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.
The warm flavors of bourbon meet sweet maple with a dash of bitters in this easy 3-ingredient 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!
Ingredients List
2 ounces 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 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 a luxardo cherry, twist of orange peel, or some maple candy!
Step By Step Instructions
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)
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.
How Do I Make a Maple Old Fashioned?
To make a maple old fashioned, add maple syrup and whiskey to a glass, then stir well to combine. Top with a few dashes of bitters, such as orange, walnut, or maple.
Add ice cubes and stir again until chilled. Garnish with an orange twist.
Can I Use Different Types of Whiskey in a Maple Old Fashioned?
Yes, you can use either bourbon or rye whiskey in a maple old fashioned, depending on your personal preference.
Bourbon tends to impart a sweeter and smoother flavor, while rye whiskey adds a spicier kick to the cocktail. Smoked and maple varieties can complement the drink and add more depth of flavor as well.
What Kind of Maple Syrup Should I Use for a Maple Old Fashioned?
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 for a Maple Old Fashioned?
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.
Can I Prepare Maple Old Fashioned Cocktails in Advance for a Party?
Yes, you can pre-mix the ingredients for maple old fashioned cocktails in a pitcher or mixing glass and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
When ready to enjoy, pour the mixed cocktail over ice and garnish with an orange twist or cherry.
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.
How Many Calories in a Maple Old Fashioned?
The number of calories in a maple old fashioned vary widely based on the brands and flavors of the ingredients chosen and the proportions used in the recipe. However, a general average is between 185 and 200 calories per serving.
Use the nutritional information from your specific selections to calculate exact amounts if needed.
Recipe Pro Tips
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
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
This simple 3-ingredient cocktail pairs sweet maple with the warm notes of bourbon in a classic old fashioned. It’s perfect for Spring and Fall alike, and takes just minutes to assemble!
Add the maple syrup and bourbon to an old fashioned glass (or similar) and stir to combine
½ ounce maple syrup, 2 ounces bourbon
Shake 2-3 dashes of bitters over the top
2-3 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
Keyword bourbon maple cocktail, bourbon maple old fashioned, knob creek maple old fashioned, maple cocktails, maple old fashioned, maple old fashioned cocktail, maple syrup old fashioned, old fashioned recipes
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
