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By in Cocktails, Vanilla Rum Comments Off on Thin Mint

Thin Mint

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Thin Mint


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

Description

A chocolate and mint flavored cocktail made with Vanilla Rum that would make an ideal St. Patrick’s Day treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 oz. of Vanilla Rum
  • 1.5 oz. of Creme de Cacao
  • 3/4 oz. of Green Creme de Menthe
  • 1 splash of Irish Cream
  • 3 oz. of half of half

Instructions

  1. In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients.
  2. Add ice, then shake well.
  3. Strain into a coupe glass, then grate chocolate over the top. You can also add a thin mint cookie as garnish.

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By in Blog Comments Off on Manhattan Riff Recipes

Manhattan Riff Recipes

The Manhattan cocktail is one of the most famous cocktails in the world. It is believed that this simple but flavorful cocktail was created in New York between the 1860’s and 1870’s. As a “modern cocktail,” the introduction of sweet vermouth turned the Old Fashioned into something entirely new. Typically made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters and a cherry garnish, the Manhattan is so popular that a wide number of riffs have been created in its honor.

If you aren’t familiar with the term “riff,” it refers to the addition, substitution or adjustment of ingredients or amounts in a cocktail in order to create something new. Each Monday in the month of February, we’re offering a favorite Manhattan variation at our Burlington Tasting Room. We’re also sharing recipes for a variety of these recipes with you here, so you can mix things up during cocktail hour at home.

Manhattan Riff Cocktail Recipes:

BROOKLYN
Ingredients:

-2 oz. of Revolution Rye
-1 oz. of Dolin Dry Vermouth
-1/2 oz. of Bigallet China China
-1/4 oz. of Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice, and stir for about 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.

TORONTO
Ingredients:
-2 oz. of Burnt Rock Bourbon
-1/4 oz. of Fernet Branca
-1/4 oz. of  simple syrup
-2 dashes of Angostura bitters

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice, and stir for about 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Express an orange peel over the glass, then add as a garnish.

SPANISH MANHATTAN
Ingredients:

-1 oz. of PX Rum
-1 oz. of Carpano Antica
-1/2 oz. of Nocino Liqueur
-1/2 oz. of Fino Sherry
-5 dashes orange bitters

Directions:
To make, combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 30 seconds, then strain into a chilled coupe glass. Express an orange peel over the top, then rub around the rim of the glass and discard.

VEIUX CARRE
Ingredients:
-1 oz. of Revolution Rye
-3/4 oz. of Cognac
-3/4 oz. of Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth
-1/4 oz. of Benedictine
-2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
-2 dashes of Peychauds Bitters

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir will for 30 seconds, then strain and serve up in a coupe glass. Add a Luxardo cherry for garnish.

LA LOUISIANE
Ingredients:
-1 oz. of Revolution Rye or Straight Bourbon
-1 oz. of Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth
-1 oz. of Benedictine
-3 dashes Peychauds Bitters
-scant barspoon of Absinthe

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 15-30 seconds, then strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.

PALMETTO
Ingredients:
-1.5 oz. of PX Rum
-1/2 oz. of Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth
-1/2 oz. of Amaro Averna
-1/2 oz. of Cocchi di Torino

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir briefly, then strain contents into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.

To make your own cocktail riff, all you need to do is swap one ingredient for a similar substitute, or experiment with changing the amounts of each ingredient. For example, you can substitute Straight Bourbon for Burnt Rock Bourbon, Revolution Rye or even a rum. Likewise, if a recipe calls for 2 ounces of whiskey and 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, you can create a variation by adjusting the ounces of each ingredient. The flavor can also change just by experimenting with different bitters. 

At our Burlington Tasting Room, we often experiment with spirits, liqueurs, bitters and syrups to create new cocktails. Of course, we aren’t the only ones coming up with new recipes, so we also often feature popular riffs like the Brooklyn and Vieux Carre above. Do you have a favorite Manhattan recipe? If you’ve come up with a unique Manhattan riff of your own, we’d love to hear it. Share your creation and tag us on social! Cheers!

By in Blog Comments Off on 2024 Valentine’s Day Cocktail Recipes

2024 Valentine’s Day Cocktail Recipes

It’s the holiday of love, and if you love a cocktail, then you’ve come to the right place because we’ve compiled a fresh list of beautiful and tasty cocktails to enjoy as part of your Valentine’s Day celebrations this year. Our friend Jake Bruns created and shared eight new recipes incorporating our spirits, including our Rum 44, Vanilla Rum, PX Rum, Straight Bourbon, and Revolution Rye Whiskey. Romantic in color and in flavor, there is something here for everyone.

