The New Old Fashioned Cocktail
This old fashioned cocktail recipe calls for maple syrup instead of plain simple syrup. It's the best old fashioned you'll ever have!
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on August 29, 2024
Who wants a drink? It’s been a long week. Let’s relax with an Old Fashioned, one of the oldest cocktails around. The Old Fashioned is for whiskey lovers, certainly, but it also might convince naysayers to become whiskey cocktail drinkers after all.
Like mulled wine, the Old Fashioned is perfect during the holidays, on chilly evenings, and basically any time you find yourself sitting around a fire. It’s a bold, dynamic drink that’s a little citrusy and a little sweet.
I came up with one delicious twist on the classic recipe, which also happens to be a shortcut. If you’ve been following this blog for a while, I bet you can guess what it is.
That’s right, I used maple syrup instead of simple syrup. Historically, Old Fashioned cocktails are made with a sugar cube or simple syrup. I’m here to tell you that they taste better with maple syrup, which complements bourbon’s caramel notes and stirs in like a dream.
Back when the Old Fashioned gained popularity, maple syrup was not readily accessible. Lucky for us, it is now. This recipe yields the best Old Fashioned you’ll ever make at home. I hope you’ll give it a try!
Old Fashioned Cocktail Ingredients
Bourbon
Bourbon whiskey is the principle ingredient in your Old Fashioned, so choose a good one. Low-quality bourbons are just too harsh here.
One of the best bourbons for Old Fashioned cocktails is Four Roses. It’s 80-proof, so it’s not overpoweringly strong. It’s also affordable and blends beautifully into cocktails, offering notes of cinnamon spice and vanilla.
Note: Rye also works in Old Fashioned cocktails, but I prefer bourbon’s sweeter flavor to rye’s astringency. You do you.
Maple Syrup
Like I said, most Old Fashioned recipes call for a sugar cube or spoonful of simple syrup. Sugar is gritty; simple syrup is an extra step; they’re both just sweet.
Real maple syrup is easy to mix into the drink and tastes wonderful. We won’t use much of it, so the flavor is subtle.
Angostura Bitters
Bitters are made with a blend of botanicals and just a couple of drops lend a ton of flavor and complexity to the drink. You cannot go wrong with classic Angostura bitters.
Oftentimes, bartenders will add another dash of bitters from a different brand, so you can come up with your own combination if you’d like.
Ice
Ice cools down the drink and dilutes it a bit, which mellows the sharp bite of alcohol. I prefer to use extra-large ice cubes that I freeze in this ice cube tray (affiliate link). Large ice cubes are ideal because they melt more slowly, and you’ll only need one per drink.
Orange Peel
No classic Old Fashioned is complete without a twist of citrus. I prefer orange to lemon, but you can use either one. Or, use both orange and lemon peel for a combination dubbed “rabbit ears.”
Optional: Cocktail Cherry
A cocktail cherry is optional. Splurge on a jar of Luxardo cherries for an excuse to make more whiskey drinks. Try a Manhattan next!
More Bourbon & Whiskey Drinks to Sip
Like this Old Fashioned, all of these cocktails are naturally sweetened with just a touch of maple syrup or honey.
Please let me know how your cocktails turn out in the comments. I love hearing from you.
Old Fashioned Cocktail
This Old Fashioned cocktail recipe calls for maple syrup instead of plain simple syrup. It’s the best Old Fashioned you’ll ever have! Recipe yields 1 drink. See note on how to make in bulk.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon (I like Four Roses)
- ½ to 1 teaspoon maple syrup, to taste
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice, preferably large cubes
- Orange peel, for garnish
- Optional: 1 Luxardo cherry or other cocktail cherry, for garnish
Instructions
- In a lowball glass, pour in the bourbon, ½ teaspoon maple syrup and a couple dashes of bitters. Stir to combine.
- Add a large ice cube or several small, and gently stir in a circular motion until the drink is very cold, about 20 seconds. Taste, and stir in ¼ to ½ teaspoon more maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- Use a vegetable peeler to remove a hefty strip of orange peel. Gently twist it, skin side down, over the drink to release the oils. Then place the orange peel in the glass. Enjoy.
Notes
Measurement tip: Two ounces is ¼ cup. I like to use this stainless steel jigger (affiliate link) for measuring small amounts of liquid.
