Name: Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon (Woodford Reserve or Buffalo Trace); 3/4 oz pure maple syrup (Grade A dark amber); 2 dashes Angostura bitters; 1 dash orange bitters (optional); 1 orange peel; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 large ice cube

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There is just something magical about sipping a maple bourbon old fashioned cocktail on a crisp winter evening. It is cozy, rich, and just festive enough to make a quiet night feel like a celebration. With warm maple, a whisper of spice, and a citrusy pop from an expressed orange peel, this drink wraps you up like your favorite sweater, bourbon-style.

I first whipped this up during a snowed-in weekend when I wanted something classic but with a warm, seasonal twist. The maple syrup was a genuine game-changer, adding deep, rounded sweetness in place of a plain sugar cube, and now this is my go-to for winter happy hours and slow nights in. Come on in, friend, pour yourself a glass, and let us capture winter in a tumbler.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The maple sweetness is what sets this apart. It adds rich, deep flavor without tipping the drink into cloying territory, and it pairs naturally with the caramel notes in a good bourbon. You still get that beautiful, smoky warmth that bourbon lovers crave, just dressed up for the season.

It is also easy but elegant, the best kind of cocktail. This drink is impressive enough to set in front of guests, yet so simple you can make one in your slippers without a shaker or any special equipment. A few quality ingredients and a good stir are all it takes.

Best of all, it is endlessly customizable. Add a rosemary sprig, a cinnamon stick, a star anise, or a sugared rim, and go as simple or as festive as your mood and your guests call for. It is a cocktail that meets the moment, whether that is a solo nightcap or a holiday party.

Ingredients

The foundation is 2 ounces of bourbon, so reach for a caramel-rich bottle like Woodford Reserve or Buffalo Trace, or simply your own favorite. The sweetener is 3/4 ounce of pure maple syrup, and Grade A dark amber is preferred for the deepest, most robust maple flavor. This is one place where real maple syrup truly matters, so skip any pancake syrup substitutes.

For balance and aroma, you will need 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and, optionally, 1 dash of orange bitters, which brightens the whole drink beautifully. A single orange peel does double duty, expressing its fragrant oils over the top and serving as garnish, while 1 cinnamon stick adds a warm, wintery note.

Finally, use 1 large ice cube or sphere, which melts slowly and keeps the drink cold without watering it down too fast. If you want to dress it up, keep some maple sugar or demerara sugar on hand for an optional sweet rim, and a star anise or rosemary sprig for an extra festive flourish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

If you are going for a sugared rim, start there. Brush the rim of your rocks glass lightly with maple syrup and dip it into maple sugar or demerara sugar, then set the glass aside to let the rim set while you build the drink. This step is entirely optional but makes for a festive, party-ready presentation.

In a mixing glass, or straight in your serving glass if you prefer, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters. Add the orange peel and gently press it against the side of the glass to release its oils. Do not muddle it aggressively; you just want to coax out that citrusy zing without any bitterness from the pith.

Add one large ice cube and stir gently for twenty to thirty seconds, until the mixture is well chilled and the maple is fully integrated. This unhurried stir also dilutes the drink just enough to round off the edges and deliver a perfectly smooth sip. If you mixed in a separate vessel, strain the cocktail into your prepared glass over fresh ice.

To finish, twist a fresh orange peel over the top to express one last burst of oils, wipe it around the rim if you like, and drop it into the drink. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and, if you have them on hand, a star anise or a small rosemary sprig for fragrance and a beautiful, wintery look.

Tips for the Best Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

Use real maple syrup, with no pancake syrup substitutes, because Grade A dark amber gives the richest, most authentic flavor. The quality of your two main ingredients, the bourbon and the maple, defines the entire drink, so choose bottles you genuinely enjoy sipping on their own.

Technique makes the difference between good and great. Stir gently but long enough to dilute slightly, since about twenty seconds yields a perfectly smooth sip, and never skip expressing the citrus oil, which elevates the whole drink. For a crowd, make a batch ahead by combining 8 ounces bourbon, 3 ounces maple syrup, bitters, and citrus peel, then pour over individual ice cubes at party time.

This cocktail is a natural at the dinner table, too. Pour it before a plate of sweet and savory maple roasted butternut squash to echo the maple theme, or serve it alongside rich braised short ribs with red wine and thyme for a truly cozy winter meal.

Kitchen Gear for This Recipe

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this old fashioned ahead of time?
Absolutely. Mix everything except the ice and garnishes in a sealable jar in advance. When you are ready, just pour it over fresh ice and garnish for cocktail magic in seconds.

What is the best bourbon to use?
I like Woodford Reserve or Buffalo Trace because they balance the maple really well, but if you love a spicier finish, reach for a rye-based bourbon or even Bulleit for more backbone.

Is the maple rim necessary?
Not at all. The sugared rim is purely a fun, festive touch, especially when you are hosting or decking things out for the holidays. The drink is delicious without it.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes. Swap the bourbon for a good non-alcoholic spirit such as Ritual or Seedlip, then adjust the maple syrup and bitters to taste for a warm, spirit-free old fashioned.

Why maple syrup instead of a sugar cube?
Maple syrup dissolves instantly and brings a deeper, more complex sweetness than plain sugar, giving the drink its cozy, wintery character. Grade A dark amber offers the richest flavor of all.

If you try this maple bourbon old fashioned, let me know what you think. For more healthy eating ideas to pair with your evening, visit our sister site, and snap a photo to tag @thekitchensaid on Instagram. Cheers to cozy cocktails!

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