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Friday, February 15, 2013

Birch Leaf Cocktail

Birch syrup is quickly becoming one of my favorite cocktail mixers. It is not a given that you can just swap out birch syrup in any recipe that calls for maple syrup. So far it seems that birch syrup pairs really well with citrus. This one is a take on the traditional Maple Leaf Cocktail that is made with bourbon, regular lemon juice, and maple syrup. I think the Meyer lemon in this recipe was just a bit too sweet with maple syrup, and even with the birch I still dialed things back a bit. This cocktail feels like February to me. The citrus fruit are plentiful and the flavor of birch syrup combined with bourbon to keep you warm. I also liked this with alder smoked sea salt, you use such a little bit that it is hardly detectable, but just enough to add to the depth of flavor.  I'm also thinking this one might make a nice hot toddy, let me know if you give it a try. Have a great weekend everyone!
Note: Many of your have been asking where to find birch syrup. You can order it online here: Kahiltna Birchworks.
Amazon.com
Birch Leaf Cocktail
adapted from The Boozy Baker

2 ounces bourbon
1 tablespoon birch syrup
2 ounces fresh squeezed Meyer lemon juice
pinch sea salt (just a few grains, really)
ice

Combine the bourbon, birch syrup, meyer lemon juice, and salt in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice, cover, and shake well enough that the birch syrup and salt dissolve into the drink.

Strain into one or two glasses and serve.

Makes 2 small drinks, or one larger cocktail.



11 comments:

  1. careyFebruary 15, 2013 at 1:30 PM

    Oh wow, I love everything about this! I've been wanting to get my hands on birch syrup for a while now, but it seems we're very much maple country here in Vermont (or perhaps I'm just not looking hard enough). Either way, I will find it, and one of the first things I'll do with it is make this!

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    1. Nicole PearceFebruary 17, 2013 at 2:15 PM

      And I envy your easy access to maple syrup. We pay a small fortune for it here in Alaska. We have family in Maine, so they send us some on occasion. We always pick some up when we travel.

      Delete
  2. Emarie21February 15, 2013 at 10:46 PM

    Hi ya! This look beautiful! Where does one FIND birch syrup?? Hope all is well in AK!

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    1. Nicole PearceFebruary 17, 2013 at 2:16 PM

      You can order birch syrup online here: http://www.alaskabirchsyrup.com/albipr.html

      Delete
  3. christine@cookthestory.comFebruary 16, 2013 at 4:31 AM

    This sounds delicious! I didn't think I was a huge bourbon fan but I've been playing around with it for one of my Oscar drinks and have kind of fallen in love. That drink has citrus too. I wonder if that combo makes it work for me in a way that others have not. Where do you get birch syrup? Or do you tap a tree yourself? If the latter, totally jealous. That sounds so cool!

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    1. Nicole PearceFebruary 17, 2013 at 2:18 PM

      I really like bourbon in the winter. It's such a warming liquor. I'm enjoying your Oscar cocktail series.
      We have thought about making our own birch syrup, but it is so much work. I just buy it instead. You can order it online here: http://www.alaskabirchsyrup.com/albipr.html

      Delete
  4. AnonymousFebruary 16, 2013 at 9:34 PM

    Hi Nicole -I'm a First-time commenter, but I've been reading your wonderful blog for several years now and I just love it! You've created such a lovely space here with your beautiful photographs and thoughtful and delicious recipe posts. As a fellow Alaskan, it's fun to relate to many of your seasonal musings, outdoor adventures, and food-craving indulgences. This recipe sounds delicious, and I can't wait to try it!

    (A few folks are asking where to find birch syrup. Kahiltna Birchworks sells a variety of wonderful birch syrup products, including 100% pure birch syrup.
    They were named the 2011 Alaska Manufacturer of the Year - www.alaskabirchsyrup.com)

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    1. Nicole PearceFebruary 17, 2013 at 2:14 PM

      Thanks for reading. It's always great to know there are people out there! :)
      Thank you for your kind words.
      I get my birch syrup from Kahiltna Birchworks. I'm not sure how many others make it. On occasion I'll get some homemade stuff from a friend. It's not easy to make, that's for sure. I was thinking about tapping our trees one year, but then I looked into it and decided it would be much more efficient just to buy it!
      I know Kahiltna Birchworks had an article in the Wall Street Journal last year too. I'll have to look for that one.

      Delete
  5. CarolynFebruary 17, 2013 at 5:33 AM

    I've never heard of birch syrup, but I would love to try this! Sounds amazing.

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    1. Nicole PearceFebruary 17, 2013 at 2:10 PM


      Thanks for stopping by Carolyn. It took me a while to embrace birch syrup, but once I figured out it was not maple syrup I loved it.

      Delete
  6. AnonymousFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:17 AM

    I love your glasses! Where are they from? (Also, birch syrup sounds really interesting.)

    -Jane

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