Smoky Maple Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

A well-made Old Fashioned is a classic, but I just love giving it a bit of a twist. My Smoky Maple Old Fashioned brings a hint of maple sweetness, a touch of smoke, and honestly, it’s just a simple, flavorful drink.

This recipe’s easy to follow and doesn’t take much time at all. The flavors balance well—an updated experience, but still true to the roots.

If you want to impress guests or just try something new at home, this is a cocktail worth making.

Smoky Maple Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Smoky Maple Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
For a classic drink with a twist, I reach for maple syrup and a smoky bourbon. Every step feels important, from the tools I grab to how I put it all together.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Old Fashioned glass or rocks glass
  • Jigger: For precise measuring.
  • Mixing glass or shaker
  • Bar spoon: for stirring.
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Large ice cube or round ice mold
  • Small culinary torch or smoking gun (for smoke effect)
  • Peeler or sharp knife for orange zest
  • Cocktail pick or toothpick (optional, for garnish)

Ingredients

  • 2 oz smoked or high-proof bourbon
  • 1/2 oz pure maple syrup preferably grade A
  • 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 orange peel or strip of zest
  • 1 large ice cube

Instructions

  • Place a large ice cube in the rocks glass.
  • Pour bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters into a mixing glass.
  • Add ice to the mixing glass and stir for 20-30 seconds until well chilled.
  • Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over the ice cube.
  • Express the orange peel over the drink by holding it over the glass and twisting to release oils.
  • Rub the peel around the rim, then drop it into the glass.
  • If using, torch a small amount of wood chip or use a smoking gun to add smoke to the glass before or after pouring.
  • Garnish with cherry if desired.

Notes

I tweak the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup, depending on my mood. If it’s too strong, I’ll let it sit for a minute so the ice does a bit more work.
Using smoked bourbon or a torch for smoke really changes the aroma and flavor. High-quality ice is a must—it keeps things cold and melts slowly.
Sometimes I’ll toss in a pinch of smoked sea salt for extra smokiness. If I’ve got friends coming over, I prep zest and garnishes ahead so I can throw the cocktail together fast.

Must Have Ingredients

Tasting Notes

The first thing I get when I sip the Smoky Maple Old Fashioned is this gentle smokiness. It’s not overpowering, just enough to make it interesting.

The maple syrup brings a soft sweetness. It blends with the smoke and adds a smooth, almost velvety texture.

There’s also that warm hit from the bourbon—mild caramel notes, nothing too sharp. The orange peel lifts everything with a little citrus zing.

If I slow down with a sip, sometimes I catch little pops of spice from the bitters. It’s nice.

Main flavors I taste:

  • Mild smoke
  • Gentle maple
  • Zesty orange
  • Smooth bourbon

Substitute

If I don’t have all the ingredients for a Smoky Maple Old Fashioned, I can make some simple swaps.

These alternatives can still give me a tasty drink, even if it’s not exactly the same.

Ingredient Substitutes:

  • Bourbon or Rye: I can use Canadian whisky or brandy if bourbon or rye are missing from my shelf.
  • Maple Syrup: Honey, agave syrup, or just plain simple syrup work as sweeteners too.
  • Bitters: If I run out of Angostura bitters, I’ll grab orange bitters or even chocolate bitters.
  • Smoky Flavor: Sometimes I’ll add a dash of smoky scotch, smoked salt, or a drop of liquid smoke.

If I want to make it non-alcoholic, I just skip the alcohol.

Here’s what I use:

  • Maple syrup or honestly, any sweetener I’ve got
  • A few dashes of bitters (alcohol-free if needed)
  • Smoky spice or tea for aroma
  • Orange peel for garnish

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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