If you’re not a bourbon drinker or don’t have much experience with it, I can tell you that this is the cocktail that made me a fan. It was on the specialty drinks menu at a great local restaurant a few years ago and it was just odd enough to be compelling.

It never occurred to me, before this, that a savory herb like thyme could so enhance a drink. And I worried that the maple syrup would be, well, syrupy. But all fears were completely unfounded.

All the flavors work in perfect harmony and are now ingredients I frequently use in other drinks as well. But this is the one that started it all. And that side of crispy bacon is the perfect snack to go with it. Maple bacon would be even better. Cheers!

Per Serving:
2 1/2 oz. Bourbon
1 oz. Maple syrup
1 oz. Lemon juice
1 Dash of Angostura Bitters
2 Sprigs fresh Thyme

Combine the bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, bitters and the leaves from the thyme sprigs in a cocktail shaker. Muddle the thyme a bit, fill with ice and shake well. You can serve this straight up or on the rocks to tame down the strength a bit.