When you think of meatloaf, you probably picture a classic comfort food—hearty, simple, and satisfying. But Chef Chris O’Brien takes this timeless dish to a whole new level with his gourmet meatloaf recipe. By adding rich, flavorful pâté into the mix, he transforms a humble favorite into something elegant, layered, and unforgettable. This isn’t just dinner—it’s comfort food elevated to fine dining.
Chris O’Brien’s Elevated Meatloaf Recipe
This chef-inspired meatloaf combines ground strip loin, 80/20 ground beef, caramelized onions, garlic confit, and fresh sage for a flavor-packed base. The addition of pâté adds depth and richness, while whole grain mustard and ground fennel bring a subtle spice that balances the dish beautifully. Baked in a terrine mold and finished with a Dijon glaze, this meatloaf is as impressive in presentation as it is in taste.
Whether you’re looking to wow guests at a dinner party or simply want to upgrade your weeknight meal, this meatloaf with pâté is the perfect recipe. Slice it thick, grill it to perfection, and serve it with your favorite sides for a dish that’s hearty, refined, and guaranteed to become a new favorite at your table.
This elevated meatloaf blends strip loin, ground beef, fennel, caramelized onions, sage, and garlic confit with the rich addition of pâté for depth of flavor. Baked in a terrine mold, chilled, then sliced and grilled, it delivers a savory, refined twist on a comfort‑food classic.
Ingredients
Scale
2 lbs ground strip loin
2.25 lbs 80/20 ground meat
2 tbsp ground fennel
3 tbsp rendered pork fat
2 tbsp whole grain mustard
8 oz caramelized onions
¼ cup sage chopped
1 cup garlic confit
3 tbsp salt
9 egg
1 tbsp pepper
2 cup ground panko
4 oz pate
Instructions
Mix ingredients well.
Place in a terrine mold lined with plastic wrap.
Top with a layer of dijon mustard on top of the terrine.
Bake in oven in water bath at 450 degrees for 1-1½ hours.
Cool overnight.
Slice and grill with oil, salt and pepper.
Recipe by Chris O’Brien Photo by Brittany Spinelli
Halloween isn’t just for trick-or-treating kids anymore; it’s a prime opportunity for adults to indulge in sophisticated spookiness. Forget the fun-sized candy bars and sticky caramel apples—this season calls for elevated treats and spirits that capture the magic of the holiday. From ghoulishly glam cocktails featuring seasonal spices and rich fall flavors to desserts that are equal parts decadent and darkly delicious, hosting a memorable adult Halloween doesn’t have to be boring. Get ready to ditch the premade snacks and dive into a world of bewitching beverages and truly terrifyingly tasty snacks.
Halloween Treats and Drinks for Adult Halloween Parties
These brownies are for the adults since the batter contains two tablespoons of espresso powder. Not only does this add a toasty depth to the cocoa flavor but it might even give you a bit of an energy boost. Feel free to get creative with your decoration too. We went with a spider web design but you could go for a graveyard or haunted house too.
Halloween morning, get yourself into the spooky spirit with a slice of Coffee Cake. This recipe features pecans and brown sugar as well as mold skull heads made out of the mixture. Serve it alongside your morning mug of coffee.
Who says your cocktail hour can’t channel the energy of Halloween? This Van Helsing Takes Manhattan is a cocktail that would kill Dracula in a flash due to its garlic simple syrup. An addition of sweet vermouth and bourbon balances out the savory nature of the garlic, crafting a whole new taste.
While the prospect of pumpkin as a dessert may have the kids running away in fear, pumpkin to an adult is the embodiment of fall. These Pumpkin Pastries are simple to make thanks to the use of canned pumpkin puree and premade pie dough. Not to mention, you don’t have to add the googly eyes if you’re looking for a more refined style.
Another cocktail option, this one is perfect for those who love the Sanderson Sisters or favor Elphaba in Wicked. Its green tint is eerie, creepy, but honestly, very delicious. It’s a bright and fruity mix of Midori, vodka, Cointreau, and lime juice. Plus, using dry ice puts its presentation over the top.
Genuinely, what could be cuter and more festive than serving your dessert in apple shells? Rather than just filling these apple halves with regular rice pudding, try making your own from scratch. This rice pudding mixes in caramel candies and vanilla before drizzling with caramel syrup and cinnamon.
