Maple Syrup Old Fashioned

If you ask me, a maple old fashioned is pure comfort in a glass.

This twist on the classic cocktail swaps out simple syrup for rich maple syrup, creating a drink that’s smooth and warming. The maple adds a cozy sweetness that pairs perfectly with good bourbon and a hint of orange.

It’s stirred with ice and strained over a large cube, then finished with a few dashes of bitters. A twist of orange peel and maybe a cherry help round out the flavors.

It’s the kind of cocktail that feels fancy but comes together in just a few minutes, perfect for a quiet evening at home.

What Kind of Bourbon Should I Use?

For a maple old fashioned, you’ll want to choose a bourbon or rye whiskey that can hold its own against the sweetness of the maple syrup. A mid-range bourbon with some spice and character works perfectly – you don’t need to break the bank with a top-shelf bottle since you’re mixing it, but avoid anything too harsh or cheap. Rye whiskey is also a great choice here because its peppery notes pair beautifully with maple’s rich sweetness. Look for something in the 80-100 proof range, as the higher alcohol content will help balance out the added sweetness and ensure your cocktail doesn’t taste watered down.

Options for Substitutions

This classic cocktail is pretty forgiving when it comes to swapping ingredients:

• Bourbon or rye: While bourbon and rye are traditional, you can use Canadian whisky or even Irish whiskey if that’s what you have on hand. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile but still make a great drink.
• Maple syrup: No maple syrup? Try honey, agave nectar, or simple syrup instead. Start with a little less since some sweeteners are stronger than others, and adjust to taste.
• Angostura bitters: Orange bitters or walnut bitters work well here too. If you’re out of bitters entirely, you can skip them, though they do add nice complexity to the drink.
• Orange peel: Lemon peel makes a fine substitute and gives a brighter citrus note. In a pinch, you can use a small splash of orange juice, but fresh peel really is best for that aromatic oil.
• Luxardo cherry: Regular maraschino cherries work fine, or you can skip the cherry altogether. Some people prefer a twist of orange peel as the only garnish.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making a maple old fashioned is using cheap, artificial maple syrup instead of pure maple syrup – the fake stuff will make your cocktail taste overly sweet and artificial rather than rich and complex.

Another common error is over-muddling or skipping the proper stirring technique; you want to gently stir the maple syrup with the bitters first to combine them before adding the bourbon, then stir with ice for about 30 seconds to achieve the right dilution and temperature.

Don’t forget to express the oils from your orange peel by giving it a good twist over the glass before dropping it in, and avoid using too much maple syrup – start with just 1/2 teaspoon and taste before adding more, since you can always add sweetness but you can’t take it away.

Finally, use a large ice cube or sphere if possible, as smaller ice melts faster and will water down your perfectly balanced cocktail.

What to Serve With Maple Old Fashioned?

A maple old fashioned pairs beautifully with rich, savory appetizers that complement the cocktail’s warm, sweet notes. Try serving it alongside a charcuterie board with aged cheeses, cured meats, and some mixed nuts – the salty flavors really balance out the maple sweetness. If you’re hosting a dinner party, this cocktail works great as a pre-dinner drink with bacon-wrapped scallops or maple glazed pork belly bites. For a cozy night in, pair it with some dark chocolate or even a slice of pecan pie to really lean into those autumn flavors.

Storage Instructions

Make Ahead: You can prep the maple syrup and bitters mixture ahead of time and store it in a small jar in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready for a cocktail, just add the bourbon and stir with ice. This is great for entertaining when you want to make drinks quickly for guests.

Best Served: Old fashioneds are definitely best enjoyed fresh and cold right after mixing. The ice dilutes the drink just the right amount as you sip, so don’t let it sit around too long or it’ll get watery. Mix it up and enjoy it within 10-15 minutes for the perfect balance.

Ingredient Care: Keep your maple syrup in the fridge after opening to maintain its flavor, and store the Luxardo cherries in their jar in a cool, dark place. The orange peel should be fresh each time you make the drink – just give it a good twist over the glass to release those oils before dropping it in.

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	5-10 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 140-160
• Protein: 0-0 g
• Fat: 0-0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4-6 g

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 dashes angostura bitters
• 1/2 tsp pure maple syrup (grade A amber, for balanced sweetness)
• ice cubes (large cubes preferred for slower dilution)
• 1 maraschino cherry
• 2 fl oz bourbon or rye whiskey (I prefer Bulleit Rye)
• 1 strip orange zest

Step 1: Prepare the Orange Peel and Glass

• 1 strip orange zest

Using a vegetable peeler or knife, carefully cut a 2- to 3-inch-long strip of orange zest.

Run the pulp-side of the zest around the rim of your cocktail glass to impart a subtle citrus aroma.

Set the orange peel aside for later use.

Step 2: Mix the Drink

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 3 to 4 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1/2 tsp pure maple syrup
• ice cubes

Pour the bourbon or rye whiskey, Angostura bitters, and pure maple syrup into the prepared glass.

Briefly stir the ingredients together to combine evenly.

Next, add a handful of ice cubes and give the drink another quick stir to further mix and chill it.

I like to use large ice cubes—they melt slower and keep the cocktail cold without diluting it too quickly.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

• 1 strip orange zest (from Step 1)
• optional: 1 Luxardo maraschino cherry

Twist the reserved orange peel above the glass to release its aromatic oils, then tuck the peel into the drink.

If you like, add a Luxardo maraschino cherry for an extra classic touch.

Serve the cocktail immediately and enjoy!