Oak-Smoked Old Fashioned with Maple Syrup
A smoky twist on the classic Old Fashioned, blending rich maple syrup with oak-smoked bourbon for a warming, balanced cocktail. This quick recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together bourbon whiskey, maple syrup, Angostura bitters for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 oz maple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 wide strip orange peel
- 1 large ice cube
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 large clear ice cube into a rocks glass and set aside.
- Step 2: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1/2 oz pure maple syrup, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Step 3: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes to the brim and stir gently for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture over the large ice cube in the rocks glass.
- Step 5: Express the oils from 1 wide strip of orange peel over the drink by holding it skin side down and twisting firmly, then rub the peel around the glass rim and rest it on the edge as garnish.
- Step 6: Optional: Lightly smoke the glass with oak wood chips before pouring for an enhanced smoky aroma.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oak-Smoked Old Fashioned with Maple Syrup take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Oak-Smoked Old Fashioned with Maple Syrup?
Refrigerate any leftover oak-smoked old fashioned with maple syrup in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Oak-Smoked Old Fashioned with Maple Syrup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Oak-Smoked Old Fashioned with Maple Syrup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Oak-Smoked Old Fashioned with Maple Syrup?
Cocktails quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
