Cool weather calls for a cozy drink and it doesn’t get much cozier than an Old Fashioned. The Old fashioned is a classic for a reason but what if we swapped out sugar for maple syrup and added a few dashes of spiced bitters while we’re at it? Now we’re talking. In my opinion there’s no better drink than this Spiced Maple Old Fashioned to enjoy next to a roaring fire on a cold evening.
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History of the Old Fashioned Cocktail
The first known definition of the concept of a cocktail dates back to 1806 in upstate New York, where the Federalist Newspaper “The Balance and Repository” defined cocktail as “spirit, sugar, water and bitters”. This looks a whole lot like today’s standard Old Fashioned recipe now, doesn’t it. Typically an old fashioned is made with whiskey, rye or bourbon; though if you head up to Wisconsin you’ll find that they have their own spin on this beloved cocktail in the form of a brandy old fashioned.
How to make a Spiced Maple Old Fashioned
Since this is such a simple cocktail quality ingredients are key. Choose your favorite high quality bourbon (we are fans of Jefferson Reserve and Wilderness Trace currently but are always exploring new spirits) and make sure to use real 100% pure maple syrup (the imitation stuff has no place on your plate of pancakes either imo). A traditional old fashioned calls for Angostura bitters and while they will certainly be tasty I find cardamom bitters ( I’m a huge fan of these cardamom bitters from Scrappy’s Bitters) to be a fun and delicious twist on this classic drink.
In an old fashioned glass stir together the maple syrup and bitters. Pour in your favorite bourbon and add an ice cube. Squeeze an orange peel to express the citrus oil and add it to the cocktail. Garnish with a maraschino cherry, or if you’re anything like me two or three ( I can’t get enough of these Luxardo cherries). Cheers!
If you like the Spiced Maple Old Fashioned be sure to take a look at these other recipes!
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If you make this Spice Maple Old Fashioned please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Spiced Maple Old Fashioned Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1/2 ounce maple syrup
- 2-3 dashes cardamom bitters or classic bitters
- 2 ounces bourbon
- ice
- orange peel
- 1-2 maraschino cherries
Instructions
- In an old fashioned glass stir together the maple syrup and bitters. Pour in your favorite bourbon and add an ice cube. Squeeze an orange peel to express the citrus oil and add it to the cocktail. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
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