Whiskey Citrus Stir with Maple and Bitters
A smooth whiskey cocktail balancing zesty citrus with the warmth of maple syrup and aromatic bitters, perfect for sipping on a cool evening. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, pure maple syrup 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 strip lemon twist
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass halfway with ice cubes. Pour in 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz pure maple syrup.
- Step 2: Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixture.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until the drink is well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 4: Strain into a rocks glass filled with 2 large clear ice cubes.
- Step 5: Express a wide strip of lemon peel over the surface to release its oils, then rest it on the rim as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Whiskey Citrus Stir with Maple and Bitters 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 Whiskey Citrus Stir with Maple and Bitters?
Refrigerate any leftover whiskey citrus stir with maple and bitters 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 Whiskey Citrus Stir with Maple and Bitters?
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 Whiskey Citrus Stir with Maple and Bitters 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 Whiskey Citrus Stir with Maple and Bitters?
Cocktails & Beverages 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.