Just because you don’t indulge in alcohol doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an adult beverage. This non-alcoholic version of a bloody Mary uses beet juice rather than tomato juice for a slightly sweeter, fall variety. A bit of agave and orange juice takes this from just juice to a true mocktail.
We know what you’re thinking… Candy corn in blondies? What? Yes! Even though you may not like candy corn on its own, its soft texture and natural sweetness matches the dose of rum and pecans in this recipe. But, if you’re really really a candy corn hater, you can ditch the candy and make the rest of the recipe as is.
You could have a glass of apple cider while you sit on your porch watching the leaves fall. Or, you could shake up an Apple Cider Margarita that will have you feeling like the leaves falling after a few servings. We also use mulling spices in this recipe to infuse the apple cider with extra warmth in the cool weather.
This isn’t your basic cake recipe. Instead, we’re bathing a spongey cake in rum then finishing it off with a rum buttercream and crumbles of Butterfinger candy bars. It’s moist, decadent, and possibly the best way to make a homemade cake. If you are feeling lazy though you could always skip the cake recipe and use a box cake mix. Then just simply mix up the frosting as listed.
Baby we were born to run! The anticipation for Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, the new Bruce Springsteen biopic starring Jeremy Allen White, has us craving a strong, smoky cocktail. The Boss Cocktail is simply Bruce Springsteen in a glass. It has a rich depth due to the dark rum and smokey mezcal. Then, it hits you with notes of spicy smoked heirloom chile bitters and a washing of smooth Luxardo. The sugar and salt rim is the perfect finish here since it showcases both the tough and sweet sides to this incredible icon.
When Does Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere Release in Theaters?
If you’re like us and you’re waiting on the edge of your seat for this Springsteen biopic, then you’ll want to head to theaters on October 24. Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere is not just a retelling of this musicians career story. Instead, it takes directly from Warren Zanes’ book that focuses on making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 Nebraska album. His book uses real life accounts from Bruce Springsteen himself as well as others close to him as he records this album by himself and for himself. Even though it’s not the popular Born in the U.S.A, Nebraska is essential in the story of Springsteen and the development of country music.
Mix equal parts fine sugar and salt on a flat plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your rocks glass to moisten it. Gently press the rim and side of the glass into the sugar and salt mixture.
Add ingredients into cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 15 seconds.
Strain into rimmed rocks glass with ice or one large ice cube.
Recipe and Story by Kylie Thomas Styling and Photography by Star Laliberte
The chill in the air means cold and flu season is on the horizon. Button up your overcoat. Take your vitamins. And make a yourself a lovely hot toddy. Ask any grandma about the Hot Toddy and she is sure to tell you it’s the cure to all your ailments. That may not be exactly true, but the combination of your favorite healing tea bag along with sweet, natural honey and comforting rum or whiskey is soothing to not only your soul but also helps ease sore throats, stuffy noses, headaches, and much more.
In case you need to really clear out your sinuses with a healthy dose of heat, then this Hot Honey Hot Toddy is for you. While you have your usual ingredients of water, whiskey, and lemon juice, we’re also including the use of hot honey rather than regular honey. Let the warmth wash over you for medicine you can feel working.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away! To get your daily dose of apple, we’re mixing apple cider into your regular Hot Toddy. By simmering with honey and a cinnamon stick, it ends up producing the perfect balance of sweet as well as spice. You can also change up the flavor by choosing to use either bourbon or whiskey depending on what notes you’re looking to add.
This is your OG recipe for a Hot Toddy, the kind that the hardy Scots would serve to get rid of colds and flus. The honey works as an anti-inflammatory while cloves and cinnamon offer immune system support through antimicrobial properties. Not to mention, the calming way that bourbon interacts with your body can put you into a restful sleep better than melatonin.
There’s something special about roses as the flower of love. Its inclusion in our Hot Honey Toddy brings something new to this traditional recipe while not changing too much. The subtle floral notes add an earthy sweetness that fuses our souls with the soil below us. We encourage you to get creative here and try something other than the suggested singer tea bags to tweak this recipe to your needs.
If you’ve fried your vocal chords by smoking like singer Teddy Swims, then you need our Smokin’ Hot Teddy to repair the burn. This is your ultimate version of a Hot Toddy that we believe could totally cure any disease. Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke mixes with Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, raw honey, cara cara oranges, lemon juice, cinnamon, as well as clove to cover all the bases.
