The Ultimate Maple Old Fashioned Recipe: A Sweet & Smooth Bourbon Cocktail
Some traditions are timeless, but even the classics can benefit from a fresh perspective. Prepare to elevate your cocktail game with this sensationally smooth Maple Old Fashioned recipe! It’s a delightful reinvention of a beloved classic, offering a unique sweetness that will captivate your palate and impress your guests.
The combination of rich bourbon and the natural sweetness of maple syrup is, quite simply, a match made in heaven. This Maple Old Fashioned isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. Its simplicity belies a depth of flavor that is both comforting and sophisticated. What makes this particular recipe my absolute favorite? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, ready in mere moments, yet the unforgettable vanilla and caramel notes, subtly infused by the maple, linger delightfully long after the last sip.
This sweet twist on a classic cocktail is truly a party pleaser, guaranteed to spark conversation and bring smiles. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated soirée, enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, or simply unwinding after a long day, this Maple Old Fashioned is the perfect companion. So, gather your ingredients, grab your favorite glasses, and prepare for a truly sensational and smooth Old Fashioned that promises to be a memorable addition to your cocktail repertoire.
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Cocktail Video Guide
Prefer to watch how it’s done? Our step-by-step video guide makes crafting the perfect Maple Old Fashioned even easier. Follow along as we demonstrate each stage of this simple yet elegant recipe, ensuring your cocktail is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Essential Ingredients for Your Maple Old Fashioned
Crafting an exceptional Maple Old Fashioned starts with understanding and selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors that make this cocktail so special. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Large Ice Cube: The secret to a slow-sipping, perfectly diluted cocktail lies in the ice. A single, extra-large ice cube – be it a sphere or a large square – melts much slower than smaller cubes. This means your drink stays perfectly chilled and flavorful without becoming watery too quickly. It’s an essential trick for preserving the rich bourbon and maple notes from start to finish.
- Angostura Bitters: These aromatic bitters are a non-negotiable component of any Old Fashioned. Originating from Trinidad and Tobago, Angostura bitters provide a complex layer of spicy, herbal, and floral notes, with hints of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Just a few dashes introduce a depth that perfectly balances the sweetness of the maple syrup and the robustness of the bourbon, adding an intriguing counterpoint to the overall flavor profile.
- Maple Syrup: This isn’t just a sweetener; it’s the star of our Maple Old Fashioned. Unlike simple syrup, maple syrup brings its own distinct woody, earthy, and caramel undertones, enriching the bourbon beautifully. For the best flavor, opt for a high-quality, pure maple syrup. Look for Grade A Dark Color, Robust Taste (formerly Grade B), which offers a more pronounced maple flavor that truly shines in cocktails. Always check the ingredients list to ensure it’s 100% pure maple syrup, with no added corn syrup or artificial flavors.
- Bourbon: The backbone of this classic cocktail. The choice of bourbon significantly impacts the final taste. Seek out a single-barrel, straight, or craft bourbon that boasts notes of wood, vanilla, and caramel. These natural characteristics in the bourbon will harmoniously blend with the maple syrup, amplifying the cocktail’s inherent sweetness and providing a smooth, warming finish. Brands known for their rich, nuanced profiles work exceptionally well, contributing to a truly luxurious drinking experience.
For precise measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card provided below.
Step-by-Step Maple Old Fashioned
Follow these visual steps to perfectly craft your Maple Old Fashioned, ensuring each ingredient is added with precision for the ultimate flavor.
Detailed Instructions
Mastering the Old Fashioned is all about precision and technique. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your Maple Old Fashioned is perfectly balanced and exquisitely smooth.
- Step One: Prepare Your Glass. Begin by taking a well-chilled stirring glass from your freezer or by chilling it with ice and then discarding the water. A cold glass ensures optimal chilling of your cocktail without excessive dilution.
- Step Two: Add Bitters. Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters directly into the chilled stirring glass. The bitters will cling to the cold glass, ensuring their aromatic oils are evenly distributed during stirring.
- Step Three: Introduce Sweetness and Spirit. Next, pour in your chosen maple syrup, followed by the bourbon. The order ensures the heavier syrup mixes well with the bourbon.
- Step Four: Chill and Dilute. Fill the stirring glass completely with fresh ice cubes. Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture gently for about 30-45 seconds. This process is crucial for both chilling the cocktail and achieving the ideal level of dilution, which softens the alcohol and marries the flavors. The goal is to chill without over-diluting.
- Step Five: Strain and Serve. Take a chilled rocks glass and place one large ice cube (or several fresh cubes) into it. Using a Julep or Hawthorne strainer, pour the contents of the stirring glass into the rocks glass. The strainer will prevent any small ice shards from entering your perfectly clear cocktail.
