With the crisp autumn season here, we’re always drawn to whiskey-based cocktails. The Caribou, a sweet French-Canadian cocktail, traditionally combines red wine and rye whiskey with maple syrup. The name originates from a drink consisting of caribou blood and whisky consumed by hunters and loggers in colonial times to help survive harsh northern winters. The classic modern Caribou is more like a mulled wine served warm; our version is more whiskey driven and served chilled as a cocktail. Enjoy and happy fall!

Ingredients: Makes 1 cocktail

– 2 oz Rye Whiskey (we used a local favorite by our friends at Catskill Provisions)

– 1 oz Red Wine (we used a locally produced Cabernet Franc by Eminence Farm Winery)

– 1/4 oz Pure Maple Syrup (use the good stuff)

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a glass mixer with ice and stir vigorously with a mixing spoon. Strain mixture into a whisky glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick and spring of rosemary.