Everyone’s favorite pop queen, Taylor Swift, is shaking the world once again with a new album, The Life of a Showgirl, releasing October 3. After The Tortured Poets Department release in 2024, fans have been left waiting for another hit. This latest album brings a new era full of glam, self-confidence, and plenty of energy. In honor of this sparkling current album release, we’re showcasing our Life of a Showgirl Cocktail that’s sweet, punchy, and balanced like Taylor. The Midori contributes to her bright spirit while additions of blue curaçao, coconut rum, and fruit juices add the special zing of this era. Talk about an embodiment of all that our favorite pop star represents!
What Can You Look Forward to in The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift?
While Taylor has not released a single from her upcoming album The Life of a Showgirl, we still have hints at what is to come. Her football player fiancé, Travis Kelce, let fans know that he believes Fate of Ophelia, the introduction track, is the best on the album. But, outside of Travis’ inside scoop, we also know that there is a George Michael interpolation on her track Father Figure, an obvious tribute to Michael’s hit song.
Plus, with producer and songwriter Max Martin all over the album, it’s safe to say this album returns to her pop roots. Martin worked with Taylor on her previous tracks 22 and Blank Space. His history of writing for Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, and The Weeknd leads us to believe there’s more than one banger coming on The Life of a Showgirl. Not to mention, it will be interesting to see what Taylor produces without Jack Antonoff on board after so many releases with him.
Chef Don Winkie opened his Plum Borough restaurant 80 Acres in 2014. He’s been cooking up a storm ever since, bringing a palette influenced by his years in Santa Fe and his time working at local italian bistro.
What is Wild Boar?
Chef Don knows his way around chile, spices, and the Italian classics. This gnocchi dish brings together the flavors of poblano, chipotle as well as ‘cingiale’ or wild boar, a classic northern Italian specialty.
Cinghiale are wild free roaming pigs, and cooking their delicious meat is easier than you might think. Think of it much like a pork shoulder: with the right spices and slow cooking, you cannot go wrong. In fact, if you’re unable to locate wild boar from your local purveyor or market, pork will make a fine stand in.
What does Wild Boar taste like?
Wild boar has a pork like consistency, but its darker color and strong, nutty rich flavor separate it from its farmed counterpart. In Chef Don Winkie’s kitchen at 80 Acres, these differences become the basis for a truly remarkable ragú to serve with light as well as savory gnocchi.
Place dried chilis in sauce pan, cover with water, bring to boil, remove from heat, and let stand for 30 minutes.
Drain water from chilis. Combine softened chilis, poblano peppers, chipotles, cilantro, red wine, orange juice, vinegar, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and salt in a food processor or blender. Purée until smooth.
Place ½ of the onions and ½ of the golden raisins in the bottom of a 4 quart Dutch oven. Position the boar on top of the bed of onions and raisins. Season the boar with salt and pepper. Place remaining onions and raisins on top of the boar. Pour puree over the boar. Cover the pot and roast at 350’ until boar is tender.
Remove the boar from the pan and allow to cool slightly.
Shred the meat with a fork.
Pour the braising liquid into a food processor. Puree until smooth.
Combine the puree and the boar.
Serve atop fresh ricotta gnocchi or pasta of your choice.
Recipe by Chef Don Winkie Story by Justin Matase Styling by Keith Recker Photography by Dave Bryce Videography by Dana Custer and Ariella Furman
October is here, and that means it’s time to fully immerse yourself into the spooky season! This year, we’re taking your annual movie marathon to the next level by giving every flick a custom, boozy upgrade. Forget the basic bowl of cheap candy. Instead, we’ve compiled a list of your must-watch Halloween movies—from new horror films to classic animation—right beside creative, on-theme cocktails and all the streaming information you need. This way all your information is in one place to ensure your night of chills is perfectly mixed and ready to go. Get ready to grab your shaker, dim the lights, and settle in for a hauntingly delicious home screening experience.
Halloween Movie Cocktail Pairings and Where to Stream Them
Available to Stream on Disney+ (as is the sequel!)