MAD PINK LADY
Ingredients:

-1.5 oz. of Rum 44
-1/2 oz. of Mad Apple
-3/4 oz. of fresh  lemon juice
-1/4 oz. of Grenadine
-1 egg white
-3 dashes of Bittercube Bolivar Bitters

Directions:
Add all ingredients except bitters to a shaker and vigorously dry shake. Add ice and shake again until well chilled. Strain into coupe. Float bitters on top.

BETWEEN THE SHEETS
Ingredients:
-3/4 oz. of Straight Bourbon
-3/4 oz. of Monteru Sauternes Cask
-3/4 oz. of Fernando Orange Curaçao
-3/4 oz. of fresh lemon juice

Directions:
Add all ingredients to a shaker. Shake until well chilled, then strain into a coupe. Flame an orange peel, then express oils over the cocktail and garnish with the peel.

BITTER HEART
Ingredients:

-2 oz. of Vanilla Rum
-3/4 oz. of Galliano Aperitivo
-3/4 oz. of fresh lime juice
-3/4 oz. of simple syrup
-2 Strawberries

Directions:
Muddle strawberries with sugar in a shaker. Add the rest of the ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a fresh strawberry.

BRÛLÉED BANANA BOULEVARDIER
Ingredients:
-1.5 oz. of Straight Bourbon
-3/4 oz. of Contratto Bitter
-1/2 oz. of Combier Banana
-3/4 oz. of Lustau Amontillado
-Brûléed banana slice

Directions:
Combine all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir until cold. Pour over large cube in a rocks glass. Garnish with a brûléed banana slice.

PXOXO
Ingredients:
-2 oz. of PX Rum
-1/2 oz. of orange smoked cinnamon oleo saccharum
-3 dashes of Bittercube Blackstrap bitters

Directions:
Stir with ice in a mixing glass until well chilled. Strain over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange swath and cinnamon stick.

VERMONT VIOLETTE
Ingredients:
-1 oz. of Rum 44
-1/2 oz. of Rothman & Winter Violette
-1/2 oz. of fresh lemon juice
-1 oz. of Lambrusco

Directions:
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled and strain into a coupe. Garnish with a lemon swath.

CHOCOLATE REVOLUTION
Ingredients:
-1 oz. of Revolution Rye
-1 oz. of Chocolat deluxe chocolate liqueur
-1 oz. of crème de cocoa
-1/2 oz. of half & half
-2 dashes of chocolate bitters

Directions:
Add all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with shaved or grated chocolate.

GREEN WITH ENVY
Ingredients:
-1 oz. of Rum 44
-3/4 oz. of Green Chartreuse
-1 oz. of fresh lime juice
-3/4 oz. of simple syrup
-Pinch of salt

Directions:
Add all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled and strain into glass.

We hope you found the perfect recipe here to make for the special someone in your life, even if that special someone is you! If you live locally, stop into one of our Tasting Rooms to stock up on our spirits. For other supplies like grenadine, simple syrup and bitters, our Burlington Tasting Room has you covered. You can even find large ice molds and glassware (which also make great gifts). 

Be sure to tag us @madriverdistillers if you make any of the cocktails above. We’d love to see your favorites!


Recipe content by Jake Bruns. Written and published by Brianne Lucas on February 5, 2024.

By in Cocktails, Revolution Rye Comments Off on Biglietto

Biglietto

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Biglietto


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

Description

A Manhattan riff that combines Revolution Rye with Linchpin Aperitivo (or Aperol), Bigallet China China and Luxardo Maraschino.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 oz. of Revolution Rye
  • 1.5 oz. of Linchpin Aperitivo (or Aperol)
  • 1/2 oz. of Bigallet China China
  • 1/4 oz. of Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass.
  2. Add ice, then stir for 15-30 seconds until well chilled.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
  4. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.

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By in Cocktails, RUM 44 Comments Off on Green With Envy

Green With Envy

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Green With Envy


  • Author: Jake Bruns for Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x

Description

A simple but bright and herbal cocktail combining Rum 44 with Green Chartreuse, lime juice, simple syrup and a pinch of salt.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 oz. of Rum 44
  • 3/4 oz. of Green Chartreuse
  • 1 oz. of fresh lime juice
  • 3/4 oz. of simple syrup
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake until well chilled and strain into glass.

