Smoky Old-Fashioned with Maple Syrup
A classic old-fashioned cocktail with a subtle smoky note and rich maple sweetness. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together rye whiskey, maple syrup, dashes 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 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1/2 oz maple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large strip orange peel
- pinch smoked sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a large clear ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Step 2: In a mixing glass filled halfway with ice cubes, combine 2 oz rye whiskey, 1/2 oz maple syrup, and 3 dashes Angostura bitters.
- Step 3: Stir gently for 30 seconds with a bar spoon until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 4: Strain the cocktail over the large ice cube in the rocks glass.
- Step 5: Lightly sprinkle a pinch of smoked sea salt on top.
- Step 6: Express oils from 1 large orange peel over the surface, twist, and rest the peel on the rim of the glass as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky 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 Smoky Old-Fashioned with Maple Syrup?
Refrigerate any leftover smoky 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 Smoky 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 Smoky 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 Smoky Old-Fashioned with Maple Syrup?
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.
