Photo by Richard Maack

Aspen Old Fashioned

Autumn inspires thoughts of cuddling in a mountain retreat amid snowy slopes. While that won’t happen here in the Valley, you can spark your imagination while sipping an Aspen Old Fashioned at the lodge-inspired Firebirds Wood Fired Grill in Peoria.

This nouveau-classic drink is extra smooth, thanks to an ounce of ginger honey syrup muddled with orange and cherry. (For the syrup, combine 3 cups honey, 3 cups water, one-fourth cup chopped ginger, 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes.) Add ice, one-and-a-half ounces Gentleman Jack and a half-ounce of Amaretto. Shake vigorously and top with ice.

Firebirds can’t provide fresh powder, but it’s an easier getaway – especially during happy hour from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, when this cocktail is $5.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
16067 N. Arrowhead Fountains Center Drive, Peoria
623-773-0500
(second Valley location at Chandler Fashion Square)