- Step Six: Garnish and Enjoy. The final touch! Take a fresh orange, and using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, carefully cut a strip of orange zest. Express the oils from the zest over the drink by twisting it, then drop it into the glass or drape it over the ice. This aromatic garnish enhances the cocktail’s fragrance and visual appeal. Now, sit back and savor your exquisite Maple Old Fashioned!
Creative Variations for Your Maple Old Fashioned
While the classic Maple Old Fashioned is sublime, don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own. Here are a few exciting variations to inspire your mixology:
- Sweet Citrus Twist: For a brighter, more zesty flavor profile, swap the traditional Angostura bitters for orange bitters. This simple change introduces a vibrant citrus pop that beautifully complements the maple and bourbon. You could also experiment with grapefruit bitters for a more complex, slightly bitter edge.
- Maple Flavor Infusion: Take your maple game to the next level by using a flavor-infused maple syrup. Think cinnamon vanilla maple syrup for added warmth, or a spicy maple syrup with a hint of chili for an unexpected kick. You can even infuse your own by gently warming maple syrup with spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, or a vanilla bean.
- Smoked Maple Elegance: For a sophisticated campfire aroma, try smoking your cocktail. Use a cocktail smoker or a smoking gun to infuse the finished drink with applewood or cherry wood smoke. This adds a dramatic presentation and a deep, smoky complexity that pairs wonderfully with the maple and bourbon.
- Rye Whiskey Alternate: While bourbon is traditional, a good rye whiskey can offer a spicier, drier take on this cocktail. The peppery notes of rye will cut through the sweetness of the maple syrup, creating a bolder, more robust drink.
Essential Equipment for Crafting Old Fashioneds
Having the right tools makes all the difference in crafting a professional-quality cocktail at home. Here’s the essential equipment you’ll need for your Maple Old Fashioned:
- Measuring Tools/Jigger: Precision is key in cocktails. A quality jigger ensures you measure your spirits and sweeteners accurately, leading to a perfectly balanced drink every time.
- Stirring Glass: This isn’t just any glass; it’s specifically designed for stirring classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned. Its wide mouth and thick base allow for efficient chilling and dilution, and its elegant appearance makes the mixing process a joy to watch. Shaking is generally avoided for Old Fashioneds to prevent over-aeration and a cloudy appearance.
- Bar Spoon: With its long, twisted handle, a bar spoon is indispensable for reaching the bottom of a stirring glass and facilitating a smooth, consistent stir. The weight and balance of a good bar spoon make the stirring motion effortless, ensuring proper chilling and dilution without chipping ice.
- Old Fashioned/Rocks Glass: This short, wide glass is iconic for a reason. Its design is perfect for serving spirits neat or on a large cube of ice, allowing the aromas to gather and the drinker to comfortably swirl the drink. It fits perfectly in your hand, making every sip a stylish affair.
- Julep/Hawthorne Strainer: After chilling and diluting, a strainer is essential to pour your perfectly mixed cocktail into the serving glass, leaving behind any unwanted ice shards from the stirring process. This ensures a clean, smooth drink.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Maple Old Fashioned
Achieving Old Fashioned perfection comes down to a few key techniques. Keep these tips in mind for an unparalleled drinking experience:
Master the Stirring Technique: Proper stirring is paramount to avoid over-diluting your cocktail. Insert your bar spoon into the side of the stirring glass, ensuring it touches the bottom. Gently guide the spoon along the inside of the glass, allowing the ice cubes to rotate slowly. This technique chills the drink effectively while controlling dilution, preserving the integrity of the bourbon and maple flavors. Aim for 30-45 seconds of continuous stirring.
Choose the Right Maple Syrup: While any pure maple syrup will work, selecting a dark maple syrup (Grade A Dark Color, Robust Taste) will significantly intensify the delectable woody sweetness and rich caramel notes of this recipe. Its robust flavor stands up beautifully to the bourbon. Avoid imitation syrups, as they lack the natural complexity and depth.
Chill Your Glassware: Always pre-chill your stirring glass and serving glass. A cold glass helps maintain the drink’s temperature longer, preventing rapid ice melt and ensuring your cocktail stays crisp and refreshing from the first sip to the last.
Quality Ice Matters: Invest in good quality ice, especially for your large serving cube. Clear, dense ice melts slower and impacts the flavor less than cloudy, fast-melting ice from standard trays. Consider using an ice mold for perfect spheres or large cubes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Unfortunately, traditional maple syrup is high in natural sugars and therefore not suitable for a strict keto diet. However, you can absolutely make a delicious low-carb version of this sweet drink by substituting regular maple syrup with a high-quality, sugar-free maple syrup alternative. Ensure the bourbon you choose also has no added sugars.
