Enjoyed: Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

Listed on the menu: Yes, as “Baklava Old Fashioned”.

Ingredients: Woodford, baklava simple syrup, orange, walnut bitters, luxardo cherry, and smoke (optional, but Husband wanted it).

The occasion: For many years, I kept saying that we need to see Virginia’s Natural Chimneys, which are only about an hour and 15 minute drive from us. Finally, we were on our way. To extend the outing, I also planned activities in Harrisonburg. We attended a student jazz band concert that evening at James Madison University, then in the morning we had a Master Gardener lead us through the university’s arboretum. Supper at Illyria was a highlight, too, since we are fans of Mediterranean-style cuisine. Husband said the lamb was the best he has ever had.

My rating: **** out of 5. Husband and I shared this drink, and I would have preferred it without the smoke, since I believe the nutty “baklava” simple syrup should have taken center stage. The walnut and orange bitters weren’t discernable, but I am sure they contributed to the richness of the cocktail. I also ordered the signature drink, the “Illyria”, which is similar to a lemon-drop martini but with an olive oil floater–wow, that was tasty!

Final thoughts: I am so happy we chose to hike around the Natural Chimneys park! The mountain views from the trail were lovely, the river was calming, and I enjoyed identifying all the spring flowers, like the bluebells. And the chimneys! So dramatic, and so interesting, even if you know little about geology. These seven solid mostly-limestone formations rise as high as 120 feet–so hard to believe that hundreds of millions of years ago, they were entirely under water.