The Old Fashioned remains one of cocktail culture’s enduring classics for good reason. This maple variation substitutes traditional sugar with pure maple syrup, creating a subtle depth that complements the whiskey’s character without overcomplicating it. The natural sweetness plays beautifully with bourbon’s vanilla and caramel notes or the spice of a good rye. It’s a simple modification that respects the original while offering something genuinely worth experiencing, especially as evenings grow cooler and spirits more contemplative.
Maple Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
1
servings5
minutes184
kcalKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
60 ml 2 fl oz bourbon or rye whiskey
7.5 ml 1/4 fl oz pure maple syrup
2 dashes 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel for garnish
Ice cubes
1 1 cinnamon stick for garnish
Equipment
Old fashioned glass
Bar spoon
Jigger
Instructions
- Add the maple syrup and bitters to the bottom of an Old Fashioned glass.
- Stir briefly to combine the maple and bitters.
- Add the bourbon or rye whiskey to the glass.
- Add a large ice cube or sphere to the glass (or several smaller cubes if that’s what you have).
- Stir gently for about 20-30 seconds to properly chill and dilute the cocktail.
- Cut a piece of orange peel, about 2 inches long.
- Express the oils from the orange peel by twisting it over the drink.
- Rub the peel around the rim of the glass to further enhance the aroma.
- Place the orange peel in the glass as a garnish.
Notes
- Use a high-quality pure maple syrup (preferably Grade A Dark or Grade B) for the best flavor profile, it makes a significant difference.
