As a bartender, I have always been fascinated by the art of mixology. There is something about the way different flavors come together to create a perfect balance that never ceases to amaze me.
And when it comes to creating a cocktail that is both unique and delicious, few ingredients can rival the versatility of maple bitters.
Maple bitters are a relatively new addition to the world of mixology, but they have quickly become a favorite of bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Made from a blend of maple syrup, alcohol, and spices, these bitters add a complex sweetness and depth of flavor to any drink.
But what sets maple bitters apart from other cocktail ingredients is their versatility. They can be used to add a touch of sweetness to a classic whiskey sour, or to enhance the smoky flavors of a mezcal-based drink.
They can even be used to create a unique twist on a classic cocktail, such as a maple old fashioned.
In this blog post, I will be sharing some of the best maple bitters cocktail recipes that I have come across in my years as a bartender. From classic cocktails with a maple twist to unique creations that showcase the versatility of this ingredient, there is something for everyone in this list.
So whether you are a seasoned mixologist or just looking for a new drink to try, sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the best maple bitters cocktails out there.
1. Maple Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Maple Old Fashioned Cocktail is a classic cocktail with a twist. Made with good-quality bourbon, a hint of maple syrup, and a generous twist of orange peel, this cocktail is perfect for fall.
The addition of maple syrup brings out the warm, rich, caramel-y flavors in the bourbon, making it a perfectly balanced cocktail. The cocktail also includes a few dashes of bitters and a Luxardo cherry on top. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a classic cocktail with a twist.
2. Maple Walnut Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Maple Walnut Old Fashioned Cocktail is a perfect drink for fall. The cocktail is a riff on the classic Old Fashioned recipe that uses bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters. In this recipe, the bourbon is substituted with Four Roses bourbon, and the simple syrup is replaced with maple syrup to give it a perfect fall flavor.
The cocktail is then finished off with Fee Brothers black walnut bitters, which adds a delicious nutty flavor to the drink. This cocktail is perfect for anyone who loves the taste of fall and wants to enjoy a delicious drink on a moody autumn day. If you're looking for a cocktail that is easy to make and tastes great, then the Maple Walnut Old Fashioned Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
3. Maple Whiskey Sour
The Maple Whiskey Sour is a delightful twist on the classic whiskey sour cocktail. This cocktail combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tartness of lemon juice and the richness of whiskey. The addition of egg whites creates a frothy foam on top, adding a fun element to the presentation.
The use of natural sweeteners in this cocktail makes it a healthier option compared to cocktails made with refined sugar. The Maple Whiskey Sour is a perfect cocktail for those who love a balance of sweet and sour flavors in their drinks. It's a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that's perfect for serving to friends at a summer gathering.
4. Maple Old Fashioned
The Maple Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with a sweet twist. This cocktail takes the usual Old-Fashioned ingredients and adds a couple of fall-centric flavors like maple and cinnamon. The result is a delicious and cozy drink that's perfect for holiday get-togethers or a relaxing night in.
It's a great signature cocktail for weddings or any special occasion. If you're a fan of Old-Fashioned, then you'll definitely want to give this recipe a try. The Maple Old Fashioned is a must-try for anyone who loves a good cocktail with a sweet and spicy kick.
5. Cider and Maple Old Fashioned
The Cider and Maple Old Fashioned is a perfect cocktail for fall, with its seasonal flavors of apple cider and pure maple syrup. This classic old fashioned recipe has been given a new flavor profile that is sure to please bourbon lovers. The use of Finding Home Farms' Rye Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup adds a unique twist to the cocktail.
The combination of cider, maple, and bourbon flavors blend beautifully, making this cocktail a must-try for anyone who loves a good old fashioned. Whether you like your drinks sweet or strong, this cocktail can be easily customized to your liking. Overall, the Cider and Maple Old Fashioned is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for any fall occasion.
6. Smoked Old Fashioned
The Smoked Old Fashioned is a unique twist on the classic bourbon cocktail. This cocktail introduces maple syrup and black walnut bitters for an unexpected depth of flavor. However, what really sets this cocktail apart is the smoking process.
Using a smoking gun, the cocktail is infused with wood chip smoke, adding a smoky aroma and flavor. The intensity of the smokiness can be adjusted to personal taste. This cocktail is perfect for those looking for a new take on a classic drink and for those who enjoy experimenting with unique flavors and techniques.
