A perfect early fall cocktail for cooler evenings but refreshing in taste. A touch of spiced maple lends a taste of autumn.

Ingredients:

Spiced Maple Simple Syrup 
¼ cup water
½ cup pure maple syrup 
1 cardamon pod
2 star anise
2 cinnamon sticks 
1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
2 slices of orange rind – 1 for recipe, 1 for garnish

Place all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and allow a healthy simmer for about 5 minutes. Strain and allow to cool in a glass jar.

Bourbon Fizz

1.5 oz bourbon
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
.5 oz spiced maple simple syrup
2 dashes orange bitters 
Splash of prosecco or soda water 

Combine first four ingredients in an ice filled shaker. Shake well and strain into an ice filled old-fashioned or lowball glass. Top with a generous splash of prosecco or soda water. 

Garnish with an orange rind.

Cheers!