

Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, December 13th at Route 110 Liquors in Amesbury, MA. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 4:00pm-6:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.

MRD Tasting at the Dover Wine Company in Dover, MA

Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, December 13th at the Dover Wine Company in Dover, MA. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 4:00pm-6:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.

MRD Tasting at The Den Wine & Spirits in Providence

Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, December 13th at The Den Wine & Spirits in Providence, RI. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 4:00pm-7:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.

MRD Tasting at Kappy's Fine Wine and Spirits in Peabody

Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, November 22nd at the Kappy's Fine Wine & Spirits in Peabody, MA. There will be complimentary tastings from our line of spirits between 4:00pm-6:00pm. Feel free to ask questions! Bottles will be available for purchase.

Woodstock Wassail Artisan and Food Market

Find us at the Woodstock Wassail Artisan and Food Market at the Town Green in Woodstock, VT on Saturday, December 14th from 9:30AM – 3:30PM. As part of the annual Wassail Weekend in Woodstock, you'll encounter local craftsmanship and festive food in the lively market. We’ll be there, showcasing our spirits (which will be available for purchase) and offering tastings. Be sure to stop by!