Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

A Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned is a simple riff on the classic, adding just enough sweetness and warmth. Instead of sugar, this recipe calls for real maple syrup, making it easy to mix and giving every sip a richer flavor.

I like making this cocktail at home when I want something a little special but don’t want to fuss too much. The maple syrup pairs up beautifully with bourbon and a couple dashes of bitters.

It’s one of those drinks that somehow works in both cold and warm weather, which is pretty handy. If you’re hoping to impress guests or just want a relaxing treat for yourself, this is a solid choice.

Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

I swap out sugar for maple syrup—smooth and rich, that’s the goal here. Bourbon brings the classic backbone, with a touch of warmth and that subtle sweetness.

Equipment

• Short glass (Old Fashioned or rocks glass)
• Bar spoon or regular spoon
• Measuring jigger or tablespoon
• Muddler (if you add orange or cherry)
• Peeler or knife (for garnish)
• Mixing glass (optional)
• Strainer (if you stir in a mixing glass)
• Large ice cubes or ice sphere

A sturdy glass and big ice cubes are my go-to. They keep the drink cold longer and help the flavors meld. I usually just grab a spoon and a peeler—nothing fancy.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel, for garnish
• Maraschino cherry (optional)

I always pick a bourbon I actually like sipping neat. Pure maple syrup brings sweetness but doesn’t overpower things. Angostura bitters add balance, and the orange peel? It’s a little burst of freshness.

Sometimes I toss in a cherry because, well, why not?

Instructions

• Add maple syrup and bitters to the bottom of your glass.
• Pour in the bourbon.
• Stir well until mixed.
• Add a large ice cube or two.
• Stir again to chill the drink.
• Use the peeler or knife to remove a strip of orange peel.
• Gently twist the peel over the drink to release oils, then drop it in.
• Add a maraschino cherry if you like.

I always stir instead of shaking—keeps it smooth and clear. Mixing the syrup in all the way makes every sip taste right.

Using fresh orange peel gives off a sharp, pleasant aroma. It’s worth the extra second.

Notes

Pure maple syrup is best—anything with additives just tastes off. If I want it less sweet, I simply cut back on the syrup.

Trying different bourbons can be fun, though some work better than others. Adding a cherry is totally optional, but I like how it softens the last sip.

Big ice cubes keep things cold without watering down the drink too quickly. For a stronger orange kick, I’ll drop in a little orange slice.

This recipe is easy to double up if you’ve got friends over. I usually taste as I go, just to make sure it’s right for me.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of my Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned, the first thing I notice is the gentle sweetness from the maple syrup. It blends smoothly with the bold flavor of bourbon.

The maple adds just enough sweetness without covering up the whiskey taste. I pick up hints of vanilla and caramel, which come from both the bourbon and the maple syrup.

There’s a little bit of orange right at the beginning, thanks to the orange peel. The bitters add a mild spice that keeps the drink from tipping over into dessert territory.

I also enjoy how the ice chills the drink and smooths out all the edges. Each sip is balanced.

The flavors aren’t too strong or heavy, making it a nice choice for relaxing at the end of the day.

Aroma:

• I smell a mix of oak from the bourbon, orange oil, and a hint of maple syrup.

Texture:

• The drink feels smooth and a little silky on my tongue. It’s not too thick, but it is richer than a regular Old Fashioned.