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.

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

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.

Fill your mixing glass with ice.
Add the bourbon or rye, maple syrup, and bitters.
Stir until the drink feels cold on the outside of the glass.
Strain into an old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube.
Garnish with a cooked bacon strip.
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

A Maple Bacon Old Fashioned leaves a lot of room for small changes. You can make the drink richer, lighter, or smokier, depending on your preference.

Add bacon-infused bourbon for stronger smoky notes
Use smoked maple syrup for a deeper flavor
Add orange bitters for a soft citrus touch
Swap bacon for candied bacon to make it sweeter
Create a fall whiskey cocktail by adding a drop of apple syrup

These twists keep the drink familiar while adding something new.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Maple Bacon Old Fashioned fits quiet evenings, dinner nights, or weekends when you want something slow and smooth. It works well during fall and winter because the maple and bacon make the drink feel warm without being heavy. It also works for gatherings where you want a savory cocktail that stands out from the usual choices.

Try pairing it with

Roasted nuts
Smoked meats
Sharp cheeses
Bacon-wrapped appetizers
Simple chocolate desserts

These snacks match the sweet and smoky drink style without competing with the whiskey.

Storage and Serving Notes

This drink should be mixed fresh, but you can prepare the whiskey and maple syrup ahead of time. Store the blend in the fridge and stir each serving with fresh ice. Add the bacon garnish right before serving to keep it crisp. If you prep multiple servings, keep the bacon separate until it is time to pour.

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.

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