Smoky Maple Rye Stir

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

A warming rye whiskey cocktail with smoky undertones and a touch of maple sweetness, stirred gently to maintain clarity and balance. This cocktails & beverages-inspired quick meals ready in about 6 minutes pairs rye whiskey, maple syrup, dashes angostura bitters for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 195 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.

Prep: 6 min Serves 1 Cocktails & Beverages 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 ice cubes. Add 2 oz rye whiskey, 0.5 oz maple syrup, 3 dashes of Angostura bitters, and 0.25 oz smoked water.
  2. Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until the drink is well chilled and slightly diluted.
  3. Step 3: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with a thin strip of lemon peel, expressing the oils over the surface, then place it inside the glass.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Maple Rye Stir take to make?

Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Maple Rye Stir?

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 rye whiskey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Maple Rye Stir?

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 Maple Rye Stir 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 Maple Rye Stir?

Cocktails & Beverages 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.