Smoky Cherry Maple Old Fashioned

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-04 · Updated 2026-06-04

A rich and smoky twist on the classic Old Fashioned, featuring cherry bitters and a hint of maple syrup for depth and sweetness. This recipe, ready in about 7 minutes, brings together bourbon, maple syrup, cherry 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 210 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
• 0.25 oz maple syrup
• 3 dashes cherry bitters
• for smoke infusion smoked wood chips
• 1 large clear ice cube
• 1 wide strip orange peel
• 1 maraschino cherry

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Place a large clear ice cube into a rocks glass and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a mixing glass, add 2 oz bourbon, 0.25 oz maple syrup, and 3 dashes cherry bitters.
3. Step 3: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes to the brim and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
4. Step 4: Using a small smoking gun or smoked wood chips, infuse the rocks glass with smoke for about 10 seconds, then cover to trap the smoke.
5. Step 5: Strain the stirred bourbon mixture into the smoked rocks glass over the large ice cube.
6. Step 6: Express a wide strip of orange peel over the drink to release oils, rim the glass with it, and rest it on the ice.
7. Step 7: Garnish with a single maraschino cherry placed on the rim or skewered on a cocktail pick.