William Burke is of the opinion that maple syrup serves as a terrific counterpart to a range of ingredients. “It pairs uniquely with things you might not think,” he says. “Maple syrup and venison go well together, [or] maple syrup and jalapenos.” It even goes well in a cocktail, and The Foolery is Burke’s take on a well-loved classic. “It’s a spirit-forward play on a Manhattan,” he explains, “with the addition of a hint of maple syrup and apple cider.”

The Foolery | Makes 1 drink
Recipe courtesy of The Smith Restaurant

INGREDIENTS
2 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
4 ounces 80-proof moonshine
1 1/2 ounces straight bourbon (Burke uses the Chagrin Falls-made Tom Foolery) 
1/2 tablespoon apple cider 
1 tablespoon maple syrup (Burke uses a bourbon-barrel-aged variety)
Preserved lemon

DIRECTIONS
For homemade star anise bitters, combine first three ingredients in a jar, shake well and let sit in a cool, dark place for 3 days. Combine 2 dashes star anise bitters with all other ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Vigorously shake for 30 seconds and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with quick-torched preserved lemon.