Maple Bacon Old Fashioned

The Maple Bacon Old Fashioned is the kind of drink that makes you pause for a moment before taking the first sip. I first tried a version of it on a chilly evening, and I remember thinking how the mix of maple, bourbon, and bacon felt both simple and rich at the same time. 

The flavor has a warm depth, yet it remains smooth enough to enjoy slowly. I love this cocktail because it takes a familiar classic and gives it a cozy twist without overdoing it. It fits quiet nights, dinner gatherings, or moments when you want something thoughtful.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Maple Bacon Old Fashioned takes the familiar shape of an old-fashioned and adds a warm balance of maple and smoky bacon. The mix feels relaxed yet interesting, especially if you enjoy a sweet, smoky drink or a savory cocktail with a smooth finish. The maple softens the whiskey, while the bacon adds a gentle richness that feels right for colder days or evenings when you want something slow and steady.

• Simple ingredients you can find easily
• Works with bourbon or rye
• Slight sweetness from maple syrup
• Smoky bacon garnish that adds depth
• Great for fall or winter
• Easy to adjust for sweetness

Once you try it, it becomes a favorite for anyone who likes a maple bourbon cocktail with character.

Ingredients

This drink uses a short list of ingredients that come together cleanly. The whiskey brings structure, the maple syrup adds sweetness, and the bitters pull everything together. The bacon garnish gives the Maple Bacon Old Fashioned its unique style and makes it a fun old-fashioned variation.

• 2 oz. Bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1/2 oz. maple syrup
• 2 dashes bitters
• cooked bacon garnish
• cherry garnish (optional)

Each ingredient plays a specific role. Bourbon gives the drink a softer finish, while rye creates a sharper edge if you like more bite. Maple syrup adds a round sweetness that pairs well with whiskey. Bitters keep the drink balanced, so it never tastes too sweet. The bacon garnish adds a smoky touch that complements the flavor of a bacon old-fashioned.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

A Maple Bacon Old Fashioned pairs well with many whiskeys, but smoother bottles help the maple blend naturally. You can pick your favorite based on whether you prefer a softer or stronger sip.

• Buffalo Trace has a clean taste that mixes smoothly with maple syrup.
• Four Roses Bourbon keeps the drink balanced without overpowering the sweetness.
• Bulleit Rye gives a sharper finish if you want a stronger style.
• Use smoked maple syrup if you want a deeper smoked old-fashioned feel.
• Try bacon-infused bourbon for extra richness.
• Swap the bitters with orange bitters for a subtle citrus note.

These choices let you adjust the drink to your preferred whiskey profile.

Equipment and Glassware

You only need a few tools to make this savory cocktail. Most of the work happens in the mixing glass, ensuring a smooth drink without overmixing.

Helpful items

• Mixing Glass
• Bar Spoon
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Old Fashioned Glass

A heavy glass helps the Maple Bacon Old Fashioned feel more grounded, especially with a large cube that melts slowly.

How to Make It

This recipe stays close to the classic method so the whiskey can shine. The maple adds flavor without hiding the spirit, and the bacon garnish brings a warm hint of smoke.

1. Fill your mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the bourbon or rye, maple syrup, and bitters.
3. Stir until the drink feels cold on the outside of the glass.
4. Strain into an old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube.
5. Garnish with a cooked bacon strip.
6. Add a cherry for a touch of extra sweetness.

Taste the drink and adjust the maple syrup if you like it sweeter.

Pro Tips

Small details help the Maple Bacon Old Fashioned taste more complete. The right maple syrup or a simple prep step can shift the drink, making it feel more balanced.

• Use real maple syrup for cleaner sweetness
• Stir long enough to chill the drink evenly
• Warm the maple syrup slightly so it mixes easily
• Try smoked bacon for a stronger flavor
• Pick a thick slice so the garnish stays crisp
• Use a large ice cube for slower dilution
• Choose a whiskey you enjoy sipping

Once you find your preferred balance, you can start experimenting with the cocktail for fun.

Variations

The Maple Bacon Old Fashioned is easy to adjust while keeping the same whiskey, maple, and savory structure.

• Rye Version: Use rye whiskey for a drier and spicier drink.
• Bourbon Version: Use bourbon for a smoother and sweeter profile.
• Smoked Version: Smoke the glass briefly before straining the cocktail.
• Orange Version: Add a dash of orange bitters.
• No-Bacon Version: Skip the bacon and use an orange peel or cherry instead.

You can also use a maple-candied bacon garnish if you want an even sweeter finish.

When to Serve and Pairings

The The Maple Bacon Old Fashioned works well for brunch, game day, fall dinners, holiday meals, and after-dinner drinks.

Its whiskey, maple, and savory flavors pair especially well with rich foods.

Try it with:

• Bacon-wrapped dates
• Smoked brisket
• Burgers
• Roast pork
• Sharp cheddar
• Roasted pecans
• Maple-glazed nuts
• Dark chocolate

It also fits well beside drinks such as the Maple Butter Old Fashioned, Maple-Bourbon Smash, Oak Smoked Old Fashioned, or Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned.

If your menu already has several fruity cocktails, this gives you a stronger spirit-forward option.

Storage and Serving Notes

The Maple Bacon Old Fashioned is best stirred and served fresh.

You can pre-measure the whiskey, maple syrup, and bitters ahead of time and keep the mixture refrigerated.

For several servings, multiply the liquid ingredients by the number of drinks you need and store the batch in a sealed container.

Stir individual portions with ice before serving, or dilute the batch slightly and keep it very cold.

Cook the bacon ahead of time if needed, then refrigerate it in a sealed container.

Bring the bacon close to room temperature before garnishing so it is not refrigerator-cold against the glass.

Add the bacon and cherry only when you are ready to serve.

FAQs

Here are a few common questions that come up when making a maple syrup cocktail like this one.

Can I make it sweeter?
Yes, add a little extra maple syrup until it fits your taste.

Can I use flavored bitters?
Orange bitters or chocolate bitters both work well with maple.

Can I use bacon-infused bourbon?
Yes, it fits naturally with this recipe and adds a deeper smoky flavor.

Does the bacon change the drink over time?
A little. That is why it is best to add the bacon right before serving.

Can I use rye instead of bourbon?
Rye makes the drink sharper, which some people prefer for an old-fashioned variation.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy the Maple Bacon Old Fashioned, you might like other bold and flavorful drinks that keep things simple while offering something different.

• Oak Smoked Old Fashioned, a deep whiskey drink with gentle smoke
• Cider and Maple Old Fashioned, a clean twist with soft fruit
• Maple Bourbon Smash, a bright mix with maple and citrus
• Maple Whiskey Sour, cleaner citrus twist while staying in the maple family