A Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour is a simple twist on the classic whiskey sour. It mixes the warm flavors of cinnamon and the sweetness of maple syrup.
This cocktail recipe blends whiskey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, maple syrup, and a hint of cinnamon for a smooth and balanced drink. It’s easy to make at home. Honestly, you can enjoy it any time of year, and I think it works in every season.
I like how the cinnamon adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the other ingredients. The maple syrup gives just enough sweetness, making the drink smooth and easy to enjoy.
If you want a new favorite cocktail, this might be the one to try. Why not shake things up?
Equipment
- To make this cocktail, I use a cocktail shaker. It helps blend all the liquids and ensures a smooth texture.
- I also need a jigger to measure the alcohol and syrups correctly so the drink stays balanced.
- I always use a rocks glass or lowball glass for serving.
- For mixing, a standard bar spoon comes in handy.
Ingredients
I choose the following for a classic Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour:
- Whiskey 2 oz 60 ml
- Lemon juice 1 oz 30 ml
- Maple syrup 0.75 oz 22 ml
- Ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp
- Ice As needed
- Orange slice or cinnamon stick For garnish optional
Instructions
- I shake it hard for about 15 seconds to chill the drink and mix the cinnamon well.
- For extra flavor and appearance, I sometimes garnish with an orange slice or a cinnamon stick.
- I serve it right away so it’s cold and fresh.
Notes
Tasting Notes
When I sip the Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour, the aroma is the first thing I notice. Sweet maple and warm cinnamon greet my nose right away.
The taste starts with a blend of spiced whiskey and earthy maple syrup. The whiskey has a slight sharpness, but the cinnamon smooths it out.
Lemon juice brings a tart edge, making the drink bright and balanced. I also taste a gentle sweetness throughout.
The maple gives a mild sugary flavor that stays steady from start to finish. Each sip feels smooth, and the cocktail is not too thick or watery.
After swallowing, a hint of spice remains on my tongue. The cinnamon lingers longer than the lemon.
There is no harsh aftertaste, and the drink finishes cleanly. I notice the cocktail is easy to sip slowly.
It is enjoyable chilled over ice or served straight up. Maybe that’s why I keep coming back to it.
Substitute
Sometimes, I just don’t have all the ingredients for a Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour. When that happens, I’ll reach for a few simple swaps.
These little changes help when something’s missing or I just want to mix it up a bit.
No maple syrup? I’ll go with honey or just plain simple syrup. Honey’s got this thicker, deeper vibe, while simple syrup is lighter and honestly, super easy to throw in.
For cinnamon, I’ll use ground cinnamon if that’s what’s around. Sometimes I toss in a cinnamon stick instead—whatever’s handy.
If I’m really out, a quick dash of allspice or nutmeg can sneak in some warmth, too.
Lemon juice isn’t always in my fridge, so I’ll swap in lime juice. It’s a bit more tart, but the drink still tastes bright and fresh.
Here’s a short list for quick swaps:
- Maple syrup: honey, simple syrup, or agave
- Lemon juice: lime juice
- Cinnamon: ground cinnamon, cinnamon stick, allspice, nutmeg
I usually just peek in my kitchen and see what’s there before picking a substitute. It’s nice to know I can still enjoy the drink, even if I’m missing something.