7. Winter Old Fashioned
The Winter Old Fashioned is a perfect cocktail for bourbon and whiskey lovers who want to add a bit of winter spice to their classic old fashioned. This cocktail is made with a simple syrup that is flavored with rosemary, maple syrup, and cinnamon, and combined with bitters and bourbon for a festive twist.
The cocktail is typically served with one large ice ball and garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a cinnamon stick. If you're looking for a winter-themed cocktail that is easy to make and has a classic taste, the Winter Old Fashioned is definitely worth a try.
8. Amaretto Old Fashioned
The Amaretto Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has been given a modern twist. This cocktail is a perfect blend of bourbon, amaretto, and maple syrup. The almond and vanilla notes of amaretto complement the flavors of bourbon, making it a complex and flavorful cocktail. The maple syrup adds a local touch to the cocktail, making it a perfect choice for those who love sweet and strong cocktails.
The cocktail is best served in a short glass with a wide rim and a robust base. It's a perfect cocktail for those who want to enjoy a classic cocktail with a modern twist. The Amaretto Old Fashioned is a must-try cocktail for anyone who loves the combination of bourbon and amaretto.
9. Maple Hot Toddy With Bourbon
The Maple Hot Toddy with Bourbon is a cozy and delicious cocktail that is perfect for warming up on a cold day. This cocktail is a unique twist on the classic hot toddy and Old Fashioned cocktail, combining bourbon with fresh orange juice and maple syrup. The black walnut bitters add a warm spice to the drink, balancing out the sweetness of the maple syrup.
This cocktail is perfect for those who want to enjoy a winter drink without the medicinal taste of traditional hot toddies. The Maple Hot Toddy with Bourbon is a must-try for anyone looking for a warm and comforting cocktail to enjoy during the colder months.
10. Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned
The Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned is a cozy fall and winter cocktail that is perfect for Thanksgiving. This warming drink is made with homemade spiced chai simple syrup, high-quality bourbon, winter citrus, a touch of vanilla, and fizzy sparkling water. The syrup is the heart of the cocktail, providing all the flavors of chai tea, sweetened maple, and hints of vanilla.
The bourbon and citrus add a nice balance to the sweetness of the syrup. The Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned is a great choice for those who love chai and bourbon. It's not too sweet and not too heavy on the bourbon, making it a perfect warming drink for cold nights. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a cozy and delicious drink this holiday season.
11. Pear Bourbon Cocktail
The Pear Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect fall drink that combines the rich flavor of bourbon with the subtle sweetness of pear juice. The addition of walnut bitters and a dash of cinnamon gives it a unique twist that is reminiscent of an old fashioned cocktail.
For an extra special touch, the recipe suggests using bourbon aged in maple syrup barrels, which adds a hint of maple and a touch of sweetness. This cocktail is perfect for cozy nights by the fire or for sipping on a chilly weekend. If you're a fan of bourbon cocktails, this one is definitely worth trying out.
12. Blanton's Old Fashioned
The Blanton's Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with a twist. This recipe adds a touch of maple syrup, giving it a delicious autumnal flavor. Made with Blanton's Original bourbon, this cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate a quality whiskey. The addition of bitters and an orange peel garnish gives the cocktail a depth of flavor that is both warming and satisfying.
The Blanton's Old Fashioned is a simple yet timeless cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a cozy drink to enjoy on a chilly evening or a sophisticated cocktail to impress your guests, the Blanton's Old Fashioned is sure to deliver. Give it a try and experience the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
13. Applejack Fall Old Fashioned
The Applejack Fall Old Fashioned is a seasonal twist on the classic old fashioned cocktail. It has subtle notes of apple and cinnamon spice with a darker natural maple and vanilla flavour from the maple syrup. Whiskey barrel-aged bitters or black walnut bitters give it an oaky flavour.
The orange peel garnish adds a citrusy, orange characteristic. The cinnamon stick completes the Fall circle of maple, orange, apple, and cinnamon. It's a must-try for those who want to experience the true flavors and aroma of fall in every sip.
14. Pumpkin Old Fashioned
The Pumpkin Old Fashioned is a perfect seasonal twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. Made with real pumpkin, maple syrup, and bourbon, this cocktail boasts all the flavors of fall.
The addition of pumpkin puree and maple syrup gives it a unique sweetness and depth of flavor that perfectly complements the bourbon. The black walnut bitters add a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cocktail. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves the taste of fall.