Possibly the most famous witches out there, the Sanderson Sisters are three wonderfully wacky coven members who hate children and want nothing more than to use their spellbook. These three take us through a movie full of laughs as they battle along with little Dani, her brother Max, friend Allison, and magical cat Binx. To brew up a wickedly delicious cocktail to match, try a combination of Midori, vodka, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice. Not only will the cocktail become an evil green tone but each sip balances the melon Midori and orange Cointreau with tart lime juice.
If Practical Magic starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman taught us anything it’s that midnight margaritas are ALWAYS a good idea. We’re upping your magical margarita sesh with an Apple Cider twist. Thankfully, you don’t need to be a witch to craft this recipe. Though, it does help to have a few friends over, turn on the famous scene, and dance the night away. We recommend serving this margarita with a cinnamon sugar that adds a warming, autumn feel to this apple cider creation.
The dead (possibly undead?) characters in The Nightmare Before Christmas would be head-over-ankle-bones in love with this Black Death cocktail. Follow along with Jack Skellington and his quirky crew of creatures like Sally, Zero, and Oogie Boogie as you sip an anise-forward beverage. To get the dead, dark, black color of this recipe, all you need is activated charcoal powder. From there, the complexness of gin, fernet, pastis, simple syrup, and egg white foam take over. You could always relabel this drink’s title as Deadly Nightshade too if you plan on hosting a watch party.
Available to Stream on Disney+ and Philo (as are the sequels!)
Autumn leaves, cloudy weather, cold nights, it all screams Twilight in our book! We know the Twilight series is not inherently a Halloween franchise but vampires and werewolves, along with the dreaminess of these characters (shoutout to the hot dads Carlisle, Charlie, and Billy) is a good enough excuse in our minds to indulge. The Van Helsing Takes Manhattan cocktail would probably take out the entire Cullen family with its addition of garlic simple syrup and garlic clove garnish but since we’re humans, we’re free to enjoy.
Available to Stream on Peacock, Paramount+, and AMC+
We couldn’t make a Halloween movie list without including a classic slasher film. Friday the 13th is a bloody but not overly scary introduction to horror movies. Our Bloody Beet Red Mocktail is the perfect pairing for its deep blood-red color and unexpected sweetness of beet juice. Friday the 13th is a great horror movie for those who may be a little more on the jumpy side since its old charm gives it a fictional tone. Not to mention, there are 12 movies in the series so if you watch the first and find yourself wanting another mocktail, feel free to hold a marathon.
Available to Stream on Disney+ (as are the sequels!)
Who doesn’t love a nostalgic throwback for Halloween time? Halloweentown is one of those kid movies that entertains the adults just as much as the kids. Plus, many grew up around its release so it’s great to venture back into the arms of Marnie and her whole family. Orange like the pumpkin mascots of Halloweentown, this spritzer takes non-alcoholic ginger beer and brightens it further with blood orange, lemon juice, and mint leaves.
Available to Stream on HBO Max (as is the sequel!)
The recipe for our Mischievous Demon cocktail comes from the release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in 2024. But, you can choose the first or second film to put on (or make it a double feature) while you finish off the black and white lollipop garnish. To create our own showtime special, we shake up basil leaves, apple cider, simple syrup, lemon juice, G.E. Massenez Apple Pomme Prisonniere Calvados, and add fresh rosemary sprigs for smoking.
Whether you choose to watch the original 1922 film or the 2024 remake, The Drop of Blood cocktail was quite literally made for Nosferatu. All it takes is one drop of this vodka, Cointreau, white grape juice, and lemon juice mix for the passions of Nosferatu to overtake you. A garnish of rose petals and grenadine creates a drop of blood effect that’ll have you thirsting for more than just Count Orlok.
We believe your haunted Halloween gathering should be a fully immersive sensory experience with music, cocktails, mocktails, and treats for all! The vital heartbeat of any spooky soiree is a perfectly curated soundtrack. But, the true magic lies in pairing that vibe with equally thrilling treats and cocktails.
Get ready to ditch the generic party plan as we unveil the ultimate guide to making your night a fright to remember. A handcrafted Halloween playlist with pop, gothic rock, classic horror scores, and so much more gets meticulously matched with themed menu items. We take your “Thriller” and serve it alongside a suitably sinister sip or take your “Time Warp” and give you a sickly sweet treat accompaniment. All you have to do is gather your ingredients and click play on the playlist below!
