“Our take on an espresso martini, the #Basic, is a classic Ironton cocktail that we’ve brought back every Fall for four years now. The Pumpkin Spice Liqueur makes it perfect for autumn.”—Laura Walters, Head Distiller, Ironton Distillery
#Basic
Ingredients
1½ oz. Ironton Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
2 oz. coconut milk
½ oz. Ironton Coffee Liqueur
½ oz. simple syrup
whipped cream
pumpkin pie spice blend
Directions
Add all ingredients to a shaker tin filled with ice. Shake and double strain into a martini glass. Top with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice blend to garnish.
Ask the Head Distiller: Laura Walters
What is it like being a female distiller?
“My favorite question! I get this one a lot. It’s like being a regular distiller but there can be challenges working in a male-dominated industry. Though I have had really good luck with my employers and a strong support network, so it’s been a great career choice for me.”
How do you make the Pumpkin Spice Liqueur?
“We use a grain-neutral based spirit that we purchase. Then, we put all the flavoring in, pumpkin puree and our house blend of spices, let it sit for a month, sweeten it, cut it with house water and put it in the specialty bottle. You can buy the bottle for $20 and it’s the perfect thing to bring to a holiday party.”
What is your favorite alcohol to distill?
“I like gin because the botanicals all come off the still at different times and create different flavor profiles with a really interesting end combination. Gin is also my favorite alcohol to drink with a negroni being my favorite cocktail.”
Tell us more about Ironton.
“We like to say we are making whiskey for people who don’t know everything about whiskey. It’s a relaxed and beautiful distillery without the intimidation aspects. On October 1st, we hold our Harvest Fest which is our biggest party of the year complete with a pumpkin patch, fortune teller and people in costume.”
