Woodstock

I usually have my doubts about cocktails that go for a maple syrup sweetener, especially ones calling for a whole tablespoon of the stuff. I was more then pleasantly surprised when this turned out to be an amazing combination. Not only that, I felt that this really highlighted some of ImaGination gin's darker notes like rosemary and grains of paradise.

I'm sure it helped that I used real Vermont maple of a slightly darker grade as well. Tasting this drink, though really made me feel like I was enjoying an amazing culinary experience that I wanted to repeat.

• 2 oz. gin (MurLarkey Distillery ImaGination used)
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1 tbsp. maple syrup
• 1 dash orange bitters (Hella orange bitters used)

 Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.