The Art of Pairing Cocktails with Wood: A Maryland Maker’s Guide

Hey there, cocktail shakers and woodwork lovers! Ever wondered what happens when you mix the soul of a perfectly crafted cocktail with the rustic charm of a handcrafted wooden tray? Spoiler alert: it’s pure magic. Here at BCN Woodcrafts, I’m all about blending Maryland’s rich cocktail culture with my love for hardwood heirlooms. So, grab a shaker and a barstool, because I’m diving into the art of pairing classic Maryland cocktails—like the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Diamondback—with the perfect wooden serving pieces. It’s like matchmaking for your bar cart, Maryland style. Let’s get mixing!

The Manhattan: Walnut’s Sultry Sidekick

Let’s kick things off with the Manhattan, my personal favorite. This blend of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters is all about sophistication with a Maryland twist—rye was practically the state’s unofficial spirit back in the day. So, what wood pairs best with this classy sipper? Enter walnut, the dark, brooding heartthrob of hardwoods.

Walnut’s rich, chocolatey grain mirrors the Manhattan’s deep, complex flavors. Picture serving this cocktail on one of my walnut tasting boards, with its sleek finish catching the light just like the cherry in your glass. The wood’s natural warmth complements the rye’s spicy kick, making every sip feel like a cozy night in a Cockeysville speakeasy. Plus, walnut’s durability means it can handle a few spilled drops without losing its cool—because nobody’s perfect, not even your bartender.

Pairing Tip: Use a walnut tray with a subtle blue crab engraving to nod to Maryland’s heritage or get it personalized for you.

The Old Fashioned: Oak’s Timeless Partner

Next up, the Old Fashioned—the granddaddy of cocktails that’s as classic as a Chesapeake sunset. With rye or bourbon, a sugar cube, bitters, and an orange twist, this drink is all about simplicity done right. It’s like a warm hug from a Maryland dockside bar, so it needs a wood that’s just as reliable and timeless. That’s where white oak steps in, strutting its stuff like the sturdy ship masts of Baltimore’s past. White Oak’s bold grain and hues are the perfect match for the Old Fashioned’s straightforward charm, plus being the preferred wood for aging barrels fits right in. My oak serving trays or cocktail recipe boards bring out the whiskey’s caramel notes while adding a touch of grit. The wood’s strength can handle a rowdy toast or two, and its natural vibe makes you feel like you’re sipping on a porch overlooking the water. It’s the kind of pairing that says, “We’ve been here forever, and we’re not going anywhere. ”Pairing Tip: Serve your Old Fashioned on an oak tray with a food-safe Odie’s Oil finish to keep it looking sharp. Add a single large ice cube to keep things chill without watering down the magic.

The Diamondback: Cherry’s Bold Buddy

Now, let’s talk about the Diamondback—Maryland’s secret weapon of a cocktail. This Baltimore-born bruiser mixes rye whiskey, apple brandy, and yellow Chartreuse for a herbal, in-your-face flavor that’s as bold as a crab claw snapping shut. To match its swagger, you need a wood with some serious personality, and cherry is the rockstar for the job. Cherry’s warm, reddish tones and fine grain are like the Diamondback’s flashy cousin, stealing the show without overpowering it. My cherry tasting boards are perfect for serving this cocktail—they’ve got the durability to handle its potency and the style to match its vibe. The wood’s natural elegance plays up the apple brandy’s fruitiness while grounding the Chartreuse’s herbal edge. It’s a match made in heaven, like Old Bay on everything.

Pairing Tip: Serve the Diamondback on a cherry tray with a subtle “Old Line State” engraving for that extra Baltimore flair or personalize it for yourself. Keep it ice-cold and garnish with a lemon twist to cut through the richness.

Why Wood and Cocktails Are a Match

So, why go to the trouble of pairing cocktails with wood? Because it’s all about the details. Wood adds warmth, texture, and a touch of soul to your sipping experience. It’s like fishing: sometimes it’s not about the catch (or the drink), but the vibe—the quiet moment, the camaraderie, the connection to something bigger. My handcrafted trays, boards, and bottle openers aren’t just props; they’re part of the story, tying you to the land, history, and community. Plus, wood’s practical too. My creations are meant to be used they are tough enough to handle spills, sturdy enough for heavy glassware, and finished with food-safe oils to keep your cocktails safe and your boards stunning. It’s sustainability with a side of style, just like a well-mixed Manhattan.