Smoked Ginger Maple Old Fashioned

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smoky twist on the classic Old Fashioned, enriched with warm ginger and smooth maple syrup sweetness. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together rye whiskey, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice 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 195 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.

Prep: 6 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 195 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with large clear ice cubes. Add 2 oz rye whiskey, 1/2 oz maple syrup, 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 oz ginger liqueur.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill without diluting.
  3. Step 3: Prepare a rocks glass by placing a single large clear ice cube inside.
  4. Step 4: Strain the stirred mixture into the rocks glass over the ice cube.
  5. Step 5: Express a wide strip of orange peel over the drink to release oils, then rub the peel around the glass rim and rest it inside the glass.
  6. Step 6: Optional: Use a smoking gun or lightly torch a cinnamon stick and hold it near the glass to infuse gentle smoke aroma before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Ginger Maple Old Fashioned take to make?

Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Smoked Ginger Maple Old Fashioned?

Refrigerate any leftover smoked ginger maple old fashioned 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 Smoked Ginger Maple Old Fashioned?

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 Smoked Ginger Maple Old Fashioned 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 Smoked Ginger Maple Old Fashioned?

Cocktails cocktails & drinks 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.