Maple Old Fashioned: Recipe Guide
Maple Old Fashioned
Equipment
- Equipment Needed: Mixing glass, bar spoon, jigger, rocks glass, and ice.
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon or rye whiskey for a spicier flavor
- 1/2 oz Pure maple syrup adjust based on sweetness preference
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash Orange bitters optional
- Orange peel for garnish
- Ice large cubes or sphere for slow dilution
Instructions
- Method
- Chill Your Glass: Start by chilling your rocks glass. You can do this by filling it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, and both Angostura and orange bitters.
- Add Ice: Fill the mixing glass with ice. Use large cubes to minimize dilution and keep the cocktail balanced.
- Stir: Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds. This step is crucial as it dilutes the drink slightly and chills it without over-diluting.
- Prepare the Glass: Discard the ice water from your chilled rocks glass. Strain the cocktail into the glass over a large ice cube or sphere.
- Garnish: Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by holding it over the glass and giving it a little twist. Drop it in as a garnish.
- Enjoy: Sip and savor the warmth and sweetness of your Maple Old Fashioned!
- Variations
- Maple Old Fashioned with a Twist: Add a splash of soda water for a refreshing twist.
- Smoky Maple Old Fashioned: Substitute bourbon with mezcal for a smoky flavor.
- Herbal Infusion: Infuse your bourbon with herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic experience.
- Tips and Substitutions for Specific Dietary Needs
- For a Lower-Calorie Option: Use a sugar-free maple syrup or reduce the amount of syrup and add a splash of water for sweetness.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your bourbon or rye is labeled gluten-free.
- Vegan Option: Use pure maple syrup, as it is naturally vegan-friendly.
The Maple Old Fashioned is a delightful twist on the classic cocktail, bringing in the rich, warm flavors of maple syrup to create a smooth and comforting drink. This cocktail not only warms the soul but also showcases versatility, pairing beautifully with a variety of dishes. From my own personal experience, it’s perfect for cozy evenings at home or when entertaining guests. Let me show you how I make this timeless drink.
Behind the History of the Maple Old Fashioned
The Maple Old Fashioned is a smooth twist on one of the oldest cocktails ever made. The original Old Fashioned first popped up in the early 1800s. Back then, people kept things simple, just whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water. It was all about highlighting the spirit without masking it. Over time, bartenders started experimenting with it, adding their own spins to match the seasons or the moment.
Now here’s where maple comes in. Somewhere along the way, people started replacing the traditional sugar cube with pure maple syrup. It wasn’t just about being fancy, maple syrup adds a warm, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with bourbon or rye. It’s smoother, deeper, and feels a bit more grown-up.
This version likely came out of colder regions like the Northeast or Canada, where maple syrup is everywhere and always fresh. So instead of stirring in plain sugar, someone thought, “Why not use what we’ve got?” That one small change made this drink stand out , it became perfect for fall, cozy nights, or just anyone who loves a drink that’s rich but easy to sip.
From my own personal experience, the Maple Old Fashioned feels less harsh than the classic one. It’s mellow without losing the punch, and that touch of maple makes people pause and go, “Whoa, that’s good.”
So while the original Old Fashioned was born in whiskey bars and gentleman’s clubs, the maple version has a vibe that’s more relaxed. It’s the kind of drink you want when you’re winding down, maybe watching the leaves fall or hanging out with friends by a fire.
Notes on What to Expect
Expect a smooth and rich cocktail with a delightful hint of sweetness from the maple syrup. The bitters add depth and complexity, while the bourbon brings warmth, making this drink perfect for any occasion, from a relaxed evening at home to a festive gathering.
Quick Meal Facts
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (mixing only)
- Time to Stand: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Calories: Approximately 200 calories
- Cost of Ingredients: Around $5-10 (depending on quality of bourbon and maple syrup)
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Cocktail
- Equipment Needed: Mixing glass, bar spoon, jigger, rocks glass, and ice.
Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #mapleoldfashioned here
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon (or rye whiskey for a spicier flavor)
- 1/2 oz Pure maple syrup (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash Orange bitters (optional)
- Orange peel (for garnish)
- Ice (large cubes or sphere for slow dilution)
Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #mapleoldfashioned here
Method
- Chill Your Glass: Start by chilling your rocks glass. You can do this by filling it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, and both Angostura and orange bitters.
- Add Ice: Fill the mixing glass with ice. Use large cubes to minimize dilution and keep the cocktail balanced.
- Stir: Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds. This step is crucial as it dilutes the drink slightly and chills it without over-diluting.
- Prepare the Glass: Discard the ice water from your chilled rocks glass. Strain the cocktail into the glass over a large ice cube or sphere.
- Garnish: Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by holding it over the glass and giving it a little twist. Drop it in as a garnish.
- Enjoy: Sip and savor the warmth and sweetness of your Maple Old Fashioned!
Variations
- Maple Old Fashioned with a Twist: Add a splash of soda water for a refreshing twist.
- Smoky Maple Old Fashioned: Substitute bourbon with mezcal for a smoky flavor.
- Herbal Infusion: Infuse your bourbon with herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic experience.
Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #mapleoldfashioned here
Tips and Substitutions for Specific Dietary Needs
- For a Lower-Calorie Option: Use a sugar-free maple syrup or reduce the amount of syrup and add a splash of water for sweetness.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your bourbon or rye is labeled gluten-free.
- Vegan Option: Use pure maple syrup, as it is naturally vegan-friendly.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Troubleshooting Tips
- Too Sweet? If the drink is too sweet for your taste, reduce the amount of maple syrup or add an extra dash of bitters to balance it out.
- Over-Diluted? If you find your drink is diluted too much, use fewer ice cubes when mixing, or use a larger ice cube in your rocks glass to slow down the melting process.
- Flavor Balance: Adjust the bitters according to your preference; a bit more or less can change the drink’s profile significantly.
