Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned : Smooth, Sweet Twist

I make Old Fashioneds regularly, but when I discovered the maple bourbon version last fall, it completely changed my cocktail game.

There’s something magical about how that golden maple syrup transforms the classic recipe. It adds this incredible depth that makes each sip feel like autumn in a glass.

The best part? You probably got everything you need sitting in your kitchen right now.

The technique I’m about to share will have you mixing like a pro.

Sweet Autumn Cocktail Origins

The Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned is like autumn decided to crash the cocktail party, and honestly, we’re all here for it! This sweet, sophisticated sipper takes the classic Old Fashioned recipe and gives it a cozy fall makeover that’ll make you want to wrap yourself in a flannel shirt and watch the leaves change.

While the traditional Old Fashioned has been around since the 1880s (talk about a vintage vibe), this maple-kissed version is a more recent creation that bartenders started experimenting with when craft cocktail culture really took off in the early 2000s.

The beauty of this drink comes from its perfect marriage of two very American ingredients, bourbon and maple syrup, which creates this warm, comforting flavor profile that just screams “cozy night in.” You see, someone brilliant figured out that if you swap the usual simple syrup for real maple syrup, you’d get all these rich, complex flavors that play so nicely with bourbon’s vanilla and caramel notes.

It’s like they were meant to be together… kind of like peanut butter and jelly, but for grown-ups who appreciate the finer things in life.

What makes this cocktail work so well is that maple syrup isn’t just sweet, it’s got this earthy, almost smoky quality that complements bourbon instead of competing with it. The drink basically captures everything we love about fall in a glass, from the golden color that matches the changing leaves to the warming spices that make you feel all fuzzy inside.

Plus, let’s be real, anything that combines breakfast flavors with happy hour is going to be a winner in most people’s books!

Tips To Make It Perfectly At Home

Making a killer Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned at home is easier than you think once you know the insider tricks.

• Use real maple syrup: Skip the fake stuff and go for pure grade A maple syrup because it brings that authentic rich sweetness that makes this cocktail shine. The artificial versions taste flat and leave a weird aftertaste that ruins the whole experience.
• Don’t over-muddle: Give those orange peels and cherry just a gentle press to release oils but don’t go crazy with the muddling because you’ll end up with bitter flavors from the pith and pulp floating around.
• Choose the right bourbon: Pick a bourbon with at least 90 proof because the maple syrup is sweet and you need that alcohol backbone to cut through and create balance. Lower proof bourbons get lost in the mix.
• Dilute properly: Add one large ice cube or a few smaller ones and stir for about 30 seconds because proper dilution is what transforms this from a burning mess into a smooth sipper.
• Warm your glass: Run warm water in your rocks glass for a minute then dump it out and dry because a warm glass helps release the aromatics and makes the drink taste more complex.
• Fresh garnish matters: Use a fresh orange peel and express the oils over the drink before dropping it in because those citrus oils on the surface create an amazing aroma that hits your nose with every sip.
• Measure your maple syrup: Start with just a quarter ounce of maple syrup because it’s concentrated sweetness and you can always add more but you can’t take it back once it’s too sweet.

Food Pairing Ideas

The rich maple sweetness and warming bourbon notes in this cocktail create the perfect backdrop for foods that either complement or contrast these bold flavors.

Think comfort food meets sophistication.

• Bacon-wrapped scallops: The salty smokiness of bacon plays beautifully against the maple sweetness while the tender scallops add an elegant touch that won’t compete with the bourbon’s complexity.
• Dark chocolate truffles: Rich cocoa enhances the bourbon’s vanilla and caramel notes while the silky texture creates a luxurious pairing that feels like dessert done right.
• Aged cheddar and apple slices: Sharp cheese cuts through the cocktail’s sweetness while crisp apples echo the drink’s autumnal vibe and add a refreshing crunch.
• Candied pecans: Double down on the maple theme with nuts that bring satisfying crunch and earthy richness without overwhelming the drink’s balanced profile.
• Smoked salmon on rye crisps: The fish’s buttery saltiness provides a sophisticated contrast to the sweet maple while the rye’s spice notes complement the bourbon’s warmth.
• Salted caramel popcorn: This playful option hits all the right notes with its sweet-salty combination and addictive crunch that keeps you reaching for more.
• Mini pork belly bites: Fatty richness and caramelized edges mirror the cocktail’s indulgent nature while the meat’s savory depth balances the maple’s sweetness perfectly.

