Name: Pizza Pilgrims Carnabys Pilgrim Spritz Recipe
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1 servings
Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon; 0.5 oz apple brandy (or Calvados); 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice; 0.5 oz maple syrup (pure); 0.25 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec); 2 dashes Angostura bitters; 2 oz club soda (chilled); 1 piece apple slice (for garnish); 1 sprig candied rosemary or fresh rosemary sprig (optional garnish); 2 pieces large ice cubes; 1 cup pure maple syrup; 0.25 cup hot water

Method

Cocktail

Prepare glass

Chill a Collins or highball glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail; discard ice water before building the drink.

Combine spirits and modifiers

In a cocktail shaker, add bourbon (2 oz), apple brandy (0.5 oz), fresh lemon juice (0.5 oz), maple syrup (0.5 oz), orange liqueur (0.25 oz), and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.

Shake

Add a handful of ice to the shaker. Seal and shake vigorously for about 10–12 seconds until the outside of the shaker is cold and slightly frosted. This chills and dilutes the drink properly.

Strain

Place 1–2 large fresh ice cubes into the chilled Collins/highball glass. Double-strain the shaken cocktail into the glass using a Hawthorne or fine strainer to remove small ice shards and any pulp from the lemon.

Top with soda

Gently top the cocktail with 2 oz chilled club soda to create a light spritz. Stir very gently once with a bar spoon (1–2 slow turns) to integrate the soda without losing effervescence.

Garnish

Float an apple slice on the surface and rest a candied or fresh rosemary sprig on the rim. If using candied rosemary, set it across the glass for aroma; if fresh, slap it lightly between your palms first to release oils.

Serve

Serve immediately while the drink is cold and fizzy. Encourage sipping slowly to enjoy the citrus, apple, maple, and oak notes.

Optional Simple Maple Syrup

If your maple syrup is very thick or cold, warm equal parts maple syrup and hot water to make a pourable simple syrup. In a small container combine 1 cup maple syrup with 1/4 cup hot water, stir until blended and cool to room temperature before measuring 0.5 oz into the cocktail. Store extras refrigerated up to 2 weeks.