The old-fashioned is the grandfather of all cocktails. Exuding sophistication, an old-fashioned delivers nothing short of a smooth sipping experience, so why not deepen the flavor profile with some maple? Blending well with bourbon's sweet vanilla and caramel flavors, consider this maple old-fashioned to be a boozy elixir.
How to Make Maple Old-Fashioned
The old-fashioned has transformed over the years, from the first recipe used to the modern-day. It never left the cocktail scene after first appearing in the 1800s.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- ¾ ounce maple syrup
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice and king cube
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, add ice, bourbon, maple syrup, and both bitters.
- Stir rapidly to chill.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice or a king cube.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
Experiment using different types of maple syrup. Depending on the color, syrups can range from golden and delicate in flavor to a robust color and deep flavor profile.
Variations and Substitutions
An old-fashioned cocktail isn't a delicate drink, and there's room to play with different flavor profiles.
- Consider using rye whiskey to cut through the sweetness of the maple syrup.
- Maple simple syrup can be easier to mix.
- A maple bourbon would add an even bigger maple flavor.
- Play around with different bitters flavors, including smoked or black walnut, to dress up the drink.
- A splash of spiced bourbon or allspice dram would emphasize the maple flavors.
- Experiment with different flavor profiles by using homemade infused whiskey. Maple is so versatile it can pair well with pecan-flavored or orange-flavored whiskey.
Related: 13 Maple Bourbon & Maple Whiskey Cocktails You'll Fall For
Garnishes
Fall drinks mean a wide world of fun garnishes. Think over the idea of straying from the traditional garnish in favor of something unique.
- Try out a candied orange peel.
- Change up the look using a piece of dehydrated fruit, including oranges, lemons, or limes.
- Char a cinnamon stick for a flavor boost.
- Drop in a maple candy.
- Spear one or three Luxardo cherries.
- Add a lemon twist or a small sprig of fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme.
- Use a lemon or orange twist.
- Drop in a few coffee beans.
A Sweet Choice to Fall For
Maple syrup isn't just for your favorite breakfast food. It also pairs well with an old-fashioned. Consider the maple old-fashioned to be an elevated version of the classic. Not only is this cocktail one to remember, but it never falls short of delivering a warm sip that'll keep you cozy.
