Maple Old Fashioned

There’s something comforting about a Maple Old Fashioned. The first sip feels warm and steady, the kind of sweetness that settles in without taking over. I started making this on quiet nights when I wanted a simple drink that still felt a little special.

The mix of bourbon, cognac, and maple syrup gives it a mellow feel that works well on cool evenings or slow weekends. It still tastes like the classic old-fashioned cocktail people love, but the maple softens the edges. I love this because it fits both whiskey fans and people who like a smoother sip.

If you want an easy whiskey recipe for fall dinners, holiday gatherings, or nights when you just want to unwind with a blanket, the Maple Old Fashioned is a great pick. It’s balanced, calm, and something you’ll come back to often.

Why You’ll Love This

This Maple Old Fashioned hits the sweet spot between simple and flavorful, which makes it great for home bartenders at any skill level.

• Quick to mix in just a few minutes
• Smooth flavor that feels steady and calm
• Balanced sweetness from real maple syrup
• A great pick for fall and winter gatherings
• Easy to adjust for your taste
• Works well for casual sipping or entertaining

You get a drink that feels warm and thoughtful, and it never asks for much effort. Once you make it a few times, it becomes a go-to when you want a cozy whiskey cocktail.

Ingredients

These ingredients come together to keep the drink rich but not too sweet. Each one adds something important to the final taste.

• 1.5 oz Bourbon
• 0.5 oz Cognac
• 0.5 oz maple syrup
• 2 dashes coffee-orange bitters
• large ice cube
• orange peel, for garnish
• Luxardo cherry for garnish, optional

The bourbon adds structure, the cognac smooths the edges, and the maple syrup adds a deeper sweetness than regular sugar. The bitters lift the flavor, and the orange peel brightens the finish. The large ice cube slows dilution, so the Maple Old Fashioned stays steady as you sip.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

You don’t need fancy bottles to make a good Maple Old Fashioned, but the ones you pick still shape the drink. These ideas keep it smooth, balanced, and simple to track down.

• Buffalo Trace brings a clean and steady flavor that holds up to sweet ingredients without tasting sharp.
• Elijah Craig adds warmth with a soft finish that blends nicely with maple and cognac.
• Four Roses Small Batch is a good pick if you want a slightly fruitier bourbon profile.
• For cognac, Courvoisier is smooth, while Hennessy gives a slightly richer taste that still fits the drink.
• Grade A pure maple syrup works best because it adds sweetness without turning the drink too thick.

If you’re missing something, swap the cognac for more bourbon, or use chocolate bitters instead of coffee orange bitters for a deeper taste.

Equipment and Glassware

You only need a few basic tools to mix this drink at home. These pieces help you stir gently and serve cleanly without extra fuss.

• Mixing Glass
• Bar Spoon
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Rocks Glass

These tools keep the process easy and consistent. The rocks glass helps the Maple Old Fashioned feel classic, and the mixing glass helps you control dilution for a cold, smooth sip.

How to Make It

This drink comes together quickly, which makes it perfect for small gatherings or simple nights at home. The process is steady and easy to follow.

1. Add bourbon, cognac, maple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass.
2. Fill the glass with ice and stir for 20 to 30 seconds until cold.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Press an orange peel over the top to release its oils.
5. Drop the peel into the drink and add a Luxardo cherry for a touch more sweetness.

Most people enjoy this version as written, but you can add a little more maple syrup for a sweeter drink or stir longer for more dilution.

Pro Tips

These tips help you get the best results every time you make a Maple Old Fashioned.

• Choose pure maple syrup for clean sweetness
• Use a big ice cube to slow melting
• Stir gently so you don’t over-dilute
• Always use fresh orange peel for a bright aroma
• Keep your mixing glass chilled for a colder drink
• Try a pinch of cinnamon on top for a warm twist
• Taste and adjust the maple syrup to your preference

Feel free to try small changes along the way. The drink is flexible and easy to shape into your perfect version.

Variations

The Maple Old Fashioned is easy to customize. You can shift flavor, sweetness, or strength without losing what makes the drink so cozy.

• Smoky version with a splash of peated whiskey
• Spiced version with cinnamon or cardamom bitters
• Sweeter version with a little extra maple syrup
• Non alcoholic version with zero-proof whiskey
• Holiday version with a pinch of nutmeg or clove

When to Serve and Pairings

This drink is perfect for cold evenings, small gatherings, and relaxed dinners when you want something smooth and steady. It works well around the holidays or whenever you want a comforting whiskey cocktail.

• Sharp cheddar
• Maple-glazed nuts
• Apple crisp
• Chocolate truffles
• Bourbon-based desserts

These pairings hold up well next to the deep sweetness of the Maple Old Fashioned.

Storage and Serving Notes

You can batch this drink by mixing the bourbon, cognac, maple syrup, and bitters ahead of time. Keep the mix chilled, then pour over ice and garnish when serving. The flavor stays steady for a few days if stored cold.

FAQs

Here are a few common questions that come up when people start making this drink at home.

Can I make this without cognac?
Yes. The drink will taste a little sharper, but it still works well with just bourbon.

Can I use rye instead of bourbon?
Rye will make the drink spicier and less soft. It’s a good choice if you want a sharper finish.

Does the maple syrup have to be pure?
Pure syrup works best because it brings clear sweetness without adding heavy or artificial notes.

Can I use different bitters?
Yes. Chocolate or walnut bitters add a deeper flavor that works well with maple.

Is this drink strong?
It’s a spirit-forward cocktail just like a classic old-fashioned, but the maple and cognac soften the edges.

More Cocktails to Try

If you like the calm sweetness of a Maple Old Fashioned, you might enjoy other cozy drinks that bring steady flavor and simple steps. These are great for relaxed nights.

• Maple Bourbon Smash: A smooth mix of bourbon and maple with a bright citrus lift
• Black Walnut Old-Fashioned: A deeper take on the old-fashioned with soft nutty notes
• Chai Old-Fashioned:  A spiced whiskey drink that fits cold-weather nights
• Bourbon Pear Cider: A warm drink that mixes pear, bourbon, and gentle spice