The colorful leaves have begun to fall off the trees, ushering in the season of steadily dropping temperatures. Here in Maine, life gets extra cozy in the late fall, and our natural instinct to stay warm leads the decisions we make each day. At Elsmere, we have the perfect recipe for beating the chill, and it all starts with heavy layers, hot meals and strong drinks!

A Cocktail That Keeps You Warm
We call it Sweater Weather, but you’ll call it your new favorite way to thaw out! This seasonally-inspired cocktail combines the earthy sweetness of fig Infused Knob Creek, local maple, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Orange and Angostura bitters. These fall flavors come together in a drink that looks like an autumnal Old Fashioned, with a flavor that’s familiar, yet surprising, just like the changing seasons. We garnish this cocktail with a dehydrated apple wedge and a bourbon soaked cocktail cherry, adding the perfect finishing touch to this layered libation.  

A Perfect Pairing
If the flavors of maple, fig, and bourbon aren’t enough to keep you feeling warm and cozy, a hot bowl of our smoky and Burnt End Outlaw Chili is the perfect match. Just like the Sweater Weather cocktail, this seasonal special gives new meaning to layering, with a combination of savory flavors that bring out the best in each other. Burnt ends are the most flavorful and crispy bits of our wood grilled meats, and these rich flavors are absorbed and highlighted by the combination of fresh veggies and beans in our homemade chili. We recommend alternating between a few bites of chili and a sip of your Sweater Weather cocktail for a meal experience that’s sure to warm you from the inside out.

Come In and Warm Up
Cold weather isn't always a bad thing. In fact, here in Maine it plays an important role in the way we live, what we eat, and what we drink. Why not embrace the season by visiting Elsmere and trying this meal and cocktail pairing for yourself? It may be sweater weather, but some might say that it’s the best time of the year, and at Elsmere, we agree!