Smoked Maple Old Fashioned

Prepare the Smoked Maple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of maple syrup and 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika. Heat over medium-low heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until the flavors meld. Remove from heat and let cool.

Prepare the Orange Zest: Use a vegetable peeler to remove a 2-inch strip of orange zest, being careful to avoid the white pith.

Combine Ingredients: In an old-fashioned glass, add 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of the smoked maple syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.

Add Ice: Fill the glass with large ice cubes.

Stir Gently: Stir gently for about 20-30 seconds to chill the cocktail and combine the flavors.

Garnish: Express the oils from the orange zest over the glass by twisting it, then drop it into the glass.