This Maple Old Fashioned Recipe Will Change How You Order Cocktails

There’s something about a Maple Old Fashioned that just feels like fall in a glass.

The first time I tried a maple twist on the classic old fashioned was at a little lodge-style bar tucked away in the North Georgia mountains. It was late October, the air was crisp, and we had just finished a long hike full of color-drenched leaves and muddy boots.

I wanted something warming but not heavy, and the bartender offered me their take on an old fashioned with dark maple syrup instead of sugar.

Wow!

The bourbon and bitters still gave it that strong backbone, but the maple brought in this rich, earthy warmth that made me want to wrap myself in a blanket and stay a while.

When I got home, I started experimenting with my own version and found that keeping it simple let the maple shine. It’s now my go-to cocktail from October through the holidays.

Why This Recipe Works

The old fashioned is a favorite for a reason. It’s one of the oldest and most straightforward cocktails, built on a base of good whiskey, a bit of sweetness, and a few dashes of bitters. That simplicity gives you room to make small changes that create a big flavor shift.

Swapping in maple syrup for the usual sugar cube or simple syrup gives this drink a richer, cozier flavor. Maple has its own complexity that pairs beautifully with bourbon or rye. Plus, it blends right in. No need to muddle or dissolve anything.

It’s a comforting, seasonal version of a classic that’s still elegant enough for guests or a quiet nightcap.

Ingredients For Maple Old Fashioned

Here’s what you’ll need to make a Maple Old Fashioned at home:

• 2 oz bourbon (or rye whiskey, if you prefer a spicier kick)
• 1/2 oz real maple syrup (Grade A dark for bold flavor)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel, for garnish

Optional additions:

• Dash of cinnamon or smoked salt for added depth
• Cinnamon stick or Luxardo cherry for garnish

Ingredient Notes:

• Use a quality bourbon with caramel or vanilla undertones. I like Bulleit or Woodford Reserve.
• Make sure the maple syrup is real, not pancake syrup. Grade A Dark (formerly Grade B) gives the best flavor.
• Bitters matter. Angostura is classic, but orange bitters can be a fun change if you want more citrus.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Maple Old Fashioned

1. Add ingredients to a mixing glass. Pour 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz maple syrup, and 2 dashes of bitters into a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir until well chilled. Stir the mixture gently for about 20 to 30 seconds. You’re aiming to chill and dilute it just enough to smooth the bite.
3. Strain into a rocks glass. Use a strainer to pour the drink over one large ice cube in a short glass. A large cube melts slowly and keeps your drink from getting too watery.
4. Garnish. Express the orange peel over the glass by giving it a good twist to release the oils. Run it around the rim, then drop it in. For something extra cozy, add a cinnamon stick or cherry.
5. Sip and enjoy. This one’s meant to be savored slowly.

This Maple Old Fashioned Recipe Will Change How You Order Cocktails

Yield: 1 cockatil

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

This Maple Old Fashioned is a cozy, fall-inspired twist on the classic cocktail. Rich maple syrup replaces sugar for a warm, earthy depth that pairs beautifully with bourbon and bitters.

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Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon (or rye whiskey)
• 1/2 oz real maple syrup (Grade A dark recommended)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel, for garnish
• Optional: cinnamon stick or Luxardo cherry

Instructions

1. Add bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir well, about 20–30 seconds, until chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Express an orange peel over the glass and drop it in.
5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or cherry, if desired.

Notes

Use a quality bourbon with caramel or vanilla undertones. I like Bulleit or Woodford Reserve.

Make sure the maple syrup is real, not pancake syrup. Grade A Dark (formerly Grade B) gives the best flavor.

Bitters matter. Angostura is classic, but orange bitters can be a fun change if you want more citrus.

How To Serve Maple Old Fashioned

Presentation makes a big difference with cocktails, especially one this simple. Serve your Maple Old Fashioned in a short, heavy-bottomed glass. I like using a clear rocks glass with a big cube of ice right in the center. It looks clean and keeps the drink cold without too much dilution.

This cocktail fits perfectly into a cozy evening. Serve it before dinner to guests as a warm-up, or wind down with it at the end of the day. It’s especially nice around a fire, with soft music and a little bowl of salty pecans.

