Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour : Sweet, Spiced Sip

I totally love this cinnamon maple whiskey sour lately, and honestly, it’s become my go-to drink when I want something that feels both cozy and sophisticated.

The way the maple syrup plays with the bourbon creates this perfect balance that’s way better than your typical whiskey sour.

Don’t even get me started on how that cinnamon-sugar rim makes everything smell amazing.

Once you try this combo, you’ll understand why it’s so special.

Fall-Inspired Twist on Classic

There’s something magical about taking a drink that’s been around forever and giving it a cozy autumn makeover, and that’s exactly what happens with this Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour. The classic whiskey sour has been making people happy since the 1860s, but honestly, it was just begging for a fall upgrade. Instead of regular simple syrup, we’re swapping in rich maple syrup that tastes like liquid gold, and then we’re rolling the rim in cinnamon sugar because… well, because everything’s better with cinnamon sugar, right?

What makes this drink absolutely brilliant is how perfectly all the flavors play together, like they were meant to be best friends from the start. The whiskey brings its bold, warming kick, while the lemon juice adds that bright tartness that keeps everything balanced. The maple syrup doesn’t just sweeten things up, it adds this deep, complex flavor that screams “autumn in a glass,” and don’t even get me started on how amazing that cinnamon sugar rim is.

Every sip starts with a little sweet spice that makes your taste buds do a happy dance, and the whole thing just feels like a warm hug from the inside out. This isn’t just a drink, it’s like fall decided to throw a party in your mouth and invited all its favorite flavors.

The beauty of this twist is that it takes something familiar and comfortable, then adds just enough seasonal magic to make it feel special and new again. Whether you’re sipping it by a fire pit or serving it at your next dinner party, this drink has that perfect balance of sophistication and comfort that makes everyone feel like they’re exactly where they need to be.

Plus, let’s be real, anything that involves a cinnamon sugar rim is automatically going to be a crowd-pleaser.

Tips To Make It Perfectly At Home

Making this cocktail at home is easier than you think once you nail a few key details.

• Chill your glass first: Pop that glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving because nobody wants a lukewarm sour that tastes flat and disappointing.
• Use real maple syrup: Skip the fake pancake syrup and grab the good stuff from the refrigerated section because artificial flavors will make your drink taste like candy instead of sophisticated.
• Make your cinnamon sugar fresh: Mix equal parts sugar and cinnamon right before rimming the glass since pre-made versions often clump and lose their punch.
• Rim only half the glass: Cover just half the rim so you can taste the drink both ways and avoid overwhelming cinnamon in every sip.
• Shake with ice for 15 seconds: Don’t under-shake or you’ll miss that silky texture that makes a proper sour so satisfying.
• Use fresh lemon juice only: Bottled lemon juice will make your cocktail taste like cleaning products mixed with regret.
• Double strain for smoothness: Pour through a fine mesh strainer to catch ice chips and pulp because nobody wants to chew their cocktail.
• Measure your ingredients: Eyeballing might work for cooking but cocktails need precision or you’ll end up with something that tastes like mistake soup.

Food Pairing Ideas

The warm spice and maple sweetness of this cocktail calls for foods that can either complement its cozy autumn vibes or provide a delicious contrast.

Think rich and salty bites that balance the drink’s sweetness or treats that echo its warming cinnamon notes.

• Prosciutto-wrapped dates: The salty pork and sweet fruit create the perfect sweet-savory dance with the maple syrup while the rich flavors stand up to the whiskey’s boldness.
• Sharp cheddar and apple slices: The tangy cheese cuts through the cocktail’s sweetness while crisp apples echo the drink’s orchard-fresh vibes and complement that cinnamon sugar rim.
• Candied pecans: These crunchy gems mirror the maple sweetness and add a satisfying textural contrast that makes each sip feel even more luxurious.
• Smoked salmon on rye crisps: The smoky fish and hearty bread provide a sophisticated savory contrast that highlights the whiskey’s complexity without competing with the drink’s warming spices.
• Dark chocolate truffles: Rich cocoa amplifies the cocktail’s cozy factor while the bitterness balances out the maple sweetness for a dessert pairing that feels indulgent but not overwhelming.
• Spiced nuts: Whether it’s cinnamon almonds or rosemary cashews the warm spices create flavor harmony while the saltiness keeps your palate interested between sips.

Easy 5-Minute Cocktail Recipe

This show-stopping Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour is like autumn decided to crash the cocktail party and brought all the best vibes!

With smooth whiskey mellowed by rich maple syrup and brightened with fresh lemon juice, this beauty strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sour. The cinnamon sugar rim? That’s just the cherry on top… or should I say, the maple leaf on top!

It’s creamy, it’s cozy, and it goes down way too easy for something this delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 lemon wedge for rim
• Ice cubes
• Cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the sugar and cinnamon together on a small plate, then run the lemon wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
2. Fill your glass with ice cubes and set it aside while you make the magic happen.
3. In a cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, fresh lemon juice and maple syrup with a handful of ice.
4. Shake it like you mean it for about 15-20 seconds… your arms might get a little workout, but trust me, it’s worth it!
5. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass over the ice.
6. Drop in a cinnamon stick if you’re feeling fancy and want that extra aromatic punch.
7. Give it a gentle stir and enjoy immediately while the flavors are perfectly balanced.

Prep Times:

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 5 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Servings: 1
• Calories: 317
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 58g

Variations To Try

These creative twists on the classic cinnamon maple whiskey sour will transform your cocktail experience with new flavors and textures.

• Bourbon Barrel Aged: Swap regular whiskey for barrel-aged bourbon and add a splash of vanilla extract to the maple syrup for deeper oak notes.
• Spiced Apple Version: Replace lemon juice with fresh apple cider and add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar rim.
• Smoked Maple Sour: Use mezcal instead of whiskey and incorporate smoked maple syrup for an earthy twist with subtle smokiness.
• Ginger Kick: Add fresh ginger juice to the base recipe and garnish with candied ginger for a warming spicy element.
• Winter Citrus: Substitute blood orange juice for lemon and rim the glass with cinnamon sugar mixed with orange zest.
• Non-Alcoholic Maple Fizz: Replace whiskey with ginger beer and top with club soda while keeping the maple syrup and cinnamon rim intact.

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Yield: 1

Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour

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Rich maple syrup, warm cinnamon, and bold whiskey shake up this cozy cocktail - sweet, spiced, and perfectly balanced for fall sipping or fireside vibes.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 60 ml bourbon whiskey
• 30 ml fresh lemon juice
• 22 ml pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 lemon wedge for rim
• Ice cubes
• Cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix the sugar and cinnamon together on a small plate, then run the lemon wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
2. Fill your glass with ice cubes and set it aside while you make the magic happen.
3. In a cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, fresh lemon juice and maple syrup with a handful of ice.
4. Shake it like you mean it for about 15-20 seconds... your arms might get a little workout, but trust me, it's worth it!
5. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass over the ice.
6. Drop in a cinnamon stick if you're feeling fancy and want that extra aromatic punch.
7. Give it a gentle stir and enjoy immediately while the flavors are perfectly balanced.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 317Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 8mgCarbohydrates: 58gFiber: 5gSugar: 46gProtein: 1g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.

Or a classic whiskey sour if you prefer.