Yes, you absolutely can! While an Old Fashioned is typically stirred individually, you can prepare a larger batch of the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters mixture in advance. Store this pre-batched mixture in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator. When it’s time to serve, simply pour the desired amount into a stirring glass filled with ice, stir to chill and dilute, and then strain into your serving glass with fresh ice. This way, you can easily make a couple of drinks at a time, ensuring no one waits too long for their perfectly crafted cocktail!
Absolutely! While Bourbon lends a classic sweet and vanilla note that pairs wonderfully with maple, you can certainly experiment with other whiskeys. Rye whiskey will give your Old Fashioned a spicier, drier kick, while a Scotch (especially a blended or Speyside) might introduce smoky or fruity undertones. Even an Irish whiskey could offer a lighter, smoother profile. Feel free to try different spirits to find your preferred flavor combination with the maple syrup.
Other Delicious Cocktail Recipes for You to Try
If you’ve enjoyed the unique flavor profile of our Maple Old Fashioned, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic cocktail recipes from our collection. Expand your mixology skills and discover new favorites for every occasion:
- Classic Bourbon Old Fashioned: Go back to the roots with the timeless original.
- Winter Aperol Spritz: A seasonal twist on a refreshing classic, perfect for colder months.
- Perfect Gin & Tonic: Learn the secrets to this crisp, invigorating favorite.
- New Year’s Lemon Punch: A vibrant, festive punch ideal for celebrations.
- Choosing the Perfect Tall Glassware: A guide to selecting the right glasses for your drinks.
- Refreshing White Wine Spritzer: A light and bubbly option for a warm day.
- Cucumber Gin & Tonic: A cool and crisp variation on the classic G&T.
If you make this irresistible Maple Old Fashioned recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please let me know how you liked it by giving it a ★★★★★ star rating and leaving a comment below. Your feedback is truly awesome and helps others discover great recipes too! You can also sign up for our Newsletter to receive delicious homemade recipes weekly, or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and use the hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don’t miss your stunning cocktail!
Maple Old Fashioned Recipe Card
Maple Old Fashioned
By Nora
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5 minutes
5 minutes
Alcoholic beverage, Cocktails, Drinks
American
1 Serving
189 kcal
Equipment
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Measuring tools / Jigger
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Stirring glass
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Barspoon
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Old fashioned or rocks glass
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Julep (or Hawthorn) strainer
Ingredients
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- ½ oz Maple syrup
- 2 oz Bourbon
- Cubed ice for the stirring glass
- 1 Large ice cube or cubed ice for the serving glass
- Orange zest for garnish
Instructions
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Take a well-chilled stirring glass out of the freezer. This ensures your cocktail stays cold and prevents rapid dilution.
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Add 3 dashes Angostura bitters to the bottom of the chilled stirring glass.3 dashes Angostura bitters
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Then, add ½ oz Maple syrup, followed by 2 oz Bourbon.½ oz Maple syrup, 2 oz Bourbon
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Fill the stirring glass generously with Cubed ice and stir well with a bar spoon for about 30-45 seconds until thoroughly chilled and slightly diluted.Cubed ice
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Take a rocks glass (ideally chilled), add 1 Large ice cube or cubed ice for slow dilution, and pour the drink through a Julep (or Hawthorn) strainer into the glass, leaving behind any ice shards.1 Large ice cube or cubed ice
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Finally, cut off a strip of orange zest (a small disc from the edge of the orange works well). Gently twist the zest over the drink to express its aromatic oils, then place it in the glass as a beautiful garnish. Enjoy your perfectly balanced Maple Old Fashioned!Orange zest
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Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
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Food Safety Guidelines
While making cocktails is enjoyable, always prioritize food and drink safety. Please keep these general guidelines in mind:
- Temperature Control: If preparing any homemade syrups or infusions, ensure ingredients are cooked to a minimum safe temperature, if applicable. Keep perishable ingredients refrigerated.
- Prevent Cross-Contamination: Always use clean utensils and glassware for cocktail preparation. Avoid using tools that have previously touched raw foods without thorough cleaning.
- Hand Washing: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling any ingredients.
- Storage: Don’t leave ingredients or prepared cocktails sitting out at room temperature for extended periods, especially those with fresh juices or perishable components.
- Supervision: Never leave cooking or beverage preparation unattended, especially when using heat sources.
- Ingredient Quality: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. For bitters, syrups, and spirits, check expiration dates and proper storage instructions.
- Ventilation: Always ensure good ventilation when using a gas stove or any open flame, especially when working with alcohol.
For further comprehensive information on safe food handling practices, please consult trusted resources such as Safe Food Handling – FDA.