Even though you see it all year round, maple syrup is one of those things that scream autumn. And incorporating it in a fall cocktail like the Maple Old Fashioned certainly is the evident conclusion.
Ingredients
The Maple Old Fashioned is even quicker and easier to make than the original version. All you need is Whiskey, maple syrup, and Angostura orange bitters.
Translated from the classic Old Fashioned, this means:
Maple syrup replaces the sugar cube, orange bitters replace the regular aromatic bitters from Angostura, and you omit the soda water.
The Whiskey, preferably Bourbon or Rye, and the orange peel for garnish remain the same as in the original.
Personally, I prefer Bourbon in the Maple Old Fashioned because it goes perfectly with the citrus flavors from the bitters and the warm and sweet caramel notes of the maple syrup. Or favorite is the 10 Years Old Eagle Rare.
However, if you're a Rye drinker and want to make an Old Fashioned with that typical spicy kick, make sure to check out our recommendations for the best Rye Whiskeys for Old Fashioned cocktails.
Another thing to keep in mind: use large, ideally clear ice cubes for this cocktail to minimize dilution. This drink is a slow sipper, and you don't want to have a watery puddle by the time you finish it.
Taste of the Maple Old Fashioned
The taste of this fall cocktail is beautifully complex and slightly sweeter than the original. It carries subtle notes of caramel and vanilla. However, the Bourbon and the bitters smoothen the distinct, almost bitter maple flavor.
So if you want a full-blown punch of maple, this drink won't live up to those expectations. But if you want a sophisticated, boozy sipper with some autumnal aromas, the Maple Old Fashioned is your drink.
Other Fall cocktails
Are you looking for more cocktails with some seasonal spices? Perhaps you plan a brunch with friends this fall? Then, the Apple Cider Mimosa makes a perfect sparkling pairing.
Or do you want something warm like the Pear and Ginger Punch or a traditionally made Irish Coffee? And you can also check out this overview of our favorite fall cocktails for more recipes.
Other Old Fashioned twists
Alternatively, you can dive deeper into the many tweaks and twists of the Old Fashioned cocktails. Here are some of my favorites:
- Samurai Old Fashioned, made with the Japanese favorite spirit Shochu
- Mezcal Old Fashioned, made with the beautiful, smoky Mexican agave spirit
- Christmas Old Fashioned, a sensational twist for when the festive season approaches
Also, if you want to know more about the Old Fashioned, one of the vintage drinks that lay the foundation for today's mixology, you can find its history here.
Equipment
- 1 Jigger
- 1 Mixing glass
- 1 Bar spoon
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 0.25 oz maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura orange bitters
- 1 orange peel - for garnish
Instructions
- Add all ingredients together with ice into your mixing glass.2 oz Bourbon, 0.25 oz maple syrup, 2 dashes Angostura orange bitters
- Stir for a few seconds until the mixing glass is cold.
- Strain your drink over a large ice cube into an Old Fashioned glass and garnish with the orange peel.1 orange peel