Maple Bourbon Mocktail Recipe

I’m always up for new twists on classic flavors, and honestly, this Maple Bourbon Mocktail is one of those drinks I keep coming back to.

You get that sweet, smoky bourbon vibe—just without the booze—so it’s something everyone can sip.

The first time I tried this, I didn’t expect the maple and bourbon flavors to work so well together.

There’s something about it that feels a little special, whether you’re hanging with friends, winding down after work, or just craving a cozy treat.

If you want a drink that’s easy to throw together but still looks and tastes kinda fancy, this one’s worth a go.

Maple Bourbon Mocktail Recipe

I like making this maple bourbon mocktail because it’s got that rich sweetness, a hint of tang, and a depth you don’t always get in non-alcoholic drinks. Pure maple syrup and non-alcoholic bourbon bring in the old fashioned flavor, minus the alcohol.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or small measuring cup
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• Rocks glass
• Citrus juicer
• Ice cubes

A cocktail shaker really pulls everything together, and the jigger just makes measuring less of a guessing game. I reach for the bar spoon when I want to stir, and a strainer is a must if you hate random bits in your glass.

I always use a rocks glass—just feels right for this drink. If you want every drop of lemon juice, a citrus juicer is your friend. And yeah, don’t skip the ice.

Ingredients

• 2 oz non-alcoholic bourbon
• 1 oz pure maple syrup
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• 1 cocktail cherry, for garnish
• Orange peel, for garnish
• Ice cubes

Pure maple syrup really makes a difference here—don’t be tempted by the fake stuff. Non-alcoholic bourbon keeps the warmth of a classic old fashioned. Lemon juice brightens things up, and bitters give you those familiar cocktail notes.

A cherry and a twist of orange peel finish it off. Simple, but it looks pretty sharp.

Instructions

• Add ice cubes to the cocktail shaker until about halfway full
• Pour in non-alcoholic bourbon, maple syrup, and lemon juice
• Add the orange bitters and aromatic bitters
• Shake well for about 15 seconds
• Place fresh ice cubes in a rocks glass
• Strain the mixture into the glass
• Garnish with a cocktail cherry and a twist of orange peel

I always shake this one well—maple syrup can be stubborn. Straining keeps things smooth, and the garnish just makes it feel like a real treat.

Notes

Store-bought or homemade non-alcoholic bourbon both work here, so use what you like. If you’re not big on sweet drinks, just cut back a little on the maple syrup.

Want more citrus? Go ahead and add another dash of orange bitters or a splash more lemon juice. Sometimes I’ll use really good cocktail cherries—they’re worth it, honestly.

If you want to switch things up, try serving this over one big ice cube instead of a bunch of little ones. And really, pure maple syrup and fresh lemon juice make all the difference.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of my Maple Bourbon Mocktail, the first thing that jumps out is the rich, toasty sweetness from the maple syrup. It just sort of melts into the slight tang of lemon juice.

The drink gives off this warm, earthy aroma—kind of like autumn in a glass. I pick up on dark caramel and maybe even a little vanilla, which is funny since there’s no actual bourbon in there.

The mouthfeel? Silky and full, but not too heavy. The citrus really keeps things lively and stops it from getting cloying.

A few ice cubes go a long way—they keep it cool and refreshing without watering it down. Sometimes I’ll toss in a bit of orange peel on top, just to brighten everything up.

Every ingredient kind of gets its moment, but together they make for a cozy, laid-back drink.

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