“(They did the Mash) they did the Monster Mash…” What even is a Monster Mash anyways? Nevertheless, you can create your own monster out of Rice Krispy Treats to match all the wacky descriptions in this song. This one is super fun for the whole family to make so just turn on this track and get to the making!
If there’s one treat that’s an ode to Slimer and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man combined it’s this Marshmallow Monster Popcorn. Green and gooey, you can form these popcorn balls into whatever shape you like. Then, stick on pretzel sticks and googly eye candies to bring your orbs to life. Now that’s a treat you’ll want to call all your friends and family to try!
The zombies in Michael Jackson’s music video for Thriller inspire our Zombie Cocktail. Its fiery orange and red color invites you to sip a potent mix of white rum, spiced rum, orange liqueur, orange juice, lime juice, bitter, and an extra special addition of passion fruit jelly. It’s a little sweet, a little tart, and so scrumptious you might find yourself partying close to midnight.
So, theoretically, if you’re going to put yourself in the shoes of the paranoid main character in Rockwell’s famous hit, Somebody’s Watching Me, you’ll probably feel an anxious energy like you’ve had a burst of caffeine. Well, to get that same effect, you can bake up these Halloween Espresso Brownies. Plus, you can decorate the top with any spooky design of your choice.
All you girlies who have ever had your heart broken! Sing it now, “BLOODSUCKER, FAME-F*CKER, BLEEDING ME DRY LIKE A GODDAMN VAMPIRE.” Alright, now that we’ve gotten that off our chests, Van Helsing Takes Manhattan could destroy any evil ex with a helping of garlic simple syrup. It’s a savory take on a Manhattan that proves garlic’s great for more than just a seasoning.
Something about the Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Show puts everyone in a trance as they follow along to the lyrical dance instructions. Much like this tune, Candied Apples are a staple to the Halloween season. Maybe just this time around we can change “It’s just a jump to the left,” to “Take a bite of your apple.”
While you don’t need a skull mold to make our Halloween Coffee Cake, it is the best way to decorate your dessert table for the holiday. What would Halloween be without Spooky Scary Skeletons, anyways? Each moist slice of this cake bursts full of cinnamon, brown sugar, and pecans. Once you add your cup of coffee to your plate, you’ll have enough energy to jump around to this catchy song.
As Stevie Wonder sings through his list of superstitions, beat the superstition that Halloween candy doesn’t below in the kitchen. We’re using leftover Butterfingers to top the rum buttercream frosting that takes this from a regular cake to something special. Plus, the cake itself is soaked in rum for a full-bodied flavor profile.
Really, you can choose any of Ice Nine Kills songs to go on your Halloween playlist. This hard-rock band bases many of their songs off of horror movies. Their song Stabbing in the Dark tells the story of Halloween through Michael Myers’ eyes. To go along with this ghastly tale, we’re pickling pumpkin heads as an edible decoration.
While you may not know the name of the theme from The Exorcist, we’re sure after the first few notes your fight or flight sense kicks into gear. The one image that really sticks in our mind from this movie is Regan’s memorable puking scene. Never before has vomit been so green, practically as green as our Green Beast cocktail. This low calorie (but strong) cocktail uses Hendricks, Cointreau, Genepy, thyme syrup, cucumber juice, lime juice, a topping of tonic, and a spray of absinthe.
Since the creepy folks of Halloweentown from The Nightmare Before Christmas care most particularly about Halloween candy, it only seems appropriate to make candy corn the star. We think Jack Skellington would be quite proud of these Rum Pecan candy Corn Blondies. They’re subtlety sweet with a hint of spice from the rum as well as the nuttiness of pecans.
“The Phantom Of the Opera is there, inside your mind.” Much like the haunting thoughts that cross Christine’s mind of The Phantom, this Earl of Darkness Chocolate Tart never leaves ours. Its deep, rich, chocolatey ganache meets a creamy caramel and crispy cocoa crust. A sprinkle of sea salt on top meshes all these layers into one, dreamy bite.
You better not “Run, run, run, run, run, run, run away” from this Bloody Beet Red Mocktail! A Psycho Killer would go crazy for this mocktail that drips a deep red color thanks to the use of beet juice. When you add in blood orange juice, lime juice, and agave, you form layers of flavors that tone down the sweetness of beets and allow every element to shine.
