Make this easy Maple Leaf Cocktail recipe to warm up! Blend rye whiskey, maple syrup, and fresh lemon juice for a perfect fall cocktail.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
204
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- ¾ oz maple syrup
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Lemon zest twist or ground cinnamon - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer
- Measuring Jigger
- Old Fashioned Glass
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice. Give it a quick stir and set it aside.
- Add Lemon Juice: Pour ¾ oz fresh lemon juice into the shaker.
- Add Maple Syrup: Add ¾ oz maple syrup.
- Add Whiskey: Measure and pour 2 oz Rye Whiskey into the shaker as well.
- Shake Well: Fill the shaker with ice, close it and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
- Strain: Discard the ice in the Old Fashioned glass and refill it with a generous amount of fresh, new ice cubes. Then, use the cocktail strainer to strain the drink into the ice-filled glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon zest twist (express the zest on top of the glass and place it on the rim of the glass). For an added hint of spice, you can also sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon on top of the drink (optional). Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Rye Whiskey: If you’re out of rye whiskey, you can make this cocktail bourbon. Bourbon round, smooth finish tastes perfect in this drink.
- Maple Syrup: If you're out of maple syrup, honey or agave syrup works well; however, you’ll lose the very specific, signature taste of this drink.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: You can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but the flavor will be less bright and fresh. Another option is to use fresh lime juice for a slightly different citrus kick.
Making a Pitcher of Maple Leaf Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of bourbon, 6 oz of maple syrup, and 6 oz of fresh lemon juice.
- Mix: Combine the maple syrup and lemon juice in a large pitcher and stir well to combine. Add the bourbon, fill the pitcher with ice cubes, and stir again.
- Serve: Strain to remove the ice, serve immediately into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, and garnish each glass with a lemon peel and/or a pinch of ground cinnamon. If you have some leftovers, be sure to keep it in the fridge (make sure no ice cubes are left inside) in an airtight container.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Rye Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute; these are usually widely available in liquor stores. If you’re feeling crafty, you can also make your own rye whiskey substitute by infusing together rooibos tea and a bunch of spices of your liking (vanilla and cinnamon are always a good way to start). Mix all the ingredients together, add hot water, cover, and let it infuse for at least 3h (the stronger the better, so if you have time let it infuse overnight. In that case, you can either let it rest in the fridge once the liquid has cooled down). Give it a taste, adjust the spice level if necessary, and strain it once you’re happy with the result. Stored properly (in an airtight container in the fridge), this “tea whiskey” can be kept for up to a week.
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of rye, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
The Maple Leaf cocktail is naturally vegan as it doesn't contain any animal products. Most spirits, including rye whiskey, are vegan-friendly. However, some brands may use animal products in their production process, especially if a filtration process is involved. Always check the brand's website or contact them directly to ensure their products are vegan.What is a Maple Leaf Cocktail?
A Maple Leaf Cocktail is a whiskey-based drink made of rye, maple syrup, and fresh lemon juice. It’s easy to make because it requires only three simple ingredients and essential bartending tools like a shaker and strainer. This cocktail offers a unique blend of sweetness from the maple syrup and tartness from the lemon juice, making it perfect for cozy fall or winter gatherings.
What is a Maple Leaf Cocktail made of – The ingredients
A Maple Leaf Cocktail requires the following ingredients:
- Rye Whiskey: Provides a robust and rich base for the cocktail.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings a tart, refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
- Ice Cubes: Chills the drink and dilutes it slightly for balance.
- Lemon Twist (optional): Adds a citrus aroma and visual appeal.
- Ground Cinnamon (optional): Brings an extra touch of spice and complements the rich maple flavor.
