A Thanksgiving Cocktail with The Poynt Newburyport

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching and it being my first year hosting a big holiday, I thought what better way to kick off my hostess with the mostess status than with a proper cocktail. The focus of Thanksgiving is always the food and while I’m determined to bring it home with a great menu - a specialty cocktail makes just as good of an impression. We asked our friends at The Poynt Newburyport to create something special and to embody all those autumnal flavors that we love. Brett, the bartender used his wizardly skills to create a flavorful twist on an Old Fashioned, The Courier. With a strong bourbon base and just the right amount of sweetness, it's one that all of your guests will be sure to love.

If I learned anything watching Brett, it's that cocktail making is an art form and at The Poynt the bar focus is to impress you with the details. I watched as he used a piece of wood to infuse the rocks glass with hickory flavor, light orange peels on fire and torch Pattypan squash just to go above and beyond in creating something unique. The best part about this cocktail is that it wasn't too strong for me to enjoy.

For One Drink
1 oz Michter's Bourbon
1 oz Christian Drouin Selection Calvados
1/2 ox Flag Hill Maple Liqueur (Lee, NH)
1/2 oz sage/brown sugar/squash reduction
2 dashes of Reagan's orange bitters

For the syrup - 8oz
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
1/4 peeled & diced acorn squash
20 sage leaves

In a medium saucepan boil brown sugar, water and squash until the squash has softened. Remove from heat and add sage. Cover with foil and let cool completely. Double strain the syrup once cooled.

Stir the bourbon, calvados, maple liqueur, brown sugar reduction and orange bitter in a Yarai glass. Strain over formatted block of ice into a double rocks glass. Garnish with orange peel.

“The Courier cocktail gets it name from the first Clipper Ship”

Rocks glass, cheese board by wish basket http://redbirdnewburyport.com/

Photo props from the wish basket Newburyport  http://redbirdnewburyport.com/

Thanks to The Poynt & The Wish Basket of Newburyport. I hope everyone has a happy Turkey Day! Cheers!