Our Witch’s Brew cocktail is an honor to witches everywhere with its lime green hue and addictive flavor. Its simple mix of ingredients utilizes Midori, vodka, Cointreau, and lime juice. A bit of dry ice expels a spooky smoke that turns your cocktail glass into a cauldron. The second you see this cocktail coming your way you’ll know it’s time for the Season of the Witch.
For a song as fun and hype as Heads Will Roll, our Halloween Candy Bark only makes things better. Let yourself get creative and feel what the music makes you do as you build your own bark from scratch. Feel free to add in whatever candies you prefer. Or, combine all the candies your friends like the most. This way, you keep from losing your head for forgetting someone’s favorite candy.
There is an enduring charm to the blondie that we just can’t deny loving. The often-overlooked cousin of the classic brownie deserves just as much admiration. With its distinctly buttery, caramelized brown sugar base and chewy, fudgy texture, the blondie offers something different. Not only does it have a comforting warmth but it’s also a versatile bar that’s a blank canvas for countless mix-ins. From chocolate chips and nuts to various fruits and candies, you can truly let your imagination run wild. Dive into the world of blondies and explore the essential recipes below that will help you master this golden dessert.
A little light and a little dark keeps us happy! These bars of sweetness pair with a helping of dark rum to bring these two sides into harmony. Not only are the blondies flavored with dark rum but so is the topping and whipped cream.
Since we consider blondies to be a fall treat, the ultimate autumn upgrade would be to add pumpkin. But we don’t stop there, this recipe also includes chocolate chips, warming spices, and a cream cheese frosting on top.
Even though Girl Scout Cookies season is in the springtime, we think the flavors should be available all year-round. So, to make up for these missing bundles of joy, try these bars full of chocolate chips and sweetened coconut flakes. If you happen to have a box of Samoas (or a similar cookie) lying around, you can add those into the mix too.
While you may find the chocolatey-ness of brownies a bit overwhelming, the more subtle base of a blondie leaves plenty of room for add-ins. These Dirty Blondies are the best way to dress up snack time since the recipe uses two types of chocolate, sea salt, ground coffee, and hazelnuts.
We know that candy corn is a hot topic. You either seem to love it or hate it. But, we think there’s a third option where you only like it in a recipe like this. These Rum Pecan Candy Corn Blondies burnish the sugary sweet of candy corn to a deeper, richer flavor thanks to spiced rum and crushed pecans.
Even those with dietary restrictions and nut allergens can still mix up a blondie that combines various tastes and textures. SunButter® Blondies use SunButter® to give a creamy, silky texture to your blondies. We like to include dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and black sesame seeds too for an extra touch.
Why do we need a Kid’s Choice Mocktail for our holiday celebrations? Because we want everyone to celebrate with us! Anyone who has tried to cook for a kid knows how difficult their picky palates can be. Both parents and littles alike will appreciate the familiar childhood flavors of apple cider, lemon, and cinnamon in this spirit-free mocktail. It’s a classic fall quaff that’s suitable for everyone.
Psst…For a more grown-up version, add 1.5 ounces of your favorite spirit!
This spirit‑free mocktail blends apple cider, lemon, and homemade cinnamon syrup for a sweet and cozy drink kids will love. Topped with sparkling soda and a cinnamon stick, it’s refreshing for all ages, with the option to add a splash of spirits for adults.
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
4 cinnamon sticks
2 oz apple cider
1/2 oz cinnamon syrup
½ oz lemon juice
Natrona Bottling Bitter Lemon Soda, to top
Instructions
For the Syrup:
Add 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup water and 4 cinnamon sticks broken into pieces to a small pot over medium heat and stir frequently until sugar has dissolved completely.
Let simmer for 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool to room temperature and strain off solids.
Bottle and refrigerate for up to 1 month.
For the Cocktail:
Add all ingredients except for bitter lemon soda to a cocktail shaker. Shake briefly to combine, about 10 seconds.
Strain over ice into a double rocks glass and top with Natrona Bottling Bitter Lemon soda or mixer of choice. (Ginger beer or club soda would also work well here.)
Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Story by Maggie Weaver Recipes by Kaitlin Fellers Styling by Keith Recker Photography by Dave Bryce
