Did you know that March is officially maple month? I was inspired to create this maple old fashioned to celebrate the start of spring! This easy 3 ingredient cocktail will have you dreaming of warmer weather, but it’s equally good around a fall campfire too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The warm flavors of bourbon meet sweet maple with a dash of bitters in this easy 3-ingredient twist on a classic cocktail. It’s a great way to celebrate the sap flowing in spring, but maple always reminds me of fall flavors too, so go ahead and enjoy it anytime you want!
One of the things I love most about old fashioned cocktails is just the simplicity of them. There’s no fancy equipment needed – just pour, stir, and enjoy! You can drink it room temperature or on the rocks based on your personal preferences.
I like to add a cocktail cherry or a twist of orange for garnish, or even some maple rock candy because I really think it adds to the charm and sweetness of this drink!
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Ingredients List
- 2 ounces good-quality bourbon (such as Knob Creek)
- ½ ounce maple syrup
- 2-3 dashes orange bitters
- Large ice cube (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can substitute rye whiskey instead of bourbon for slightly different (but still delicious) variation. Also feel free to try a nice small batch smoked or maple-flavored bourbon or whiskey to further reinforce the flavor!
- If you don’t have real maple syrup, you can substitute simple syrup with about ¼ tsp maple extract, but it’s not as good as the real thing in my opinion
- Other great options instead of orange bitters would be maple bitters or walnut bitters
- Garnishes are optional, but could include luxardo or maraschino cherries, a twist of orange peel, or some maple candy!
How to Make a Maple Old Fashioned
- Add the maple syrup and bourbon to an old fashioned glass (or similar) and stir to combine
- Shake 2-3 dashes of bitters over the top
- Add an ice cube if desired (large is best to minimize dilution)
- Garnish with a cherry or orange peel and enjoy!
- Crown Salted Caramel Old Fashioned
- Banana Bread Old Fashioned
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Pairing Suggestions
Savory Pairings
- Bacon-wrapped appetizers: Smoky, salty flavors pair perfectly with maple and bourbon. Bacon Wrapped Apples and Bacon Wrapped Dates are two of my favorite choices!
- Charcuterie boards: Cured meats, aged cheeses, and nuts complement the richness of the cocktail
- Smoked nuts: Crunchy and savory with a hint of sweetness
- Mini burgers or sliders: Rich, hearty flavors stand up well to whiskey cocktails
Cheese Pairings
- Sharp cheddar: Bold and tangy against the maple sweetness
- Gouda: Nutty and slightly smoky, a natural fit with bourbon
- Brie: Creamy and buttery for a softer contrast
Comfort Foods
- Roasted sweet potatoes: Warm, earthy flavors pair beautifully with maple. Try my Air Fryer Hasselback Sweet Potatoes!
- Maple glazed carrots: Echo the sweetness in the drink without overwhelming it
- Stuffed mushrooms: Savory and rich enough to match the cocktail’s depth
Desserts
- Apple pie: Classic fall flavors with bourbon and maple
- Pecan pie: Rich, nutty sweetness complements whiskey beautifully. Try my Pecan Pie Bark for a no bake option!
- Bread pudding: Warm and comforting with caramelized notes
- Dark chocolate desserts: Slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the maple syrup
When to Serve
Perfect for spring or fall gatherings, cozy nights in, holiday parties, or fireside sipping when you want something warm, smooth, and a little elevated!
Recipe FAQs
What is a Maple Old Fashioned Cocktail?
A maple old fashioned is a twist on the classic old fashioned cocktail, incorporating the rich and sweet flavor of maple syrup as a primary ingredient alongside bourbon or rye whiskey, bitters, and an orange twist garnish.
It compliments smoky bourbon flavors well, and is a unique alternative to adding simple syrup to your cocktail.
What Kind of Maple Syrup Should I Use?
For the best flavor, use pure maple syrup rather than artificially flavored syrups.
Grade A maple syrup is lighter in color and has a milder flavor, while Grade B maple syrup is darker and has a more robust flavor that pairs well with whiskey cocktails.
Do I Need to Use a Special Type of Bitters?
While traditional Angostura bitters are commonly used in old fashioned cocktails, you can experiment with different types of bitters to customize the flavor of your maple old fashioned.
Consider using aromatic bitters, orange bitters, walnut bitters, or even maple-flavored bitters for a unique twist.
What Are Some Variations of the Maple Old Fashioned Cocktail?
There are some great variations of the maple old fashioned cocktail you can try. Consider adding a splash of apple cider or ginger beer for extra flavor, or infusing the whiskey with cinnamon sticks or cloves for a seasonal twist.
Experiment with different garnishes like candied bacon or maple candy for added flair.
Tips For the Best Maple Old Fashioned
- For a weaker drink, dilute with some water (or add more maple syrup, but this also increases sweetness). For a stronger drink, just add more bourbon
- Any lowball glass works well for this recipe, such as an old fashioned, whiskey, or rocks glass, but you can use anything similar that you have
Storage and Serving Tips
- If you want to prepare this cocktail in advance for entertaining, mix the desired number of servings together in a pitcher and store in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Add to individual glasses with ice and garnish before serving. A standard-sized old fashioned glass should be filled about ⅓ to ½ of the way
- Maple Mule Cocktail
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Final Thoughts
This easy maple old fashioned is the perfect combination in a simple cocktail. Featuring warm bourbon and sweet maple syrup, it’s just the right balance.
While Spring is maple season, the flavors of this drink also make it great for Fall, so feel free to enjoy one anytime you like! Since it’s just 3 ingredients (plus ice and garnishes) it takes just minutes to throw together.
I like to finish mine with a luxardo cherry and a twist of orange, but you can get as creative (or not) as you like. It’s still a delicious sip!
Easy Maple Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Old fashioned glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon (such as Knob Creek)
- ½ ounce maple syrup
- 2-3 dashes orange bitters
- 1 large ice cube (optional)
Instructions
- Add the maple syrup and bourbon to an old fashioned glass (or similar) and stir to combine½ ounce maple syrup, 2 ounces bourbon
- Shake 2-3 dashes of bitters over the top2-3 dashes orange bitters
- Add an ice cube if desired (large is best to minimize dilution)1 large ice cube
- Garnish with a luxardo cherry or orange peel and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute rye whiskey instead of bourbon for slightly different (but still delicious) variation. Also feel free to try smoked or maple-flavored bourbon or whiskey to further reinforce the flavor!
- If you don’t have real maple syrup, you can substitute simple syrup with about ¼ tsp maple extract, but it’s not as good as the real thing
- Other great options instead of orange bitters would be maple bitters or walnut bitters
- Garnishes are optional, but could include a luxardo cherry, twist of orange peel, or some maple candy!
- For a weaker drink, dilute with some water (or add more maple syrup, but this also increases sweetness). For a stronger drink, just add more bourbon
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
