Smoky Cherry Maple Old Fashioned
A rich and smoky twist on the classic Old Fashioned, featuring cherry bitters and a hint of maple syrup for depth and sweetness. This cocktails & drinks-inspired quick meals ready in about 7 minutes pairs bourbon, maple syrup, dashes cherry bitters for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a large clear ice cube into a rocks glass and set aside.
- Step 2: In a mixing glass, add 2 oz bourbon, 0.25 oz maple syrup, and 3 dashes cherry bitters.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 5: Strain the stirred bourbon mixture into the smoked rocks glass over the large ice cube.
- 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.
- Step 7: Garnish with a single maraschino cherry placed on the rim or skewered on a cocktail pick.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Cherry Maple Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Smoky Cherry Maple Old Fashioned?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bourbon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Cherry 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 Smoky Cherry 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 Smoky Cherry Maple Old Fashioned?
Cocktails & Drinks 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.