*How to multiply: You can make a batch of Old Fashioned cocktails. Place a handful or two of ice cubes in a pitcher. Multiply the base ingredients (bourbon, maple syrup, Angostura) as necessary and stir them together. Pour into glasses with fresh ice.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
Kate, thank you for the idea of using maple syrup in Old Fashioned drinks. Sounds delicious. Regarding the lovely Luxardo Cherries – please take another look at the label which reads: do not refrigerate as the sugar will crystallize. I keep our jar in the cabinet with the bitters. Here’s to a safe and old-fashioned Happy Hour.
I did not know that! No wonder my cherry sugar has crystallized. Thank you, Jackie.
I also am a huge fan of maple syrup for Old Fashions.I make a maple simple syrup then put it in the smoker for awhile. Yummm. P.S. I love all your recipes.
How do you make the smoked maple simple syrup?
Never had bourbon or an olde fashion but because you recommended it I had to make one! Love it!! Maple syrup makes it a breeze!! Sipping by candlelight and awaiting a Nor’easter!!! Thank you!
In Wisconsin we make our Old Fashioneds with brandy!
Love it!
I need those arrow pics!! Any info?
Hi Laura! I bought them at West Elm a while back. Looks like they don’t carry them any more, but I found them on Amazon (in stock a month from now) or looks like you can buy them directly from the brand.
You’re the BEST!
Merry Christmas
I love an old fashion during the winter months. As it happened I just bought some Four Roses! I am sipping your version and I have to say, It is so smooth!!! Love it.
How perfect! Thank you, Marsha, and cheers!
I’ve been doing this for years. Glad others are now figuring it out!
High five, Lori! :)
Great recipe! Where did you find the arrow swizzle sticks? Thanks!
Hey Julie! I bought them at West Elm a while back. Looks like they don’t carry them any more, but I found them on Amazon (in stock a month from now) or looks like you can buy them directly from the brand.
Would making this as a Brandie Old Fashioned use the same quantity of liquor as in your recipe. I really do not believe it would be different. Here in Wisconsin the only kind of Old Fashioned in a Brandy Old Fashioned! Will definitely be using the maple syrup in my next personal mixology session. Thank you.
Hi Joseph! I’ve never tried an Old Fashioned with brandy, but I’m looking forward to giving a try! I believe you would use the same quantities, yes.
I’m a huge Old Fashioned lover but never thought to use maple syrup! Thanks for the tip!
Thanks, Carrie! Hope you love it.
Can’t wait to try this! Love the adorable arrow picks in your drink, too!
Thank you, Melissa! Wish they were still available!
Always a fan of maple syrup in an old fashioned. One question, where did you get those awesome cocktail skewers?
They’re fun, right? I bought them at West Elm a while back. Looks like they don’t carry them any more, but I found them on Amazon (in stock a month from now) or looks like you can buy them directly from the brand.
So happy to not have to boil water to make simple syrup! We use Woodford Reserve bourbon as it is not has harsh as 4 Roses. Your recipe replaces all our other ones now.
Hooray! Thank you, Beth. Now I want to try one with Woodford Reserve. :)
My husband’s favorite cocktail is an old fashioned. I saw this recipe and knew I had to make one for him! He loved it. Thank you for the recipe. I love your blog and I am so happy that Cookie is in remission. I hope you have many more years with her.
I’m so glad to hear he loved it! Thank you, Victoria. I hope so, too. Happy holidays!
Hi, this may be a weird request: Do you have any mocktail recipes? I actually love to drink cocktails and wine (usually not at the same time), but I can’t, because I have Chronic Daily Migraine. I miss booze! Lol! Do you have any non-alcoholic recipes that might come close to the real thing?
Not a weird request, and I’m so sorry about your migraines! My mom cannot even drink a glass of wine for that reason. I can’t say I have any mocktails that really replicate a boozy cocktail, but I love my hibiscus mocktail (very refreshing and hot pink), ginger tea, hot chocolate and this frozen lemonade in the summertime.
I am very new to mixing cocktails… So, exactly how much is a dash? 1/8 teaspoon? 1/4 teaspoon? More or less? I have no clue and depending on the ingredient there can be a vast difference in taste between 1/16 teaspoon and 1/2 teaspoon! Thanks for letting me pick your brain!
Hey Jamie! Good question, and I always try to specify quantities when possible (like, a drop of vanilla extract would be dangerous, because it pours so quickly out of the bottle). The bitters are inherently difficult to measure because they come out of the bottle in dashes. I’d say one dash is about 1/8th teaspoon. Hope that helps!
As someone who always has some form of whiskey, bitters, and maple syrup on hand, this is such a welcome recipe. Delicious easy and satisfying. Didn’t really know what an Old Fashioned even was until now. Your recipes always make sense. Thanks for that. Appreciate you and Cookie.
