Maple Syrup Old Fashioned

Jump to Recipe

This Maple Syrup Old Fashioned creates a new twist on a classic cocktail by trading the simple syrup for maple syrup, and adding fresh cherries and sliced oranges. It’s lightly sweet and delightful to sip on the rocks.

Maple Syrup Old Fashioned garnished with an orange slice and cherry on a black serving platter.

An old fashioned cocktail is perfect to serve during the cooler months as bourbon and whiskey are definitely spirits that warm the soul. It’s one that you can slowly sip by the fire as the ice gradually melts.

On a trip to Vermont, my brother ordered a Cherry Maple Old Fashioned that was pretty darn delicious. However, that version used maraschino cherries, and I knew I wanted to create a version that used fresh fruit. That led me to muddle a few fresh cherries with the orange and bitters. I also love the unique flavor maple syrup adds as a sweetener.

This is also an incredibly quick and simple cocktail to make. It only takes a few seconds to muddle the fruit with the bourbon and maple syrup. Ready to try a delicious twist on a classic cocktail?

FAQs:

What’s in a classic old fashioned cocktail?

The four basic components include: bourbon or whiskey, bitters, sugar, and ice. The melting ice is meant to slowly water down the whiskey as the cocktail is sipped. Some people will also add a citrus twist to the drink. I like adding the muddled fruit for flavor, but it is definitely not traditional.

What’s the difference between bourbon and whiskey?

Bourbon is a type of whiskey, but not all whiskeys are bourbons. To be classified as a bourbon the whiskey must contain at least 51% corn mash. It’s this higher content of corn that gives bourbon it’s sweeter flavor. Bourbon is also aged in new charred oak barrels, while whiskeys may use a variety of barrels that were used to age other spirits. For more information on the differences, see Food and Wine’s This is the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey.

What's the Best Bourbon for an Old Fashioned?

In short, the best bourbon for an Old Fashioned is one you enjoy drinking. A few you might consider trying include: Knob Creek, Bulleit, Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, or Four Roses.

Ingredients for a Cherry Maple Old Fashioned:

Ingredients for Cherry Maple Old Fashioned portioned on concrete surface with dark background.

Bourbon: Use any brand you like.
Maple syrup: Replaces the simple syrup.
Bitters: Balances the sweet and acidic components.
Cherries: The fruity element.
Orange slice: Adds citrus and acid to balance the sweetness.

How to Make a Maple Syrup Old Fashioned:

This is a simple cocktail to prepare.

Add the orange slice, pitted cherries, bitters, maple syrup, and bourbon to a rocks glass. Use a muddler to break down the fruit.
Top with ice cubes, and serve.

Hand shaking bitters into a rocks glass containing an orange slice and cherries. — Add orange slice, cherries, and bitters to a rocks glass.

Hand muddling bourbon and maple syrup with the cherries and orange slice. — Add orange slice, cherries, and bitters to a rocks glass.

Serving Suggestions:

Add an orange slice and cherry as a garnish, if desired.

Inspired Fresh Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. Thank you for supporting Inspired Fresh Life.

Ingredient Substitutions:

Fresh cherries: Yes, you could also use maraschino cherries like the original that I tasted.
Orange slice: You could also use clementine or grapefruit slices.
Bourbon: Whiskey will also work.

Recipe Notes:

Need to up your home bartending game? This cocktail shaker set will have you mixing up cocktails and looking like a pro.
Bitters bring more complexity to a cocktail.
A measured shot glass allows you to get the perfect proportions in your cocktails.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card and/or a review in the comments section at the bottom of the page. Are you following along on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook?

More Bourbon and Whiskey Cocktails to Love:

Cherry Bourbon Smash

Peanut Butter Whiskey Old Fashioned

Mint Julep

Explore more Cocktail recipes on Inspired Fresh Life.

Maple Syrup Old Fashioned

Yield: 1 cocktail

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

2 ounces bourbon
½ ounce maple syrup
2-3 dashes bitters
orange slice
2 cherries

Instructions

Add the orange slice, pitted cherries, bitters, maple syrup, and bourbon to a rocks glass. Use a muddler to break down the fruit.
Top with ice cubes, and serve.

Notes

INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTIONS:

Fresh cherries: Yes, you could also use maraschino cherries like the original that I tasted.
Orange slice: You could also use clementine or grapefruit slices.
Bourbon: Whiskey will also work.