Maple Old Fashioned Recipe
Introduction
The Maple Old Fashioned is a delightful twist on the classic cocktail, combining the warmth of bourbon with the rich sweetness of pure maple syrup. It’s a simple yet elegant drink that’s perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests.

Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 2 dashes bitters
- 1 tablespoon (½ ounce) pure maple syrup
- Crushed ice (plus ice cubes for serving)
- Orange peel (for garnish)
- Cinnamon stick (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, bitters, pure maple syrup, and crushed ice.
- Step 2: Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is fully blended and chilled.
- Step 3: Place a large ice cube in a rocks or low-ball glass.
- Step 4: Strain the shaken mixture over the ice cube in the glass.
- Step 5: Twist an orange peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it into the glass.
- Step 6: Garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired.
- Step 7: Serve immediately and enjoy your Maple Old Fashioned.
Tips & Variations
- Use a high-quality bourbon for the best flavor balance with the maple syrup.
- Try different bitters like orange or chocolate for a unique twist.
- If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the maple syrup to 1 teaspoon.
- Adding a splash of club soda can lighten the cocktail if desired.
Storage
Since this cocktail is best served fresh, it’s recommended to consume immediately after preparation. If you need to prep in advance, shake the mixture without ice and keep chilled, then add ice and garnish before serving. Do not store mixed with ice for more than an hour to avoid dilution.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other sweeteners instead of maple syrup?
Yes, simple syrup or honey can be used, but maple syrup adds a distinctive warm flavor that complements bourbon especially well.
What type of bourbon works best for this cocktail?
A smooth, moderately aged bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes works best to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup without overpowering the drink.
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Maple Old Fashioned Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
The Maple Old Fashioned is a cozy twist on the classic cocktail, combining the smooth warmth of bourbon with the rich sweetness of pure maple syrup and aromatic bitters. Enhanced with a fragrant orange peel and optional cinnamon stick garnish, this drink is perfect for a comforting evening or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 2 dashes bitters
- 1 tablespoon (½ ounce) pure maple syrup
- Crushed ice (plus ice cubes for serving)
Garnish
- Orange peel
- Cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add 2 ounces of bourbon, 2 dashes of bitters, and 1 tablespoon (½ ounce) of pure maple syrup along with some crushed ice.
- Shake to Chill and Blend: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until it is fully blended and chilled.
- Prepare Glass: Place a large ice cube into a rocks or low-ball glass to keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.
- Strain Cocktail: Strain the shaken mixture over the ice cube in the glass to ensure a smooth, refined texture free of ice shards.
- Add Aromatic Garnish: Twist an orange peel over the drink to release the essential oils which add fragrant citrus notes, then drop the peel into the glass.
- Optional Garnish: Add a cinnamon stick into the glass to impart a subtle warming spice aroma, enhancing the maple flavor.
- Serve: Present the drink immediately and enjoy the cozy, sophisticated flavor of this Maple Old Fashioned.
Notes
- Use good quality bourbon for the best flavor balance.
- Pure maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and depth compared to simple syrup.
- Shake with crushed ice to properly chill and slightly dilute the drink for smoothness.
- The orange peel brightens the cocktail with citrus aroma without adding acidity.
- The cinnamon stick is optional but adds a warming spice note ideal for colder months.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Maple Old Fashioned, cocktail, bourbon, maple syrup, bitters, classic drink, autumn cocktail

