Some timeless classics are worth updating, and this Maple Old Fashioned is a perfect example. Swap the usual sugar for rich maple syrup and enjoy a smooth, warmly spiced take on a beloved cocktail.
Maple and bourbon are a natural pairing, giving the Old Fashioned a deeper, caramel-vanilla profile that feels perfect for cool evenings.
This version is quick and straightforward to make, yet its memorable flavor lingers long after the last sip. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser—ideal for casual gatherings or a cozy night in.
🎥 Video
🥘 Ingredients
- Large ice cube: Use a single large cube or sphere to chill the cocktail while melting slowly so the drink stays balanced longer.
- Angostura bitters: Offers warm, spicy notes of cinnamon, clove, and bitter aromatics to round out the sweetness.
- Maple syrup: Choose a pure maple syrup (check that maple is listed first) for natural, complex sweetness with woody undertones.
- Bourbon: Pick a bourbon with vanilla, caramel, and oak notes to complement the maple syrup and bitters.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
🍸 Step-by-Step
🔪 Instructions
- Step One: Chill a stirring glass, then add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Step Two: Add ½ oz maple syrup and 2 oz bourbon.
- Step Three: Fill the stirring glass with cubed ice and stir for about 20–30 seconds until well chilled.
- Step Four: Place a large ice cube into a chilled rocks glass and strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Step Five: Express an orange zest over the drink, garnish, and serve.
🍸 Variations
- Sweet Citrus: Swap Angostura for orange bitters for a brighter, citrus-forward twist.
- Maple Mix-Up: Use a flavored maple syrup (for example cinnamon-vanilla) to deepen the spice and aromatic notes.
🍽 Equipment
- Measuring tools / jigger
- Stirring glass: A tall mixing glass for combining and chilling the cocktail.
- Bar spoon: Long-handled spoon for smooth, controlled stirring.
- Old Fashioned / rocks glass: Short glass for serving the finished cocktail.
- Julep or Hawthorne strainer: To keep excess ice out when pouring into the serving glass.
💭 Top tips
Stirring well—but not overdoing it—controls dilution. Move the bar spoon around the inside of the mixing glass so the ice circulates while staying mostly in place. For a richer flavor, choose a darker maple syrup that highlights woody, caramel notes.
🙋🏻 FAQ
Traditional maple syrup contains natural sugars, so it’s not keto-friendly. For a low-carb alternative, use a sugar-free maple-flavored syrup.
Yes—you can scale the ingredients and stir multiple servings in a large mixing glass, then strain into individual glasses when ready.
Other Recipes for You to Try
- Bourbon Old Fashioned
- Winter Aperol Spritz
- Gin & Tonic
- New Year’s Lemon Punch
- Choosing the Perfect Tall Glassware
- White Wine Spritzer
- Cucumber Gin Tonic
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If you make this recipe, please leave a rating and a comment to share how it turned out. Tag your photos @combinegoodflavors and use the hashtag #combinegoodflavors if you share on social media—I’d love to see your creations.
Maple Old Fashioned
Equipment
-
Measuring tools / Jigger
-
Stirring glass
-
Barspoon
-
Old fashioned or rocks glass
-
Julep (or Hawthorn) strainer
Ingredients
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- ½ oz Maple syrup
- 2 oz Bourbon
- Cubed ice for the stirring glass
- 1 Large ice cube or cubed ice for the serving glass
- Orange zest for garnish
Instructions
-
Take a chilled stirring glass from the freezer.
-
Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
-
Add ½ oz maple syrup and 2 oz bourbon.
-
Fill the mixing glass with cubed ice and stir thoroughly with a bar spoon.
-
Add a large ice cube to a chilled rocks glass and strain the cocktail into it.
-
Cut a small disc of orange peel and garnish the drink with it.
Video
Nutrition
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⛑️ Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) when preparing cooked foods.
- Avoid using the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat.
- Wash hands after handling raw meat.
- Do not leave perishable foods at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoke point to avoid creating harmful compounds.
- Ensure good ventilation when using a gas stove.