Maple Old Fashioned
Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 31.2% ABV ∙
The Maple Old Fashioned sweetens bourbon and rye with maple syrup instead of sugar and finishes with orange bitters.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Stir all ingredients with ice: Bourbon 50 mlRye whiskey 15 mlMaple syrup 10 mlOrange bitters 1 dash
- Strain into the ice-filled glass
- Express an orange twist over the cocktail and use as garnish
Tips
- Maple syrup's sweetness varies by grade, so add the 10 ml a little at a time and taste; once the drink is too sweet, only more whiskey fixes it.
- Stir for about 30 seconds, then strain over one large cube so the drink stays cold without watering down as you sip.
- A darker, robust-grade maple syrup has more flavor than a light table syrup, so use less of it.
History
The Maple Old Fashioned is an Old Fashioned sweetened with maple syrup instead of sugar. Its base combines bourbon and rye, both traditional whiskeys for the classic. The Maple Old Fashioned has no single documented creator; one aged-rum variation is credited to Allen Katz, co-founder of the New York Distilling Company.
FAQ
What is in a Maple Old Fashioned?
50 ml bourbon, 15 ml rye whiskey, 10 ml maple syrup and a dash of orange bitters. The maple takes the place of the sugar cube or simple syrup in a standard Old Fashioned.
Is maple syrup good in an Old Fashioned?
Yes. Maple syrup dissolves easily and adds an earthy, caramel depth that complements the vanilla notes in barrel-aged bourbon and rye.
Is a Maple Old Fashioned shaken or stirred?
Stirred. Shaking would aerate and cloud a spirit-forward drink like this; stirring keeps it clear and silky.
What whiskey is best for a Maple Old Fashioned?
A bourbon with pronounced vanilla and caramel notes, which echo the maple. This recipe adds 15 ml of rye to the 50 ml of bourbon for extra spice, and a higher-proof bottle stands up better to the syrup's sweetness.
What is the alcohol content of a Maple Old Fashioned?
About 31.2% ABV. It is almost all whiskey, with only a little maple syrup and bitters, so it drinks strong. The stir and the large ice cube soften it slightly as they dilute it.
What glass is a Maple Old Fashioned served in?
An old-fashioned (rocks) glass, ideally over one large ice cube, which keeps the drink cold without watering it down as you sip.
