Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- ½ oz maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
- Ice cubes
- Orange twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Mixing Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes.
- Add Bitters: Add 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters to the mixing glass.
- Add Maple Syrup: Measure and pour ½ oz maple syrup into the glass.
- Add Bourbon: Pour 2 oz Bourbon into the mix.
- Add Ice: Fill your mixing glass with ice.
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently until well chilled and mixed.
- Strain: Strain your drink into your chilled old fashioned glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish: Zest an orange peel on top of the drink and place it into the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon, rye whiskey can be a good substitute. It has a spicier profile than bourbon's sweeter taste, but it still works well in this cocktail.
- Maple Syrup: Honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup if needed. It adds a different kind of sweetness that complements the bourbon nicely.
- Angostura Bitters: If you're out of Angostura bitters, orange bitters can be used instead. They add a citrusy note to the drink that pairs well with the orange garnish.
Making a Pitcher:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of bourbon, 4 oz of maple syrup, and 16 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters with ice cubes. Stir well.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with an orange twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute; several brands are available that mimic the flavor of bourbon without the alcohol.
- Angostura bitters: use a non-alcoholic alternative and if you are out of it prepare a syrup infused with cinnamon, cloves and gentian root to mimic the complex flavor of Angostura bitters.
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of the regular bourbon, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Maple Syrup: Ensure your maple syrup is vegan. Some brands process their syrup with animal-derived products. Look for brands that specify they're vegan-friendly.
- Proceed As Usual: Once you've ensured your ingredients are vegan-friendly, follow the original steps to enjoy a delicious vegan Maple Old Fashioned.
What is a Maple Old Fashioned?
A Maple Old Fashioned is a whiskey-based cocktail made of bourbon, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters. This drink is not complicated to make but requires precision in balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup with the robustness of the bourbon.
The Maple Old Fashioned is a variant of one of history’s oldest cocktails – The Old Fashioned. It maintains all its predecessor’s sophistication while adding an extra layer of depth and warmth through sweet, earthy notes from pure maple syrup.
An exciting aspect of this cocktail is its versatility; it can be enjoyed year-round but truly shines during autumn when fresh harvests bring out rich flavors that complement those in this classic concoction. Despite being simple at heart, each sip reveals complex layers, making it a favorite among novices and connoisseurs.
What is a Maple Old Fashioned made of – The ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to mix up a Maple Old Fashioned:
- Bourbon: The base spirit of the cocktail, bourbon provides a rich, smooth, and slightly sweet flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Used as a sweetener, it adds a unique, earthy sweetness that complements the bourbon.
- Angostura Bitters: These add complexity and balance to the drink, preventing it from being overly sweet.
- Orange Peel: Used for garnish, it adds a subtle citrus aroma and flavor, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
- Ice Cubes: These are used to chill the drink and slightly dilute the strong flavors, making the cocktail more enjoyable.
