Maple Old Fashioned

The Maple Old Fashioned is a twist on the classic using maple syrup instead of sugar! It adds a nuance that makes it taste even smoother.

Here’s a spin on the classic that might be even tastier than the original: the Maple Old Fashioned! This twist uses maple syrup instead of sugar, along with the classic whiskey and bitters. Give it a swirl and a taste, and it’s even smoother than the original! The maple syrup adds hints of caramel and vanilla that give even more nuance and sophistication to each sip. It’s a great fall cocktail or drink for winter that warms the soul! Here’s how to make it.

What’s in a maple Old Fashioned?

The classic Old Fashioned is one of the oldest cocktails there is. In fact, it started as literally the cocktail: the first cocktail in existence! It was first documented in the early 1800’s by a New York paper. Today this iconic drink is one of the most famous whiskey cocktails there is, and is the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. This spin uses maple syrup instead of the standard sugar cube to add nuance to the flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Maple syrup
• Angostura bitters
• Bourbon whiskey: we like the flavor of bourbon with maple, but you can use a rye whiskey if you like!

To make the drink, simply mix the whiskey, bitters and maple syrup in a lowball glass with a large ice cube. Squeeze the oils from an orange peel into the drink, and garnish with a cocktail cherry. Perfection!

Does it taste like maple?

What does a maple Old Fashioned taste like? The flavor is brilliantly nuanced, with the maple playing off of the vanilla notes in the bourbon whiskey. But does it taste like maple? Not exactly. Here’s what to know about using maple syrup as a sweetener:

• Maple syrup gently sweetens drinks much like simple syrup, with an extra nuance in flavor. You’ll find you can use it in any cocktail recipe as a substitute for simple syrup.
• Maple syrup doesn’t make drinks taste like maple! Want this Old Fashioned to taste like maple? Make it with Crown Royal Maple, which has an extremely strong maple flavor.

Use clear ice for an Old Fashioned

Going for an over-the-top cool maple Old Fashioned? Use clear ice. This is the only way to get that large cube of ice in your lowball glass, and it’s 100% worth the effort. Clear ice is crystal clear ice that isn’t cloudy like ice made in an ice tray. You can slice it into organic shapes that are perfect for any size of drink. Here are two methods for making clear ice:

• Make clear ice at home. All you need is a small cooler that fits inside your freezer. Go to How to Make Clear Ice.
• Use a clear ice maker. We use this clear ice maker and it works well! It also fits easily into your freezer.

More Old Fashioned variations

Love a good Old Fashioned? We’ve got a few different spins on this classic drink, depending on your mood and the occasion. Try these Old Fashioned recipes:

• Go for the Classic Old Fashioned
• Another fall spin? The Pumpkin Old Fashioned or Fireball Old Fashioned
• Opt for the zany and unique Wisconsin Old Fashioned
• Go for a smoky Oaxaca Old Fashioned (with Mezcal) or Smoked Old Fashioned
• Try a Skrewball Old Fashioned with peanut butter whiskey, or a Jagermeister Old Fashioned with Jagermeister

01

Old Fashioned

02

Jagermeister Old Fashioned

03

Fireball Old Fashioned

04

Oaxaca Old Fashioned (with Mezcal)

When to serve a maple Old Fashioned

This maple Old Fashioned cocktail is great in any season, but it’s especially great as a fall drink and winter cocktail. Serve it as a:

• Happy hour drink
• Dinner party drink
• Late night drinks drink
• Guys night drink
• Cocktail hour drink

Print