Easy Maple Old Fashioned

This simple recipe adds a sweet maple twist to a classic bourbon mixed drink. Make your weekend happy hours even more joyful with this easy Maple Old Fashioned Cocktail!

Want another fun bourbon cocktail to sip on this holiday season, don’t miss out on my Harvest Apple Bourbon Cocktail.

Classic Bourbon Cocktail with Maple

There are very few problems that can’t be solved with a quick mixed drink, am I right? Everybody has that go-to cocktail that helps them kick back and relax. This traditional bourbon beverage is flavored with pure maple syrup to give it a modern twist that makes it especially fitting for the holiday season.

Garnished with a fresh orange peel and an old-fashioned cocktail cherry, this drink looks like it was ordered from a fancy bar. But as long as you have a basic cocktail shaker, you can throw it together in the comfort of your own kitchen! Once you take your first sip of this refreshing delight, you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for bourbon and maple syrup.

Why is it Called an Old Fashioned?

This world-famous whiskey drink was not always called an old fashioned. Back in the late 1800s when it was invented in a Louisville nightclub, it was known as a Whiskey cocktail. In today’s day and age, there are tons of different kinds of whiskey cocktails, so this particular drink is referred to as an old fashioned to pay tribute to its historic status.

Recipe Ingredients

This drink is known for its tried and true combination of basic cocktail ingredients. You’ll need the following items for this maple bourbon version.

• Maple Syrup: Be sure to choose pure maple syrup – not artificial syrup.
• Bourbon: Use your favorite variety.
• Angostura Orange Bitters: To compliment the bourbon and add a touch of citrus flavor.
• Garnishes: I like to garnish my old fashioned with a fresh orange peel and a cocktail cherry.

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How to Make a Maple Old Fashioned

Channel your inner bartender and grab that cocktail shaker! This mixed drink couldn’t be easier to make.

Prep Glass: Add a large ice cube, the orange peel and the cocktail cherry to a tumbler glass. Set it aside.

Combine Ingredients: Add the maple syrup, bourbon and Angostura orange bitters to a cocktail shaker. Add a few ice cubes and stir quickly 23 times with a spoon.

Pour into Glass: Strain the cocktail and pour it into your prepared tumbler.

Serve: Enjoy!

Tips for Success

Not too familiar with making your own cocktails? Check out these helpful tips and tricks before you get started.

• Use a Veggie Peeler for the Orange Garnish: Using a vegetable peeler is the easiest way to get a good orange peel for your garnish. If you don’t have one, use a sharp kitchen knife to carefully slice off a strip of peel.
• Stir Quickly: While 23 stirs may seem like a bit much, it takes some thorough mixing to get everything well combined. The faster you stir the ingredients together, the easier it will be.
• Don’t Forget to Strain: You’ll want to strain this maple bourbon cocktail as you pour it into the tumbler. This prevents the extra ice from getting into your glass.
• Double or Triple the Recipe if Needed: This recipe makes enough for a single cocktail. If you’re drinking with friends, multiply the recipe as needed. Just make sure you don’t overfill the cocktail shaker.
• Old Fashioned Cherries: Hands down my favorite part of this cocktail is the cherries. I use these Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries. They are A-mazing!

Variation Ideas

This is my personal favorite way to make an old fashioned, but there are plenty of different versions you can try. Here are a few ideas!

• Use Rye Instead of Bourbon: Rye is another popular whiskey option when it comes to old fashioned cocktails. Keep in mind that it has quite a spicy finish compared to bourbon.
• Sub Out the Maple: If you’re not a big fan of maple syrup, you can substitute it with the simple syrup of your choice. I recommend using your favorite berry flavor.
• Try Using Peychaud’s Bitters: If you prefer bitters on the lighter, sweeter side, go for Peychaud’s instead of Angostura. It has a cherry-orange flavor that goes great with the garnishes!
• Amp up the Maple Flavor: If you’re going for an intense maple flavor I recommend using a Maple Flavored Bourbon – Knob Creek has a great one.

Can I Make This in Advance?

Since there’s no carbonation in this maple bourbon mixed drink, you can definitely make it a few hours or even a day ahead of time. Instead of pouring it into a glass with an ice cube and the garnishes, strain it into a resealable jar and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

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More Easy Mixed Drinks to Try

The cocktails below are great for late-night relaxation or holiday celebrations. Try them out next!

• Cranberry Mimosas
• Harvest Apple Bourbon Cocktail
• Classic Mojitos
• Citrus White Wine Sangria

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