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By in Cocktails, Revolution Rye Comments Off on Chocolate Revolution

Chocolate Revolution

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Chocolate Revolution


  • Author: Jake Bruns for Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x

Description

A sweet treat of a cocktail combining the cocoa flavors of our Revolution Rye along with chocolate liqueur, creme de cocoa, half & half and chocolate bitters.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 oz. of Revolution Rye
  • 1 oz. of Chocolat deluxe chocolate liqueur
  • 1 oz. of crème de cocoa
  • 1/2 oz. of half & half
  • 2 dashes of chocolate bitters

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake until well chilled and strain into a chilled glass.
  3. Garnish with shaved or grated chocolate.

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By in Cocktails, RUM 44 Comments Off on Vermont Violette

Vermont Violette

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Vermont Violette


  • Author: Jake Bruns for Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x

Description

A delightful combination of our Rum 44 with Creme de Violette, sparkling red wine and fresh lemon juice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 oz. of Rum 44
  • 1/2 oz. of Rothman & Winter Creme de Violette
  • 1/2 oz. of fresh lemon juice
  • 1 oz. of Lambrusco


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By in Cocktails, PX Rum Comments Off on PXOXO

PXOXO

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PXOXO


  • Author: Jake Bruns for Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x

Description

The nutty and smoky aroma of our PX Rum mingles with an orange smoked cinnamon oleo saccharum and Bittercube Blackstrap Bitters.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz. of PX Rum
  • 1/2 oz. of orange smoked cinnamon oleo saccharum
  • 3 dashes of Bittercube Blackstrap bitters

Instructions

  1. Stir with ice in a mixing glass until well chilled.
  2. Strain over a large ice cube.
  3. Garnish with an orange swath and cinnamon stick.

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By in Bourbon, Cocktails Comments Off on Brûléed Banana Boulevardier

Brûléed Banana Boulevardier

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Brûléed Banana Boulevardier


  • Author: Jake Bruns for Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x

Description

In this Boulevardier riff, Straight Bourbon combines with Contrato Bitter Liqueur, Lustau Amontillado and Combier Banana Liqueur to create a unique brûléed banana flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 oz. of Straight Bourbon
  • 3/4 oz. of Contratto Bitter Liqueur
  • 1/2 oz. of Combier Banana Liqueur
  • 3/4 oz. of Lustau Amontillado
  • Brûléed banana slice

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir until cold.
  3. Pour over large cube in a rocks glass.
  4. Garnish with a brûléed banana slice.

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By in Cocktails, Vanilla Rum Comments Off on Bitter Heart

Bitter Heart

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Bitter Heart


  • Author: Jake Bruns for Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x

Description

A delicious strawberry cocktail made with our Vanilla Rum, Galliano Aperitivo, lime juice, simple syrup and strawberries!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz. of Vanilla Rum
  • 3/4 oz. of Galliano Aperitivo
  • 3/4 oz. of fresh lime juice
  • 3/4 oz. of simple syrup
  • 2 Strawberries

Instructions

  1. Muddle strawberries with sugar in a shaker.
  2. Add the rest of the ingredients and shake with ice.
  3. Strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with a fresh strawberry.

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By in Bourbon, Cocktails Comments Off on Between The Sheets

Between The Sheets

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Between The Sheets


  • Author: Jake Bruns for Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x

Description

A flavorful equal parts cocktail made with our Straight Bourbon, Monteru Sauternes Cask, Orange Curaçao and lemon juice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 oz. of Straight Bourbon
  • 3/4 oz. of Monteru Sauternes Cask
  • 3/4 oz. of Fernando Orange Curaçao
  • 3/4 oz. of fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake until well chilled, then strain into a coupe.
  3. Flame an orange peel, then express oils over the cocktail, and garnish with the peel.

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By in Cocktails, Mad Apple, RUM 44 Comments Off on Mad Pink Lady

Mad Pink Lady

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Mad Pink Lady


  • Author: Jake Bruns for Mad River Distillers
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x

Description

Our Rum 44 and Mad Apple join forces to make this frothy pink and slightly sweet cocktail.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 oz. of Rum 44
  • 1/2 oz. of Mad Apple
  • 3/4 oz. of fresh  lemon juice
  • 1/4 oz. of Grenadine
  • 1 egg white
  • 3 dashes of Bittercube Bolivar Bitters

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients except bitters to a shaker and vigorously dry shake.
  2. Add ice, and shake again until well chilled.
  3. Strain into a coupe glass.
  4. Float bitters on top.

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Mad River Distillers tasting at Kingstown Liquor Mart

Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, March 15th at the Kingstown Liquor Mart in North Kingstown, 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.

Mad River Distillers Tasting at Provisions Mill District

Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, April 5th at Provisions in Amherst, MA. 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.

Mad River Distillers Tasting at Provisions in Northampton

Join Mad River Distillers on Friday, March 22nd at Provisions in Northampton, MA. 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.