Last night I had this aptly named “Dirt Candy” cocktail at Charlotte’s The Asbury restaurant. It was made with Cardinal Barrel Rested Gin, orange and cardamom, and sweet potato simple syrup. And was just as amazing as all that sounds.

After drinking it, I had a brilliant idea (as is usually the post-cocktail case): Why not use this magical sweet potato simple syrup in place of regular simple syrup in my favorite drink, an Old Fashioned? This version would have the extra-autumnal flavors of sweet potato with all my favorite things (bourbon and cherries).

So, now I have big plans. Sound good to you too? Here’s the recipe for sweet potato simple syrup*:

Roast a medium-sized sweet potato in the over until soft. Place 1/2 cup of it in a saucepan with one cup of water and 3/4 cup of sugar. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring as sugar dissolves. Let the syrup cool before pureeing it and straining through fine mesh. Refrigerate and then drink up.

*Alternate, easier plan: Go to The Asbury and order this drink.