The Holzfäller (Woodsman) Cocktail

I named this cocktail The Holzfäller, which is German for "woodsman" for a few reasons. Principally, it was inspired by my recent dinner at Portland's Alpine-themed restaurant Gruner. Two of its ingredients come from the Alpine region: Austrian Nux Alpina walnut liqueur and French Dolin Rouge sweet vermouth. Additionally, the smoked whiskey and homemade rosemary-brown sugar syrup are woodsy flavors in my mind. This cocktail is pretty potent, but sweet enough that it makes for mellow sipping.

The Holzfäller (Woodsman) Cocktail

1 1/2 oz. Corsair triple smoke whiskey
1/2 oz. Nux Alpina walnut liqueur
1/2 oz. Dolin Rouge sweet vermouth
1/2 oz. rosemary-brown sugar syrup (see recipe below)

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with crushed ice. Add whiskey, walnut liqueur, sweet vermouth and syrup. Shake until cold and strain into a chilled coupe.

Rosemary-Brown Sugar Syrup

3/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup water
2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, plus stems

Combine ingredients in a medium saucepan, including the rosemary stems. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and steep for 15-20 minutes. Allow to cool and strain into a container for storage in the refrigerator.