Toasted Vanilla Maple Old Fashioned

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

A warm twist on the classic Old Fashioned, featuring toasted vanilla and rich maple syrup for a smooth, cozy finish. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together bourbon, maple syrup, drops vanilla bean extract 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 200 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: 6 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 large clear ice cube in a rocks glass.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz bourbon, 0.5 oz maple syrup, 2 drops vanilla bean extract, and 3 dashes Angostura bitters.
  3. Step 3: Stir gently for 30 seconds with a bar spoon until well chilled and slightly diluted.
  4. Step 4: Strain the mixture into the rocks glass over the ice cube.
  5. Step 5: Express the oils of a wide orange peel over the surface, twist it, and rest it on the rim as garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Toasted Vanilla Maple Old Fashioned take to make?

Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Toasted Vanilla Maple Old Fashioned?

Refrigerate any leftover toasted vanilla maple old fashioned 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 Toasted Vanilla 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 Toasted Vanilla 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 Toasted Vanilla Maple Old Fashioned?

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.