Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: The woodsy flavor of pure maple syrup complements the vanilla, oak, and caramel notes of bourbon in a truly delightful and unique maple old fashioned cocktail.
How long it takes: 5 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: rocks glass or something comparable
Servings: 1 (or more!)
Maple Old Fashioned
Each ingredient in this maple old fashioned cocktail has so many layers of flavor that it’s not surprising how good this cocktail is. It’s a slow sipper, so you can savor every aspect of it.
Bourbon or rye is the backbone of the drink. Each brand has unique qualities, so choose one you love. (I’ve been into bourbon cocktails lately. Have you tried this vanilla bourbon fizz, with bourbon, vanilla, and prosecco? It’s a little bit lighter, and so good!)
This bourbon cocktail can be easily made in five minutes. An old fashioned is stirred, not shaken, and it’s served over ice in a short glass, called a rocks glass, lowball glass, or even sometimes, you guessed it, an old fashioned glass.
What’s In a Maple Old Fashioned
- Bourbon: I prefer bourbon in an old fashioned because it has a sweeter, softer flavor (Woodford Double Oaked is my personal favorite). Rye gives the drink a more spicy, woody flavor. Feel free to choose whatever you like best. Because this is a mixed drink, diluted with other ingredients and served over ice, don’t use the priciest bottle you have. Save that for sipping neat. However, this cocktail is still pretty straightforward with not a lot of mixers, so I would choose something mid-range.
- Maple syrup: Instead of the usual sugar cube found in old fashioned cocktails, maple syrup sweetens the drink. It gives this cocktail another layer of sweet woodsy flavor. Use real maple syrup, not imitation flavored pancake syrup.
- Angostura bitters: Along with the bourbon, you’ll taste the herbal and spice notes of angostura bitters. Bitters are a common ingredient added to cocktails, and there are different kinds: aromatic, citrus, herbal, and nut (I love chocolate bitters, too). Aromatic angostura bitters have been around for a long time and the secret formula reportedly contains herbs, spices, bark, and alcohol. Because of their potent flavor, bitters are measured by dashes or drops, not ounces.
- Orange peel: Another ingredient that a classic old fashioned always features, the sharp citrus note adds a layer of flavor.
- Cherry: Look for the dark burgundy cherries that are commonly used in cocktails. They may be called Luxardo maraschino cherries.
- Ice: Traditional ice cubes or crushed ice will work, but I also love to use a large square or round ice cube. Make sure your ice is fresh; stale ice can ruin a cocktail.
Old Fashioned or a Manhattan?
These two cocktails are very similar. Each cocktail is made with bourbon (or rye) whiskey and Angostura bitters. The difference? An old fashioned is sweetened with a sugar cube but a Manhattan omits the sugar cube and instead sweetens things up with an ounce of sweet vermouth.
Recipe Variations
- Make one or make a pitcher. You’ll find directions on the recipe card below for making individual cocktails or a pitcher, with four servings.
- Make it sweeter. Feel free to add more maple syrup or a sugar cube.
- Emphasize the maple. If you really love maple flavor, add a drop of pure maple extract.
- Emphasize the orange. For a fun variation, add ½ ounce of freshly squeezed orange juice.
More Cocktail Recipes
Maple Old Fashioned
Ingredients
For 1 Drink
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup, or to taste
- small splash of water (about ¼ teaspoon)
- 2 ounces bourbon (or rye)
- orange wedge and cherry, for garnish
For a Crowd (4 drinks)
- ½ teaspoon Angostura bitters (8 dashes)
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1 cup bourbon (or rye)
Instructions
- Add the bitters, maple syrup, and water to a rocks glass (or pitcher). Stir gently to combine.2 dashes angostura bitters, 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup, or to taste, small splash of water
- Fill the glass with ice and then top with bourbon (or rye).2 ounces bourbon
- Garnish with an orange wedge and/or cherry.orange wedge and cherry, for garnish
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Variations: If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add more maple syrup or a sugar cube. If you really love maple flavor, add a drop of pure maple extract. For a fun variation, add ½ ounce of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
I’m not a big drinker, and not usually cockails, but this looks delicious.
It’s really flavorful!