Three young entrepreneurs have opened a new bar in downtown Darlington.

Trail Birds prides itself on its cocktails, said Ilse Mendez, who co-owns the bar with her brother Edgar Mendez and Katie Pingel. The business brands itself an “upscale dive bar,” per its website.

The bar, at 301 Main St., held a grand opening March 22. Ilse Mendez said she was not sure what to expect but ended up happy with the turnout.

Maple syrup is a natural for pancakes and baking, and it has shown its prowess in savory dishes. But the springtime ingredient is equally at home in cocktails, too.

Bentley Gilman, head distiller of Tattersall Distilling in River Falls, Wis., created these cocktails using its Birkie WI-SKI, which was created “in the spirit of” the American Birkebeiner, aging rye whiskey in used maple syrup barrels. While the cocktails — including one NA — were highlighted at the distillery’s Maplefest in February, they are top of mind now as we start thinking about syrup season — and spring.