Spiced Maple Old Fashioned – Bourbon, Maple & Cinnamon Bitters Cocktail

A bourbon-forward Old Fashioned with maple syrup and cinnamon bitters, this spiced variation delivers warm sweetness and aromatic depth with a clean, spirit-led finish.

Intermediate
Spiced Maple Old Fashioned Recipe Image

The Spiced Maple Old Fashioned is a seasonal twist on a foundational whiskey cocktail, blending bourbon with maple syrup and warm spice. It keeps the classic spirit-forward structure intact while adding a richer, slightly earthy sweetness that feels right at home in cooler months.

Background

The Old Fashioned is one of the earliest recorded cocktails, dating back to the early 1800s. Built on a simple formula of spirit, sugar, bitters, and water, it has remained a benchmark for balance and restraint. Variations like this one adapt the sweetener and bitters to reflect seasonal flavors without changing the core identity.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

  • Bourbon – the base spirit, bringing caramel, vanilla, and oak
  • Maple syrup – replaces sugar with a deeper, more rounded sweetness
  • Angostura bitters – adds structure and aromatic balance
  • Cinnamon bitters – introduces a subtle layer of warm spice
  • Orange peel – provides bright citrus oils to lift the drink

Substitutions

  • Use rye whiskey for a drier, spicier profile
  • Swap cinnamon bitters for orange or chocolate bitters
  • Try dark maple syrup for a more robust flavor

Equipment

  • Rocks glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Large ice cube

Why You’ll Love It

Warm, Layered, and Still Classic

This version adds depth without drifting into dessert territory. Maple integrates smoothly into the bourbon, while cinnamon sits quietly in the background, giving the drink a seasonal edge without overpowering the base spirit.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Add a small splash of apple brandy for an autumn-forward twist
  • Use smoked ice or a smoked glass for added depth
  • Garnish with star anise for a more aromatic presentation

Helpful Tips

  • Stir gently to control dilution and maintain a silky texture
  • Use a large ice cube to slow dilution
  • Express the orange peel to release essential oils before dropping it in
  • Adjust maple slightly to taste, but keep the drink spirit-forward

The Spiced Maple Old Fashioned keeps the soul of the original while adding just enough warmth to make it feel seasonal.

Spiced Maple Old Fashioned Recipe

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Type of Glass

Rocks Glass

Prep Time

2 min

Ingredients

  • 2 oz.
  • 1/4 oz.
  • 2 dashes
  • 1 dash Cinnamon Bitters

Directions

  1. Add maple syrup, Angostura bitters, and cinnamon bitters to a rocks glass.

  2. Add bourbon and a large ice cube.

  3. Stir gently until chilled and slightly diluted.

  4. Express an orange peel over the glass, then drop it in.

  5. Optionally garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve.

A warm, spirit-forward twist that adds depth without losing the Old Fashioned’s classic balance.

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