Maple Old Fashioned Recipe

by | Sep 5, 2025 | Classic Cocktails, Cocktail Recipes, Popular Cocktails, Seasonal Cocktails, Signature Drinks

Maple Old Fashioned cocktail in a rocks glass with amber bourbon, large ice cube, orange slice, and cinnamon stick garnish on a marble bar top with blurred autumn background

A cozy Maple Old Fashioned that swaps the sugar cube for pure maple syrup. We first poured these at an October wedding out east—guests loved how the maple rounded the bourbon without making it sweet. Smooth, aromatic, and built for crisp fall nights.

About This Maple Old Fashioned

This fall riff keeps the Old Fashioned classic—whiskey + bitters—then uses Grade A dark maple syrup for body and warmth. Orange oils tie in bourbon’s vanilla and caramel while two dashes of Angostura keep it balanced. Minimal ingredients, maximum autumn vibes.

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Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon (rye also works for a spicier finish)
  • 1/2 oz pure maple syrup (Grade A, dark)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel (expressed, for garnish)
  • Optional: brandied cherry

Steps

  1. Combine. In a mixing glass, add bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters with ice.
  2. Stir. Stir 20–30 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted.
  3. Strain. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
  4. Garnish & serve. Express orange peel over the glass, rub the rim, then drop in. Add a brandied cherry if you like.

Bar Tips

  • Maple matters: dark, robust maple brings depth without cloying sweetness.
  • Ice size: a big cube slows dilution and keeps texture silky.
  • Bitters balance: two dashes is the sweet spot—add a third only if your maple is very light.

Flavor Notes

  • Bourbon: softer, vanilla-forward.
  • Rye: spicier; great with maple on cold nights.
  • Orange oils: brighten and lift the maple-caramel profile.

Variations

  • Smoky Maple Old Fashioned: split base 1.5 oz bourbon + 0.5 oz peated Scotch or a rinse of peaty Scotch.
  • Walnut & Maple: swap in 1 dash walnut bitters + 1 dash Angostura.
  • Apple-Maple: add a barspoon of apple brandy (Calvados) and garnish with a thin apple slice.

When to Serve

Perfect for Thanksgiving aperitifs, after-dinner sippers, and crisp patio nights. Elegant enough for weddings; simple enough for weeknight unwinding.

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Is maple syrup good in an Old Fashioned?

Yes maple syrup adds richness and a seasonal twist, pairing beautifully with bourbon’s natural caramel and vanilla notes. It’s actually my favorite way to make an old fashioned! Just dont forget the Luxardo cherries.

Can I use maple syrup instead of simple syrup in cocktails?

Definitely. Maple syrup is sweeter than simple syrup, so start with half the amount and adjust to taste.

Can you add maple syrup to bourbon?

Yes absolutely! In fact Bourbon and maple are a natural pairing. The syrup enhances bourbon’s depth, creating a smooth, warming cocktail. Perfect for sitting by the fire on a fall breezy night.

What are common Old Fashioned mistakes?

Overcomplicating the recipe, adding too much sugar or bitters, or over-diluting the cocktail. Keep it simple and balanced.