COCKTAIL RECIPE

A Maple Cherry Old Fashioned The Perfect Cocktail for Taryn O’Kelly’s Cruise Adventure

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of setting sail on a luxury cruise. The sun, the sea breeze, the sound of waves lapping against the hull. It’s the perfect escape, but what happens when that relaxing vacation turns into a full-fledged mystery? That’s exactly what happens in Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses, the second book in the Taryn O’Kelly mystery series, where Taryn’s getaway becomes a suspense-filled adventure.

In honor of this book’s release, I wanted to share a cocktail that’s as rich, complex, and satisfying as the mystery Taryn finds herself tangled in. A Maple Cherry Old Fashioned made with Amarena cherries and Irish whiskey. The smoothness of the whiskey combined with the sweetness of maple syrup and cherry finish is a delicious blend of what feels safe, yet leaves a lingering mystery on your palate. This is my favorite drink, the one I turn to when I need to unwind, and I can’t think of a better way to kick back while diving into a good book.

The Story Behind the Cocktail

The Old Fashioned is a timeless classic, beloved by cocktail connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike, for its simplicity and depth. It’s simple whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus. It’s the kind of drink that can take on different personalities depending on the ingredients. Just like the characters in a cozy mystery, every little detail counts. I’ve given this one a personal twist with the smoothness of Irish whiskey, the sweet richness of Amarena cherries, and a bit of the cherry syrup to round it all out. It’s a cocktail that’s perfect for a relaxing evening. Whether you’re lounging on a cruise or curled up with a book, this cocktail will transport you right into the heart of Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses.

I chose Irish whiskey as the base for this drink because of Taryn’s Irish roots (Mine too) and because it’s smoother and slightly sweeter than many American bourbons, making it perfect for leisurely sipping. The maple syrup brings an earthy warmth, like a cozy sweater on a breezy evening at sea while the Amarena cherries are sweet, dark, and packed with flavor. They add a decadent little pop at the end.

Using the cherry syrup itself, instead of relying only on sugar or additional liqueur, gives the drink a subtle complexity. It’s a little unexpected much like the twists and turns Taryn faces during her not-so-relaxing cruise.

And just like any good mystery, the Maple Cherry Old Fashioned invites you to slow down and pay attention to the details. The swirl of the maple, the dark gleam of the cherry, and the first hint of bitters balanced against the smooth whiskey. It’s a drink made for those who appreciate the art of discovery, whether you’re piecing together a puzzle on a ship deck or simply savoring a moment of peace before the next adventure unfolds.

Maple Cherry Old Fashioned

Serves: 1
Ingredients
• 2 oz Irish Whiskey (smooth and rich)
• 1/2 oz Maple Syrup (for a sweet, earthy richness)
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura Bitters (to balance the sweetness)
• 1 Amarena Cherries (sweet and full of flavor)
• A splash of Cherry Syrup (from the Amarena cherries)
• Ice (preferably a large cube to avoid dilution)

Instructions

1. Mix the Ingredients: In your rocks glass, combine the Irish whiskey, maple syrup, and bitters. Stir gently to blend the flavors.

2. Add the Cherries: Drop one Amarena cherries into the glass. These cherries are beautifully sweet and full of flavor, making them the perfect addition to this cocktail.

3. Splash of Cherry Syrup: Add just a splash of the syrup from the Amarena cherries. This will infuse the drink with even more sweetness and a deeper cherry flavor.

4. Add Ice: add a large ice cube to your Old Fashioned glass. The large cube will keep your drink chilled without watering it down too quickly…

5. Enjoy You don’t need any extra garnish for this one, the cherries and syrup provide all the flavor and color you need.

This Maple Cherry Old Fashioned is a drink that’s near and dear to me. I created it because I wanted something that combined the rich, smooth warmth of Irish whiskey with the sweetness of maple and the deep, rich flavor of Amarena cherries. It’s my go-to when I want to relax and unwind, and it’s the perfect companion for a good mystery. The sweetness of the cherries and maple syrup creates a comforting balance. But there’s a little complexity beneath the surface, much like the twists and turns in a cozy mystery. The cherry syrup adds that extra bit of richness that ties everything together, creating a drink that feels as layered and interesting as the stories I love to write.

And I have a feeling Taryn would approve. She’s always ready for a good Irish whiskey.

So the next time you’re curled up with a book (hopefully mine!), or plotting your next real-world adventure, I invite you to mix yourself a Maple Cherry Old Fashioned. Raise your glass to intrigue, romance, and the endless possibilities that lie just beyond the next wave.

And remember whether you’re sailing into the sunset or diving headfirst into a cozy mystery, it’s always wise to keep your eyes open… and your cocktail close.

Cheers!

Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses

(A Taryn O’Kelly Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in the Series
Setting – On board a cruise ship and Cartagena,
Colombia Publisher: Salty Inspirations (April 8, 2025)
Hardcover: 277 pages

Trapped in a sinister plot with a vengeful drug cartel is a killer vacation.

Taryn wanted sun, cocktails, and relaxation. Instead, she and Alex found themselves tangled in yet another deadly puzzle.

After months of chaos and a near-death experience, Taryn and Alex are desperate for a break. A romantic cruise seems like the perfect escape. Adventurous excursions, tropical drinks, and uninterrupted passion. But their dream vacation takes a dark turn when a danger from the past resurfaces, and bodies start piling up.

Trapped in the middle of a sinister plot, Taryn must unravel the mystery before the killer strikes again. With a vengeful drug cartel lurking in the shadows, the stakes are higher than ever. Will Taryn’s sharp instincts be enough to outmaneuver the enemy, or will their dream getaway become a deadly nightmare?

Fans of Janet Evanovich and rom-cozy mysteries will love this fast-paced escape filled with murder, romance, and laugh-out-loud moments.

Cruises, Cocktails, and Corpses is the second book in the Taryn O’Kelly Mystery series—but it can be read as a standalone. Perfect for readers who love strong female sleuths, tropical twists, and a splash of snark.

Amazon * Bookshop.org * B&N * Kobo

‛The other guests were fleeing the scene with their drinks still in their hands. At $10 a drink, you can’t waste those babies.’

‛That man needed coffee or something. Good grief, I barely touched him. He should not have been standing so close to my door. What right did he have to stare me down? Beginning to feel annoyed with the encounter, I took a moment to breathe and tell myself this was not worth my energy. He can not control my feelings or my day.’

‛I had never been so happy to see them standing together. My heart leaped; no one had been snatched or killed. Yay! What has my life come to?’

‛The ECS team did not want to panic the other passengers. Probably to keep the appearance that cruising is safe and people don’t die.’

“Who said anything about wasting it? If I am going to die, I am not going down without my drink. I’ll finish it. To justice!” She gulped the Aguardiente and coughed again. “It burns,” she wheezed.

Michelle L. Clifton is the author of the Taryn O’Kelly series, which mixes laugh-out-loud humor, steamy romance, and gripping mysteries. Her books are perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich, offering a modern twist on cozy mysteries with amateur sleuth Taryn O’Kelly at the helm.

Michelle was raised in Southwest Colorado in the great valleys of the Rocky Mountains. There she married the love of her life and raised two beautiful kids, a cat, two dogs, and chickens! She has worked in the dental field, dance and theater industry, athletics, and event coordinating. She created Salty Inspirations to pursue her passion for writing.

However, her favorite job is being MOM. Her family made a major move to Cape Coral, Florida, just in time for Hurricane Ian. When not crafting tales of intrigue, Michelle can be found spending time with her family hiking and camping in Colorado and boating and beaching in Florida. Oh! And writing of course!

Author Links
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