Looking for a twist on a classic cocktail? The Maple Whiskey Sour blends smooth whiskey with real maple syrup for a drink that’s both sophisticated and simple to make.
This cocktail requires just four ingredients: whiskey, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, and egg white (optional) – shaken together and served over ice for a perfect balance of sweet and sour.
The rich amber color of this drink hints at its cozy flavor profile. Maple syrup adds depth that regular simple syrup just can’t match.
It works beautifully with bourbon or rye whiskey. You can customize it based on whatever’s sitting in your cabinet.
Perfect for fall gatherings or winter evenings, this cocktail comes together in under five minutes. The maple notes make it feel special, but you don’t need bartending expertise or fancy ingredients.
Maple Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Hawthorne strainer
- Fine mesh strainer (optional for double straining)
- Rocks glass
- Ice cube tray (preferably for large cubes)
- Citrus juicer
- Small knife and cutting board for garnish prep
Ingredients
For one serving:
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz pure maple syrup Grade A or B
- 1 egg white optional for frothy texture
- 2-3 dashes of aromatic bitters
- Ice cubes for shaking and serving
- Lemon twist or cherry for garnish
The quality of ingredients matters—really, it does. Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup or those maple-flavored things.
Instructions
- If using egg white, start with a “dry shake.” Combine whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker without ice. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Add a few dashes of bitters on top of the foam if using egg white, or directly into the drink if not.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
The Maple Whiskey Sour offers a complex flavor profile that balances sweet, sour, and woody notes. The first sip is all about the rich warmth of whiskey, then you get that natural sweetness from the maple syrup.
Maple syrup brings a distinctive caramel-like sweetness that’s less sharp than simple syrup. It makes for a more rounded flavor compared to a traditional whiskey sour.
The fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity. It cuts through the sweetness with a pleasant tartness, giving you that classic “sour” element.
Flavor Highlights:
- Initial taste: Whiskey warmth with maple undertones
- Mid-palate: Bright citrus notes
- Finish: Smooth, slightly sweet with lingering oak
The egg white (if you use it) gives a silky texture and creamy mouthfeel without changing the flavor. It just ties everything together, honestly.
Different whiskeys will change the whole character. Bourbon brings in vanilla and caramel, while rye leans spicier—pick what sounds good to you.
Try a few drops of aromatic bitters on top of the foam for a little extra aroma and complexity. It can really boost the experience.
The cocktail tastes best when it’s well-chilled, but not watered down. If you let it warm up just a bit, those maple flavors come forward even more.
Substitute
If you don’t have maple whiskey on hand, there are still ways to make this cocktail work. Regular bourbon or whiskey mixed with pure maple syrup is honestly a solid backup.
For each cocktail, just add about 1/4 ounce of maple syrup to bring in that maple flavor. It’s a simple swap that keeps the drink pretty close to the original.
Going non-alcoholic? Apple cider or even a strong brewed tea can step in for whiskey. You might want to add a touch more maple syrup to these, just to keep the flavors balanced.
Whiskey Alternatives:
- Bourbon + maple syrup
- Rye whiskey + maple syrup
- Irish whiskey + maple syrup
Non-Alcoholic Options:
- Apple cider + maple syrup + lemon juice
- Black tea + maple syrup + lemon juice
- Ginger beer + maple syrup (if you want something less sour)
Lemon juice can easily be swapped for lime juice if you’re in the mood for a different citrus vibe. Not a fan of citrus at all? A splash of apple cider vinegar, watered down a bit, gives you that sour kick.
No maple syrup in your pantry? Honey or brown sugar simple syrup will do in a pinch, though the flavor’s going to shift a little. Still tasty, though.
