The True North Sipper (Original Drink #2 M.Trinkaus --03/31/25(c)Crispy Maple-Glazed Bacon Bites with Smoked Cheddar (SIDE APPETIZER )

 🍹 Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz cedar-infused gin (or regular gin with a drop of cedar essence)

• ½ oz cloudberry liqueur (or a mix of orange liqueur + a dash of tart berry syrup)

• ¾ oz birch syrup (earthy and slightly sweet)

• ¼ oz fresh lemon juice

• 2 dashes smoked paprika tincture (for a subtle, smoky kick)

• 1 egg white (for a silky texture)

• Garnish: a sprinkle of crushed pine nuts and a tiny maple leaf (if available)

🥃 Instructions

1. Infuse the gin (if desired):

   • Place a few small cedar chips in a jar with the gin and let it infuse for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Strain before using.

2. Dry shake:

   • In a shaker, add gin, cloudberry liqueur, birch syrup, lemon juice, egg white, and smoked paprika tincture.

   • Shake without ice for 20 seconds (to froth the egg white).

3. Wet shake:

   • Add ice and shake vigorously for another 20 seconds.

4. Serve:

• Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

• Sprinkle a few crushed pine nuts on top and float a tiny maple leaf for a rustic, Canadian touch

🥓 Crispy Maple-Glazed Bacon Bites with Smoked Cheddar (SIDE APPETIZER )

These rich, salty-sweet bites complement the earthy, smoky, and slightly sweet notes of the cocktail perfectly.

🍴 Ingredients

• 12 strips of thick-cut bacon

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp cracked black pepper

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (to echo the drink’s flavor)

• 4 oz aged smoked cheddar, cut into small cubes

• Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)

🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:

   • Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the bacon:

   • Lay the bacon strips flat on the baking sheet.

   • Brush both sides with maple syrup.

   • Sprinkle with black pepper and smoked paprika.

3. Bake:

   • Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and caramelized.

4. Assemble the bites:

   • Let the bacon cool slightly, then cut each strip into thirds.

   • Skewer a cube of smoked cheddar and a folded piece of bacon onto a toothpick.

5. Serve:

   • Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves for an herbal touch.

   • Plate alongside your True North Sipper for a bold and flavorful pairing.