The Bourbon Maple Old Fashioned is a cozy and sophisticated twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. Traditionally made with sugar and bitters, this version replaces the sugar cube with pure maple syrup, infusing each sip with deep caramelized sweetness and a whisper of autumn warmth. It’s smooth, aromatic, and elegant — a drink that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.

Whether you’re sipping by the fire, entertaining guests, or winding down after dinner, this cocktail brings a luxurious balance of bourbon’s oaky notes, maple’s velvety sweetness, and zesty citrus aroma from a hint of orange peel.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. You don’t need a bar full of ingredients — just good bourbon, real maple syrup, and a dash of bitters — yet the flavor feels complex and indulgent. The maple syrup adds natural depth without being overly sweet, and it pairs beautifully with the vanilla and caramel notes of bourbon.

It’s also seasonally versatile: warm and comforting in fall or winter, yet refreshing when served over ice in summer. Most of all, it feels like a small ritual — stirring, garnishing, and enjoying a cocktail that celebrates craftsmanship and flavor.

Why It’s a Must-Try

This Bourbon Maple Old Fashioned is a must-try because:

It’s a refined twist on a timeless classic.
The maple syrup adds smooth richness and eliminates the need for granulated sugar.
It’s effortless to make, requiring no shaker or fancy tools.
It pairs beautifully with cozy comfort foods or even a quiet night in.
It’s a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, as its mellow sweetness appeals to both new and seasoned bourbon lovers.

Preparation Time & Servings

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Calories: Approximately 180–200 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: American
Course: Beverage / Cocktail

Ingredients

2 oz (60 ml) bourbon whiskey (choose a smooth, high-quality one like Woodford Reserve or Maker’s Mark)
1/2 oz (15 ml) pure maple syrup (use Grade A or Grade B, not pancake syrup)
2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel (for garnish)
Ice cubes or one large ice cube

Simple Cooking Directions

Add the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters into a mixing glass or directly into a rocks glass.
Add ice and stir gently until well chilled.
Express the oils from an orange peel over the glass and drop it in as garnish.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Glass
Place a large ice cube into a rocks or Old Fashioned glass. A large cube melts slower, keeping the drink cool without diluting it quickly.

Step 2: Mix the Base
Pour 2 oz of bourbon and ½ oz of maple syrup directly over the ice.

Step 3: Add Bitters
Add 2–3 dashes of Angostura bitters. This balances the sweetness of the maple syrup and enhances the bourbon’s spiced notes.

Step 4: Stir Gently
Use a bar spoon to stir for about 20–30 seconds. This chills the drink evenly and marries the flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Twist an orange peel over the glass to release its essential oils, then run it along the rim before dropping it in. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve the Bourbon Maple Old Fashioned in a lowball or rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Garnish with:

An orange peel twist or orange slice
Optional: A Luxardo cherry for an extra touch of luxury

Pair with roasted nuts, dark chocolate, or savory appetizers for a sophisticated evening experience.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use high-quality bourbon — smoother bourbons make a noticeable difference.
Avoid artificial maple syrup — only pure maple syrup gives the right depth and warmth.
If you like a slightly smoky flavor, try toasted oak bitters or a smoked ice cube.
Don’t over-stir — 20–30 seconds is perfect to chill without over-dilution.
For a lighter touch, add a splash of club soda.

Variations

Smoky Maple Old Fashioned:
Use a peated bourbon or add a drop of liquid smoke for a campfire aroma.
Spiced Maple Old Fashioned:
Add a pinch of cinnamon or use cinnamon bitters for holiday vibes.
Maple Rye Old Fashioned:
Swap bourbon for rye whiskey — it’s spicier and less sweet.
Vanilla Maple Old Fashioned:
Add a drop of pure vanilla extract or use vanilla bitters for a dessert-like note.
Maple Walnut Old Fashioned:
Use walnut bitters for a nutty, complex flavor that complements the maple syrup beautifully.

Freezing & Storage

Storage:
You can pre-mix the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters and store them in a sealed bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Not recommended to freeze due to alcohol content.
Make-Ahead Tip:
Mix a larger batch (without ice or garnish) in advance, refrigerate, and pour over ice when ready to serve.

Special Equipment Needed

Rocks glass (Old Fashioned glass)
Bar spoon
Jigger or measuring cup
Peeler or zester (for orange peel garnish)

Optional:

Mixing glass
Large ice cube mold

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use regular sugar instead of maple syrup?
Yes, but it will lose the unique maple flavor. If you must, dissolve 1 teaspoon of sugar in a splash of warm water first.

Q2: What bourbon works best for this cocktail?
A smooth, medium-bodied bourbon like Maker’s Mark, Bulleit, or Four Roses works beautifully.

Q3: Can I make it less sweet?
Absolutely — reduce the maple syrup to ¼ oz and adjust to taste.

Q4: Is this drink served warm or cold?
Traditionally served cold over ice, but you can make a warm version by gently heating the bourbon and maple syrup before adding bitters.

Q5: Can I batch this for a party?
Yes! Mix bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters in a pitcher (ratio: 8 parts bourbon, 2 parts maple syrup, 1 part bitters), refrigerate, and pour over ice when serving.

Conclusion

The Bourbon Maple Old Fashioned is a drink that effortlessly bridges timeless elegance and seasonal comfort. Its smooth bourbon base, accented with pure maple sweetness and aromatic citrus, makes it both nostalgic and modern. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or a beginner, this recipe proves that simplicity and quality ingredients create unforgettable flavor.