Classic Maple Bourbon Instructions

The Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned is like wrapping yourself in a cozy autumn blanket while sipping liquid gold. This sophisticated twist on the classic old fashioned brings together the warm, caramel notes of bourbon with the rich sweetness of maple syrup, creating a drink that’s both smooth and complex.

The maple adds a velvety texture that perfectly complements the whiskey’s bite, making it your go-to cocktail when you want something that feels both refined and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon whiskey (or non-alcoholic bourbon alternative)
• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 large ice cube or sphere
• Orange peel for garnish
• Luxardo cherry for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add the maple syrup and bitters to your old fashioned glass, then give it a gentle stir to combine these flavor powerhouses.
2. Pour in your bourbon and stir again… you want everything to mingle and become best friends in that glass.
3. Drop in your large ice cube (the bigger the better since it melts slower and won’t water down your masterpiece).
4. Give the whole thing another good stir for about 10-15 seconds to chill everything down nicely.
5. Express the oils from your orange peel by giving it a good twist over the drink, then run it around the rim of the glass.
6. Drop the orange peel into the drink and add a cherry if you’re feeling fancy.
7. Take a moment to admire your handiwork before taking that first amazing sip.

Prep Times:

• Prep time: 3 minutes
• Total time: 3 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Servings: 1
• Calories: 170
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g

Variations To Try

A few simple swaps can transform your maple bourbon old fashioned into something completely new while keeping that smooth and cozy foundation.

• Rye Maple Old Fashioned: Replace bourbon with rye whiskey for a spicier kick that pairs beautifully with the maple’s sweetness.
• Smoked Maple Old Fashioned: Add a few drops of liquid smoke or use smoked maple syrup to create a campfire-inspired depth.
• Apple Cinnamon Maple Old Fashioned: Muddle a thin apple slice with a pinch of cinnamon before adding the other ingredients for fall orchard vibes.
• Pecan Maple Old Fashioned: Substitute pecan-infused bourbon or add a splash of pecan liqueur for a nutty Southern twist.
• Vanilla Maple Old Fashioned: Use vanilla-flavored bourbon or add a few drops of vanilla extract to complement the maple’s natural caramel notes.
• Maple Mezcal Old Fashioned: Swap bourbon for mezcal to introduce smoky agave flavors that create an unexpected but delicious contrast with the maple.

Continue to Content

Yield: 1

Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

Print

A timeless classic with a fall upgrade - rich bourbon, pure maple syrup, and a dash of bitters create a warm, smooth sip that’s sweet, bold, and satisfying.

Prep Time 3 minutes

Total Time 3 minutes

Ingredients

• 60 ml bourbon whiskey (or non-alcoholic bourbon alternative)
• 15 ml pure maple syrup
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 large ice cube or sphere
• Orange peel for garnish
• Luxardo cherry for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Add the maple syrup and bitters to your old fashioned glass, then give it a gentle stir to combine these flavor powerhouses.
2. Pour in your bourbon and stir again... you want everything to mingle and become best friends in that glass.
3. Drop in your large ice cube (the bigger the better since it melts slower and won't water down your masterpiece).
4. Give the whole thing another good stir for about 10-15 seconds to chill everything down nicely.
5. Express the oils from your orange peel by giving it a good twist over the drink, then run it around the rim of the glass.
6. Drop the orange peel into the drink and add a cherry if you're feeling fancy.
7. Take a moment to admire your handiwork before taking that first amazing sip.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 170Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gProtein: 0g

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

To pin for later:

Or you may wish to try the original Old Fashioned?