What is the Maple Old Fashioned Cocktail?

Maple Old Fashioned cocktail in a rocks glass with orange twist and ice

The Maple Old Fashioned is a nuanced twist on the revered Old Fashioned, swapping traditional sugar for pure maple syrup. This simple adjustment transforms a classic into something more autumnal and layered, bringing out deep, earthy sweetness that complements the core spirit—bourbon or rye—with an unmistakably North American character.

How the Maple Old Fashioned Evolved

The Old Fashioned traces its roots to the early 19th century in the US, where it emerged as a proto-cocktail built on a simple formula: spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. Innovation came slowly—nearly two centuries of loyal adherence to muddled sugar cubes and orange peels—until bartenders and home enthusiasts alike began reimagining old recipes with regional and seasonal sweeteners. Using maple syrup in place of white sugar appears to have gained prominence in the late 2000s, especially in the American Northeast and Canada where maple sap is harvested. The switch not only encouraged smoother mixing but also layered in complexity, making the drink appealing for cold weather and brunch menus.

Classic Old Fashioned vs. Maple Old Fashioned

Sweetener: The traditional version uses granulated sugar or a sugar cube; the maple version uses 10 ml to 15 ml pure maple syrup for richer flavor and easier mixing.
Profile: Maple syrup imparts notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted nuts not present in plain sugar.
Texture: Syrup creates a naturally rounder, silkier body than dry sugar, which can leave graininess if not fully dissolved.
Occasion: The maple variant feels cozier and is often sipped during fall and winter, or paired with brunch dishes.

This subtle reinvention keeps the Old Fashioned’s spirit-forward edge while adding new dimensions with zero artificial flavors.

Maple Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Selecting a robust bourbon or rye gives the maple syrup room to shine. Choose only authentic, dark amber maple syrup (grade A or B) to avoid unwanted bitterness or artificial notes.

60 ml bourbon or rye whiskey
10–15 ml pure maple syrup (grade A dark)
2 ml Angostura bitters
Large clear ice cube
Orange or lemon twist, for garnish

How to Make a Maple Old Fashioned

Pour the maple syrup and bitters into a mixing glass.
Add the whiskey and fill the mixing glass with cubed ice.
Stir well for about 30 seconds, until the mixture is well chilled and diluted.
Strain over a large clear ice cube in a rocks glass.
Express an orange or lemon peel over the drink and drop it in as garnish.

Stirring a Maple Old Fashioned in a mixing glass with bar spoon and ice

Why the Maple Old Fashioned Became Popular

Two major drivers raise the Maple Old Fashioned’s profile: the bartender-led cocktail revival (favoring craft, local ingredients) and a growing appreciation for all-natural sweeteners. The drink appeals both to lovers of tradition and those seeking something subtly new. Home bartenders appreciate its simplicity—no muddling, no risk of undissolved sugar. Its gentle spice and velvety sweetness fit autumn gatherings, winter nights, and brunch tables alike.

Maple syrup being poured into whiskey in a glass

Ingredient Tips and Custom Variations

Always use real maple syrup—artificial pancake syrup will ruin the flavor.
Try rye whiskey for a spicier, more robust twist; bourbon offers a rounder, sweeter profile.
One dash of orange bitters can be added for extra citrus lift.
Garnish with a flamed orange peel to accentuate the maple and whiskey aromas.
Consider smoked maple syrup or a few drops of peated whisky for an even deeper, more complex cocktail.

The Maple Old Fashioned’s charm is its respect for the original—in everything but sugar—now reclaimed by rich syrup tapped from the coldest forests. It’s proof that a small change can elevate a timeless classic.