Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour with Lemon Juice

Introduction

The Whiskey Sour is a timeless cocktail, beloved for its balance of strong, sweet, and sour notes. By adding maple syrup and a hint of cinnamon, we give this classic drink a cozy, autumn-inspired twist. The maple syrup adds a smooth, earthy sweetness, while the cinnamon introduces a warming spice that pairs beautifully with the depth of whiskey and the brightness of fresh lemon juice.

This cocktail feels both rustic and sophisticated. It’s perfect for fall evenings, holiday gatherings, or even as a year-round treat when you crave something with character. Unlike overly sweet cocktails, this one has layers of flavor—bold whiskey, tangy lemon, rich maple, and fragrant cinnamon—that make each sip memorable.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple yet complex. It takes the classic whiskey sour and elevates it with just two seasonal touches—cinnamon and maple—that completely transform the experience. The drink has a cozy, warming quality, making it a wonderful companion for cool nights, but it’s also refreshing enough to enjoy year-round. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare with ingredients you probably already have at home.

Why It’s a Must-Try

• It’s a cozy twist on a cocktail classic, perfect for fall and winter.
• Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that blends seamlessly with whiskey.
• Cinnamon adds warmth and depth, turning an ordinary drink into something special.
• Easy to scale up for parties or keep simple for a solo evening treat.
• Gorgeous presentation with a cinnamon stick or lemon garnish.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories per serving: ~210 kcal (depending on whiskey type and maple syrup amount)
• Course: Beverage / Cocktail
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon works best)
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
• ½ oz pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick for garnish
• Ice cubes

Garnish:

• Lemon wedge or wheel
• Cinnamon stick (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
3. Shake vigorously until well chilled (about 15 seconds).
4. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and/or lemon wedge.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare shaker: Fill with ice to keep the drink crisp.
2. Add ingredients: Pour in whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
3. Shake: Secure the lid and shake until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
4. Strain: Use a cocktail strainer to pour into a glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish: Add a lemon slice and cinnamon stick for aroma and presentation.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy while chilled.

How to Serve

• Serve in a rocks glass over ice.
• Garnish with a cinnamon stick for aroma and style.
• For extra flair, rim the glass with a mix of cinnamon and sugar before pouring.
• Best enjoyed as an aperitif, after-dinner cocktail, or cozy nightcap.

Recipe Tips

• Always use fresh lemon juice—it makes a huge difference.
• Adjust maple syrup to taste: more for sweeter, less for tangier.
• Use good quality bourbon or rye for the best flavor base.
• For a smoother drink, double-strain (using both cocktail and fine mesh strainers).
• If using ground cinnamon, shake extra well to blend, or stick to cinnamon garnish for subtle flavor.

Variations

1. Egg White Whiskey Sour (Boston Sour): Add one egg white before shaking for a frothy top and creamy texture.
2. Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Sour: Replace half the lemon juice with apple cider and garnish with apple slices.
3. Spiced Maple Whiskey Sour: Add a dash of nutmeg or cloves along with cinnamon.
4. Smoky Version: Use smoked whiskey or add a dash of mezcal for smoky depth.
5. Sparkling Whiskey Sour: Top with club soda or ginger ale for a lighter, bubbly version.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: You can pre-mix the whiskey, maple syrup, and lemon juice (without ice) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice just before serving.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as citrus flavors degrade and separation occurs.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Pre-batch for parties by scaling up ingredients and storing in a pitcher in the fridge; shake or stir with ice before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with lid)
• Cocktail strainer
• Rocks glass
• Jigger (for measuring)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, but honey has a stronger flavor. Warm slightly before mixing so it blends smoothly.

Q2: What whiskey works best?
Bourbon is ideal for its caramel notes, but rye whiskey also works for a spicier profile.

Q3: Can I make this drink without a shaker?
Yes—just stir vigorously in a jar or glass, but shaking helps emulsify flavors better.

Q4: Is it very sweet?
Not overly. The lemon juice balances the maple syrup, keeping it tangy and smooth.

Q5: Can I make it alcohol-free?
Yes—substitute whiskey with brewed black tea or apple cider for a mocktail version.

Conclusion

The Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour with Lemon Juice is a cocktail that balances warmth, sweetness, and tang in perfect harmony. It’s a cozy seasonal twist on a beloved classic, offering comfort while remaining crisp and refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner, celebrating the holidays, or just unwinding after a long day, this drink is a must-try for whiskey lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Simple to make, beautiful to serve, and delicious to sip—it’s the kind of drink you’ll keep coming back to.