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

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

Total Time 5

Serving Size

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.

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

Smoky Maple Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe