Okay, so you know those classic cocktails? The ones that just feel… right? The Old Fashioned is totally that drink for me. It’s simple, strong, and timeless. But sometimes, you want to give a classic a little hug, a little twist, you know? That’s where my absolute favorite comes in: the Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned with Orange Bitters. Seriously, this drink is like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, but with a kick!

I first stumbled upon the idea of using maple syrup in an Old Fashioned a few years back, messing around in my kitchen on a rainy Saturday. I had some amazing local maple syrup and thought, “Hmm, what if…?” The result was pure magic. The rich, almost earthy sweetness of the maple just *works* with the warm, oaky notes of bourbon in a way that sugar can’t quite capture. And the orange bitters? They add this bright, fragrant lift that cuts through the richness beautifully. Trust me, mastering a killer Old Fashioned has become a bit of a passion project, and this maple version is definitely a highlight!

Why You’ll Love This Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned with Orange Bitters

Seriously, this isn’t just *another* Old Fashioned. It’s a total game-changer! Here’s why I think you’ll fall head over heels for this Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned with Orange Bitters:

It’s ridiculously easy! No fancy shakers or complicated steps needed. If you can stir, you can make this.
A delicious twist on a classic. It honors the Old Fashioned roots but brings in that cozy, rich maple flavor that’s just irresistible.
Perfect for any time. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or mixing up drinks for friends, this one always hits the spot.
Uses simple, good stuff. Just a few key ingredients come together for something truly special.
That orange and maple combo? It’s pure harmony in a glass!

Equipment Needed for a Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

Alright, let’s talk tools! The beauty of an Old Fashioned is you don’t need a whole bar cart to make one. For this Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned, you’ll just need a few basics:

A mixing glass (or just a sturdy tall glass!)
A bar spoon (a long spoon works too)
A julep strainer (or any strainer you have)
A rocks glass (for serving the finished masterpiece)

See? Simple!

Ingredients for Your Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned with Orange Bitters

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! You don’t need a ton for this Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned, but using good quality stuff really makes a difference. Here’s what you’ll need to get this deliciousness happening:

2 oz. Bourbon: Pick one you love! Something with nice warm notes works perfectly.
0.5 oz. Maple Syrup: Make sure it’s *real* maple syrup, none of that pancake stuff. Grade A Dark or Very Dark works beautifully.
3 Dashes Orange Bitters: These bright little drops are key!
Orange Peel for Garnish: Fresh is non-negotiable here! You’ll want a nice, wide strip.
Large Ice Cube: One big cube in your serving glass is ideal for slow dilution.

That’s it! Simple, right?

How to Prepare Your Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned with Orange Bitters

Alright, let’s get mixing! Making this Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned is really straightforward, but a little care in each step makes a world of difference. Think of it like building something awesome, layer by layer. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect cocktail in no time!

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

First things first, grab your mixing glass. Now, carefully measure out your bourbon and pour it in. Next, add that gorgeous maple syrup – remember, real stuff only! Finally, add those three dashes of orange bitters. Don’t be shy, those bitters are going to add a lovely fragrant punch.

Step 2: Stir for Chill and Dilution

Okay, now for the chill. Fill your mixing glass with ice – I like using larger cubes if I have them, they don’t melt as fast. Grab your bar spoon and gently stir the mixture. You’re not shaking it, you’re stirring. This chills the drink down without cloudy it up, and it adds just the right amount of dilution. Stir for about 30 seconds, maybe a little longer, until the outside of the glass feels really cold to the touch. You’ll notice the liquid gets slightly clearer too.

Step 3: Strain and Serve the Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

Now, put that big, beautiful ice cube into your rocks glass. Grab your strainer and place it over the mixing glass. Carefully strain the perfectly chilled Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned into your rocks glass, letting it flow over that big ice cube. It should look smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Garnish Your Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

Almost there! This last step is crucial. Take your fresh orange peel. Hold it over the drink and gently twist or squeeze it. You’ll see tiny little oils mist out – that’s the magic! Rub the peel around the rim of the glass for extra aroma, then drop it into the drink. That little burst of citrus oil really brightens everything up and completes your Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned.

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

So you’ve got the basic steps down, but let’s talk about how to make your Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned go from good to absolutely *amazing*. These little tweaks make a big difference, trust me!

