Stirred Maple Black Pepper Bourbon

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

A sophisticated bourbon cocktail where maple syrup's sweetness balances the smoky heat of freshly cracked black pepper, creating a layered finish. This recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together bourbon, 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 180 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: 5 min Serves 1 Cocktails & Drinks cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing glass, add 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz maple syrup, 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice, 2 dashes black pepper bitters, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Stir with ice for 20 seconds until well-chilled and the pepper is infused.
  2. Step 2: Strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with a single large ice cube. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stirred Maple Black Pepper Bourbon 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 Stirred Maple Black Pepper Bourbon?

Refrigerate any leftover stirred maple black pepper bourbon 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 Stirred Maple Black Pepper Bourbon?

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 Stirred Maple Black Pepper Bourbon 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 Stirred Maple Black Pepper Bourbon?

Cocktails & Drinks 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.

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