This Maple Old Fashioned is a refined take on the classic whiskey cocktail, accented with real maple syrup and a hint of nutty bitters. The version here is adapted from a recipe served at Fedora, a historic Manhattan bar, and appears in The United States of Cocktails by Brian Bartels. It’s an approachable drink that brightens cold evenings while remaining simple to prepare at home.
Why it works
The Maple Old Fashioned keeps the structure of a traditional Old Fashioned while introducing maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness. Maple syrup blends naturally with bourbon, enhancing the spirit’s caramel, vanilla, and toasted grain notes without overpowering them. The result is a warmer, earthier profile compared with a sugar-cube Old Fashioned.
Adding a cherry liqueur brings a rounded fruit undertone that pairs well with the bourbon’s oak and spice. An orange peel contributes a burst of citrus oils that brightens the overall flavor and balances the syrup’s richness. When available, toasted pecan bitters amplify the maple’s nuttiness and add a subtle savory edge; if pecan bitters cannot be sourced, classic Angostura or cherry bitters are good alternatives. Orange bitters also work well when you want a sharper citrus lift.
Because the cocktail relies on a short list of ingredients, quality matters. Use real maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for authentic flavor. A mid-range bourbon will deliver satisfying complexity without needing to be top-shelf. Small adjustments — a touch more maple for sweetness, or a dash more bitters for complexity — let you tailor the drink to your taste.
Ingredients
Simple, focused ingredients keep this cocktail balanced and approachable. The amounts below make a single drink.
- Bourbon — Choose a quality bourbon with good flavor and structure. Recommended brands often include Four Roses, Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, and Buffalo Trace, but any bourbon you enjoy will do.
- Cherry liqueur — The recipe calls for a cherry liqueur such as Cherry Heering; any cherry liqueur will provide the necessary fruit depth.
- Maple syrup — Use real maple syrup. Amber maple syrup offers a nice balance of flavor and complexity without being overly intense.
- Bitters — Toasted pecan bitters emphasize the nutty character; Angostura or cherry bitters are good substitutes. Orange bitters can be used to boost citrus notes.
- Garnish — Luxardo-style cherries and an orange peel are traditional and effective garnishes.
Garnish
Use high-quality cocktail cherries rather than bright red maraschino cherries for the best flavor and appearance. Luxardo-type cherries are rich and syrupy and make an elegant garnish, but fresh cherries work beautifully when in season. Frozen cherries can be used in a pinch.
For the orange garnish, a simple twist is effective: squeeze the peel gently over the drink to release aromatic oils, then rub it along the rim before dropping it in. If you want extra depth, briefly flame or heat the peel to produce a burnt-orange aroma, which pairs nicely with maple and toasted bitters.
Related recipes
If you enjoy warm, bourbon-forward cocktails, other comforting options include a brown butter apple cider hot toddy, bourbon-spiked hot chocolate, and a peanut butter cocktail. These drinks share a cozy flavor profile and work well on cool evenings.
Recipe Card
Maple Old Fashioned
1 drink
4 minutes
4 minutes
A relaxed, memorable twist on the Old Fashioned highlighted by maple syrup and nutty bitters.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- ¼ ounce cherry liqueur
- ¼ ounce real maple syrup
- 3 dashes toasted pecan bitters (or Angostura/cherry bitters)
- Garnish: Luxardo-style cherries and an orange peel
Instructions
- Combine bourbon, cherry liqueur, and maple syrup in a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice. Stir or shake briefly until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Top with bitters by adding dashes on the surface.
- Add the cherries. Squeeze or express the orange peel over the glass to release oils, then place the peel in the drink.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Substitute Angostura or cherry bitters if toasted pecan bitters are unavailable. Adjust maple syrup to taste — a touch more for sweeter preferences, less for a drier profile. For a brighter citrus note, try a dash of orange bitters.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 156
Total Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Sugar: 18g
Nutrition values are estimates. Use your specific brands for precise calculations.