Ice, Ice, Baby: Using a large, single ice cube in your serving glass is key. It melts slower, keeping your drink cold without watering it down too fast. In the mixing glass, use good quality ice too – no freezer-burned stuff!
Sweetness is Personal: The 0.5 oz of maple syrup is a great starting point, but feel free to adjust! Taste it after stirring (before straining) and add a tiny bit more if you like it sweeter.
Fresh Citrus Matters: Seriously, don’t use bottled stuff for the garnish. A fresh orange peel is essential for that burst of fragrant oil that makes the drink pop.
Stir, Don’t Shake: Shaking an Old Fashioned makes it cloudy and over-diluted. Gentle stirring is how you get that smooth, clear finish.

Little things, right? But they add up to one seriously delicious Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned!

Variations on the Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned with Orange Bitters

Okay, so you’ve nailed the classic Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned with Orange Bitters? Awesome! Now, if you’re feeling adventurous (or just want to use what you have!), there are some super easy ways to tweak this recipe and make it your own.

Try swapping out those orange bitters for classic aromatic bitters like Angostura – it’ll give you a more traditional spice note. You could also experiment with a different sweetener; maybe a touch of honey syrup for a different kind of floral sweetness? And hey, who says you can’t add a beautiful cocktail cherry to the glass? It adds a little pop of color and a hint of extra sweetness as you sip. Don’t be afraid to play around!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

Okay, I know you might have a few questions as you get ready to mix up your own Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned! Totally normal. Here are some things people often ask, and my two cents on them:

What Bourbon is Best for a Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned?

Honestly, the “best” bourbon is the one *you* like! Since the maple syrup is pretty flavorful, you can go with something a little bolder if you like, maybe a higher proof. But a smooth, classic bourbon with nice vanilla or caramel notes works beautifully with the maple and orange bitters in this Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned. Don’t feel like you need the fanciest bottle on the shelf – just a good quality bourbon you enjoy sipping on its own will shine here.

Can I Adjust the Sweetness of My Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned?

Absolutely, yes! The 0.5 oz of maple syrup is my sweet spot, but everyone’s taste is different. If you prefer your drinks less sweet, start with just a quarter ounce (0.25 oz) and give it a little taste test before you strain. If you like it sweeter, add another tiny splash – maybe 0.75 oz total. It’s your drink, make it perfect for *you*!

What if I don’t have Orange Bitters for my Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned?

Okay, so the orange bitters really add that bright, citrusy lift that makes this Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned special. If you *really* don’t have them, you could try a dash or two of classic aromatic bitters (like Angostura) and maybe express an extra bit of orange peel oil. But honestly? I’d highly recommend getting some orange bitters if you plan on making this often. They’re a staple in my bar for a reason!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Okay, so while we’re usually more focused on flavor than counting things when it comes to cocktails, sometimes it’s helpful to have a rough idea! Just remember, this is super estimated, and it can totally change depending on the exact brand of bourbon or maple syrup you’re using. Think of it as a ballpark figure, not a strict rulebook!

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: Around 200
Fat: About 0g
Protein: About 0g
Carbohydrates: Roughly 8g

See? Pretty straightforward. Enjoy your drink!

Enjoying Your Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

Alright, you’ve done it! You’ve mixed up a truly fantastic Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned with Orange Bitters. Now for the best part – sipping it! Find a cozy spot, put your feet up, and just enjoy the warmth, the sweetness, and that beautiful citrus aroma. I really hope you give this recipe a try; it’s one of my absolute favorites. If you do, let me know what you think! Cheers!

Killer Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned with Orange Bitters

Author: cocktailmixguide.com
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A classic Old Fashioned cocktail with a twist, featuring maple syrup and bourbon, enhanced with orange bitters.

Ingredients

Scale

2 oz. Bourbon
0.5 oz. Maple Syrup
3 Dashes Orange Bitters
Orange Peel for Garnish
Large Ice Cube

Instructions

Add bourbon, maple syrup, and orange bitters to a mixing glass.
Add ice to the mixing glass and stir for about 30 seconds until well-chilled.
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Garnish with an orange peel, expressing the oils over the drink before adding it to the glass.

Notes

Use high-quality bourbon for best results.
Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your sweetness preference.
Use fresh orange peel for garnishing.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Cocktail
Method: Stirred
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 200
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned, Orange Bitters, Bourbon Cocktail, Classic Cocktail, Maple Syrup Cocktail