The Maple Old Fashioned, a twist on the classic, will have you falling in love with this whiskey cocktail all over again! With just the right amount of sweetness, it makes the best fall cocktail.
If there is a favorite among classic cocktails, the Old Fashioned would have to be at the top of the list. Pour a simple, yet satisfying, mixture of whiskey, bitters and sugar over a single, hefty ice cube in a whiskey glass. Twist an orange peel and add it to the glass to finish this classic drink. An Old Fashioned should be sipped slowly and stirred often.
How did the Old Fashioned get its name?
The blend dates back to the late 1700’s and quickly became a favorite cocktail. As it gained popularity, bartenders began adding garnishes and other liquors to the drink’s traditional mix of ingredients.
Bar patrons didn’t approve of the changes being made to their favorite whiskey cocktail. As a way to show their dislike for these new additions, they would order their drinks “the old-fashioned way”.
Desserts that pair well with a Maple Old Fashioned
The flavors of caramel, apple, cinnamon and pumpkin are a great complement to almost any cocktail made with whiskey.
Without changing the essence of the cocktail, I’ve created a fall version of this tasty, smooth whiskey libation. By adding two simple elements, you can create a flavorful Maple Old Fashioned, a seasonal version of the original.
Add a taste of fall to the glass by stirring in real maple syrup instead of sugar and water. It adds a warm maple flavor to the mix and makes a perfectly sweetened cocktail. Stirring the cocktail with a cinnamon stick infuses the drink with some subtle spicy notes. Burn the end of the cinnamon stick before stirring your cocktail to add a slightly smoky flavor.
While “the old-fashioned way” of making a whiskey cocktail may be the standard, this autumnal spin creates an inviting blend that highlights the flavors of fall.
Maple Old Fashioned Recipe
What’s needed:
With only a handful of ingredients, this classic cocktail comes together in just 5 minutes.
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
- 3 or 4 dashes of Angostura Bitters
- 1 tablespoon real maple syrup
- orange peel
- cinnamon stick for garnish
How to make a Maple Old Fashioned?
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Add a large ice cube to a whiskey glass. Pour the bourbon over the ice and stir to chill the bourbon. Add the bitters and the maple syrup. Twist an orange peel over the drink to release the oil, then drop the peel into the glass.
- Serve the drink with a cinnamon stick on the rim of the glass for stirring. For added smoky flavor, light the end of the cinnamon stick and let it burn for a few seconds before extinguishing. Then use it to stir your drink. Recipe makes 1 cocktail.
Enjoy this cocktail by sipping it slowly after an evening meal. The added maple syrup in the drink makes it smooth and slightly sweet.
My recipe for Maple Old Fashioned was originally published in the Spirits Section of the Fall 2024 edition of South Brunswick Magazine. I write and contribute a cocktail recipe regularly for SBM on a quarterly basis. Be sure to check out more of my original cocktail recipes as I share them here.
More of the Best Fall Cocktail Recipes
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Maple Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon , or rye whiskey
- 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, pure or organic
- 1 slice orange peel
- 1 cinnamon stick, garnish
Instructions
- Add a large ice cube to a whiskey glass. Pour the bourbon over the ice and stir to chill the bourbon.
- Add the bitters and the maple syrup. Twist an orange peel over the drink to release the oil, then drop the peel into the glass.
- Serve the drink with a cinnamon stick on the rim of the glass for stirring. For added smoky flavor, light the end of the cinnamon stick and let it burn for a few seconds before extinguishing. Then use it to stir your drink. Recipe makes one cocktail.
Equipment
- 1 whiskey glass