If you’re hosting, you can also build a maple old fashioned bar. Set out bourbon, maple syrup, bitters, orange peels, and a tray of garnishes. Let folks stir their own and customize. It’s interactive without being fussy.

Pairing ideas:

• Charcuterie board with smoked cheeses
• Roasted spiced nuts
• Apple tart or pecan pie
• Bacon-wrapped dates or anything with a sweet-savory balance

This drink leans into autumn and winter flavors, so it pairs beautifully with cozy, comforting snacks.

How To Store & Re-Use Maple Old Fashioned Leftovers

If you’re mixing drinks ahead of time or end up with leftovers, the good news is that a Maple Old Fashioned stores well.

Just stir up a batch (without ice) and store it in a mason jar or glass bottle in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 5 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy, give it a gentle shake or stir, then pour it over fresh ice and garnish.

Here’s a tip: if you’re hosting a gathering, you can pre-batch the drink in a larger quantity. Just multiply the ingredients, chill it down, and have it ready to pour over ice.

And if you’ve got just a splash left, try these fun re-uses:

• Deglaze a pan after searing pork chops
• Stir into a maple-glazed Brussels sprouts dish
• Add to a barbecue sauce for extra depth

You don’t have to waste a drop.

Substitutions & Variations For Maple Old Fashioned

This cocktail is easy to tweak depending on what you like or what you’ve got on hand.

• Use rye whiskey instead of bourbon if you want something with a little more spice and bite. Rye balances the sweetness of the maple beautifully.
• Try smoked maple syrup or a maple-cinnamon blend to deepen the cozy flavors. You can make your own cinnamon maple syrup by simmering a cinnamon stick in maple syrup for 10 minutes and letting it cool.
• Add a splash of apple cider for a fall orchard variation. It rounds out the edges and makes the drink a touch lighter.
• Go non-alcoholic. Use a whiskey alternative like Ritual or Lyre’s and follow the same recipe. You’ll still get the smoky, bitter, and sweet combo without the booze.
• Try a flavored bitters swap. Chocolate or walnut bitters add a fun twist, or go for orange bitters if you want to play up the citrus garnish.

This is a forgiving drink, so feel free to experiment and make it your own.

FAQs About Maple Old Fashioned

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this maple old fashioned recipe.

What kind of maple syrup should I use in a maple old fashioned?

You want real maple syrup, not pancake syrup or anything with added flavorings. Look for Grade A Dark or anything labeled “robust flavor.” The richer the syrup, the more it’ll stand up to the bourbon. Lighter maple syrups can work, but they don’t bring as much depth.

Can I make a maple old fashioned in advance?

Yes. You can mix the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters ahead of time and keep the mixture chilled in the fridge. Don’t add the orange peel until you serve. I like batching these in a mason jar and pouring over fresh ice as needed. It’s great for holiday gatherings or dinner parties.

What’s the best bourbon for a maple old fashioned?

Use a bourbon you’d enjoy sipping on its own. Look for one with a warm, slightly sweet flavor. I’ve had good results with Bulleit, Elijah Craig, and Maker’s Mark. If you want a more peppery kick, use a high-rye bourbon or switch to a rye whiskey.

How does maple syrup change the flavor compared to sugar?

Maple syrup adds more than just sweetness. It brings a deep, earthy flavor with hints of caramel and smoke. It’s smoother than raw sugar and blends right into the drink, which gives the whole cocktail a rounder mouthfeel.

Can I make this into a warm cocktail?

You can, but it’ll be a looser take on the traditional old fashioned. Warm the bourbon gently with maple syrup and bitters in a saucepan until just heated through. Serve in a mug with an orange peel and cinnamon stick. It’s a nice fireside sipper on a cold night.

Try These Recipes Next

If you enjoyed this Maple Old Fashioned, here are a few more cocktail recipes from the blog that pair beautifully with the season or explore a similar style:

• Best Espresso Martini Recipe – Rich, bold, and perfect when you want a little after-dinner pick-me-up.
• Bourbon Old Fashioned Recipe – A classic version that lays the foundation for every great twist.
• Best Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipes – A roundup of creative spins on the timeless favorite.

These cocktails are simple to make, beautifully balanced, and right at home during any season that calls for a cozy drink in hand.