Maple Old Fashioned

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon (or Rye Whiskey)
• ⅓ oz Pure Maple Syrup
• 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Garnish: Orange Peel
• Garnish: Maraschino Cherry

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Glass: Place a large clear ice cube in a rocks glass.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add whiskey, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters to a mixing glass.
3. Dilute & Chill: Add ice to the mixing glass and stir deliberately for 30 seconds to achieve proper dilution and temperature.
4. Serve: Strain the mixture over the large ice cube in your prepared rocks glass.
5. Garnish: Express an orange peel over the drink to release the essential oils, then add both the peel and a speared maraschino cherry to the glass.

Bartender's Notes

This modern interpretation of the Old Fashioned substitutes traditional sugar with grade A maple syrup, introducing subtle complexity that complements the whiskey's caramel and vanilla notes without overwhelming them.

For bourbon lovers, the maple pairs beautifully with wheated bourbons like Maker's Mark or woody expressions like Woodford Reserve. Rye enthusiasts will appreciate how the maple tempers rye's spice while enhancing its complexity—try it with Rittenhouse or Bulleit Rye.

The large clear ice cube isn't just aesthetically pleasing—it melts slowly, maintaining the drink's integrity without excessive dilution. For the most refined experience, use a Luxardo maraschino cherry rather than the bright red cocktail varieties.

This Maple Old Fashioned demonstrates that even the most revered classics can be thoughtfully updated while maintaining their essential character and sophistication.