Maple Old Fashioned Recipe

It’s time to put a twist on tradition with a Maple Old Fashioned—because who doesn’t love a classic with a sweet upgrade? This sipping experience blends the warmth of bourbon or rye with the rich sweetness of pure maple syrup, all jazzed up with a hint of bitters and a citrusy kiss from orange peel.

I enjoy making a Maple Old Fashioned because its flavor is so rich and straightforward, yet it can also be quite complex. The warmth of the cocktail comes from a solid pour of bourbon or rye, and then the other main ingredient, maple syrup, provides the sweetness I—along with many others—expect from an Old Fashioned.

But the final touches make it truly tailored to my palate: a twist of orange peel or perhaps a maraschino cherry, which add the notes my taste buds crave.

Ingredients

• Bourbon or Rye Whiskey: Provides a rich, warming base with notes of caramel and spice.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle depth of flavor with caramel undertones.
• Angostura Bitters: Balances sweetness with herbal, spiced notes, enhancing complexity.
• Orange Peel: Offers a vibrant citrus aroma, lifting the drink’s flavor profile.
• Maraschino Cherry (Optional): Adds a pop of color and a hint of sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

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

How to Make this

1. Begin by cooling a rocks glass. Fill it with ice water and set it aside.

2. In a mixing glass, blend together 2 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey with 1/2 oz of pure maple syrup.

3. To the mixing glass, add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters.

4. With ice in the mixing glass, stir the mixture for about 20-30 seconds to achieve slight dilution and chilling.

5. Cast off the ice water from the rocks glass.

6. Pour the whiskey mix into a rocks glass that has been chilled. Add a large ice cube or several smaller ones, and enjoy.

7. A vegetable peeler or paring knife can be used to cut a long, wide strip of orange peel.

8. Twist the peel over the drink to release the oils into the drink and then rub the rim of the glass with the peel. This is how to express orange oils over a drink.

9. Put the orange peel in the glass to be a garnish.

10. You may optionally add a maraschino cherry to enhance the taste and give some extra color to your drink. Enjoy your Maple Old Fashioned!

Equipment Needed

1. Rocks glass
2. Mixing glass
3. Measuring jigger
4. Stirring spoon
5. Ice cube tray or ice cube mold
6. Vegetable peeler or paring knife

FAQ

• What type of whiskey works best for a Maple Old Fashioned?Either bourbon or rye whiskey works well. Bourbon gives a sweeter finish, while rye provides a spicier note.
• Can I use a different type of syrup?It is suggested to use natural maple syrup for its characteristic flavor, but you can also try other kinds of syrup if you want. Just remember, they’ll change the flavor.
• How many dashes of bitters should I use?Usually, 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters do the trick, but you can tweak this measurement according to your taste level.
• Is it necessary to garnish with an orange peel?Orange peel adds a citrus aroma and flavor that complements the drink, so it is recommended but not strictly necessary.
• Can I add a cherry to the cocktail?Indeed, an optional garnish, the maraschino cherry, enhances the sweetness and appearance of a cocktail.
• Is it possible to make this drink non-alcoholic?You can use non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives to craft a similar-tasting beverage. It won’t be a traditional Old Fashioned, but these substitutes will allow you to make a drink that bears some resemblance to one.
• What is the best way to serve a Maple Old Fashioned?It should be served in a short glass with a single large ice cube to guarantee slow dilution and direct enhancement of flavor.

Maple Old Fashioned Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For bourbon or rye whiskey, substitute with any other sort of whiskey, such as an Irish whiskey or Scotch. Such a substitution will not maintain the traditional taste, but it will keep the drink in the whiskey family.
When using honey or agave nectar as a substitute for maple syrup, keep in mind that they impart a different kind of sweetness. Here’s how they measure up in terms of flavor: honey has a floral sweetness; agave nectar is subtly sweet.
When making Angostura bitters, use orange bitters or aromatic bitters to achieve a slightly different flavor. If you want to make bitters flavored like Angostura, use these other kinds of bitters.
Lemon peel can be substituted for orange peel to provide a citrus twist in an orange peel garnish.
Use a fresh cherry or a brandied cherry for an elevated touch for the maraschino cherry garnish.

Pro Tips

1. Use Quality Ingredients Choose a high-quality bourbon or rye whiskey to ensure the best flavor. The flavor of the maple syrup will shine through, so opt for pure maple syrup rather than artificial substitutes.

2. Ice Matters Use a large, clear ice cube to keep the drink colder longer while minimizing dilution. If you don’t have a large ice mold, several smaller ice cubes can work, but clear, dense ice is preferred.

3. Chill Everything Besides chilling the glass, make sure the whiskey and mixing glass are also cold before preparing the drink. This keeps the final cocktail refreshingly chilled from the start.

4. Bitters Balance Adjust the number of Angostura bitters dashes to your taste preference. If you like a more spiced and aromatic drink, you can add an extra dash or two.

5. Express Purposefully When expressing the orange peel over the drink, be intentional about it to release the maximum amount of oils. This step significantly enhances the aroma and taste of the cocktail. Don’t rush this process!