I’m glad you liked it! Thank you for reporting back, Amy.
I shared this with my husband because I am not a big fan of the brown liquors. I told him that everything I cook from your website and cookbook are always a hit with our family. I’m happy to report that he said this was amazing!! And so much easier because he didn’t need to make simple syrup. Thanks for adding a new cocktail to the lineup.
Thank you for sharing it with him, Erica! I’m glad he enjoyed it.
Yes, maple syrup makes great as an an alternative to simple syrup in many cocktails. I found your choice of Bourbon odd considering your comment on preferring Bourbon over rye, seeing that is a very rye forward Bourbon.
Nice variation. I have been doing similar things with 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz maple syrup and .5-1 oz fresh lime juice or lemon juice. Sort of a variation on a sour. Maple really mellows out the drink.
My chef/bartender neighbor suggested muddling in the bottom of the glass the maple syrup and bitters with the orange peel first, then add the large ice cube and pour the bourbon over the ice cube, stir for 20 seconds, add cherry and enjoy. This is how it is done at his restaurant. I tried it and it did indeed “step up” the liveliness of this delicious cocktail.
Thank you for sharing, Sue!
Have been meaning to leave a review for awhile, but must do so now while hanging out at home on yet another Friday night (#48?) enjoying your delicious OFs! We make them just as you prescribe and they’re perfect! Our young adult children who have moved back in with us love them, too, good or bad? Have texted friends afar this recipe! Thank you!
I’m happy you commented, Beth! Thank you for your review and sharing this recipe with others.
That is cool you use Maple Syrup.
I use it in all kinds of things too.It’s good with cream in coffee,in different sauces, in mixed drinks experimentally.It mixes in well and I think it just got pigeon holed as only for pancakes and waffles.
I enjoyed your article, keep up the good work!
Cheers,
Jim
Another delicious recipe from C&K!
Thank you, David!
Perfect with the maple syrup. I normally put a little of the cherry syrup in instead of a sugar cube. The maple syrup is better!!
Tasty with the maple syrup, but try this: I use half a brown sugar cube with a splash of water to muddle with an orange peel first. Next I stir in 2 oz of bourbon, 4 dashes of angostura bitters, 2 dashes of angostura orange bitters and my secret ingredient -1/4 shot of luxardo liquor. I add lotsa ice & stir until chilled. I pour over an ice sphere and add an orange peel & a luxardo cherry. So delicious!
A top shelf Old Fashioned! I added 2 dashes Woodford Cherry bitters and 1/2 slice of orange
Hi Kate and Cookie, I don’t believe I have ever had an Old Fashioned before I tried your version. It is awesome! I used Jamesons’ and about half way through the first drink I had adapted and was really liking it. My wife and I have tried quite a few of your recipes and have never been disappointed. Thank You Very Much!
I’m happy you enjoyed it, Bob! I appreciate your review.
I get a ‘smoked’ old fashioned at a restaurant near us. They infuse the bourbon with smoked wood and then pour it at your table. All for effect of course, but fun
Yes I did make the drink, and the maple syrup is a definite must. Thanks, it is Canadian Thanksgiving and this is perfect. Cheers!
Karyn
Hi Kate!
Always enjoy your posts! Here’s a kicker for you!
First my favorite bourbon by far is Makers Mark! very smooth!
I use this in my Manhattan’s as well as old fashions!
for the latter, I use equal parts makers and Grand Mariner! stirred with large cube, luxardo cherry, and a lemon twist.
note; when you “twist” your twist over the glass, be sure to run it around the rim of the glass, so the lemon oil can be smelled and tasted with every sip!
Thank you for your review, Jame!
My go to whiskey, for an Old Fashion, is Bulleit. I love the flavor, It’s not a wimpy whiskey and the flavors blend beautify with the things added to an Old Fashion.
I start off with an orange peel, (use the inside/white part) to wipe all over the inside of the final glass.(I then invert it over a smoking hickory or mesquite wood chip, Lite the wood chip until it’s burning well and blow it out. It will produce a fair amount of smoke for flavor)
While the flavor of the wood smoke permeates the orange, in a separate glass, mix together 2 shots of Bulleit whiskey (orange label) 8 drops of bitters, 1 tsp. simple syrup, and a maraschino cherry. A few drops of the cherry juice is good as well. Pour over the smoked glass and add an ice cube. WONDERFUL!!!
This recipe is my new favorite! PS – can you share the link for your cocktail picks please??
You can always search cocktails by drinks. 18 Festive Holiday Cocktails is also great resource this time of year!