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Short, Catchy Intro

So you want a cocktail that feels fancy but does not require a tux or a degree in mixology. Good news you can make a Smoked Maple Old Fashioned that tastes like someone slow-roasted your childhood memories and bottled them. It is warm, a little smoky, slightly sweet, and dangerously easy to sip. Trust me you will look like you know what you are doing even if your only bartending experience is pouring cereal milk into a glass.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Why is this cocktail so great Well first off it improves with one tiny move: swapping plain sugar for smoked maple syrup. Game changer. It keeps the classic Old Fashioned vibe but gives it a wood-smoke campfire hug.

It also does not require crazy gear. No weird syrups, no flaming torches, no secret handshakes. You stir, you strain, you twist an orange peel and you have a drink people will nod approvingly at. It is idiot proof, even I did not mess it up the first time. IMO this is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a cocktail hero without earning a single merit badge.

Also, who does not love bourbon plus maple plus smoke That combo hits all the cozy boxes. Serve it when you want to impress someone or when you want to reward yourself after a long day of doing life.

Want a twist on desserts and drinks Check out this fun bake I tried recently old-fashioned banana bread. It is not strictly cocktail related but hey sometimes you need cake with a drink.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 oz bourbon
1/2 oz smoked maple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel
Ice

Keep it simple. No measurements drama. Grab your favorite bourbon. Buy smoked maple syrup if you want to be fancy. If you get plain maple and a smokey flavor chews you can improvise but we will cover swaps later.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, smoked maple syrup, and bitters.
Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled.
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube.
Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and garnish with the peel. Enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thinking you can skip the big ice cube because smaller ice melts faster and waters down your masterpiece. Big ice is your friend.
Using too much syrup because you are secretly turning this into a dessert. Keep it balanced. The bourbon should still show up.
Forgetting to stir long enough. You are not trying to whip cream. Stir until the drink feels cold on the outside of the mixing glass.
Clipping the orange peel in a way that leaves more pith than peel. Pith equals bitterness. Trim carefully.
Going heavy on garnish that does not add value. One nice peel is better than a sparkler and three cherries.

Alternatives & Substitutions

No smoked maple syrup What now Try plain maple syrup and add a few drops of liquid smoke very sparingly. Taste as you go. FYI a little goes a long way.
No bourbon Want a lighter touch Use rye for a spicier profile or dark rum for a sweeter, molasses vibe. I like bourbon best but rye brings a nice kick.
No Angostura bitters Use orange bitters or a dash of Peychaud bitters if you enjoy a slightly different aromatic angle.
Want to get fancier Try smoking the glass with wood chips for a big theatrical moment. It is fun but not essential. Do not over-smoke or you will hide the bourbon.
Want fewer calories Use a tiny less syrup and add a splash of soda water if you want more drink volume without more sugar. It changes the texture but works.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use regular maple syrup instead of smoked maple syrup Whoa yes you can. You will miss the smoky note that makes this special but it will still taste great. Add a drop of liquid smoke if you want to fake it.
How strong is this drink Am I going to get tipsy fast It is a stirred spirit forward cocktail so yes it is potent. Sip slowly and act sophisticated. You control the booze level by the size of your pour.
Can I make this in a pitcher for a party Sure but make sure to stir gently and keep ice separate until serving so it does not dilute. Or prepare a batch of the mix and stir with ice in batches.
Do I need a large ice cube Why Do you want your drink watered down Faster melting equals sad diluted flavor. Big ice melts slower and keeps the taste solid.
Can I add more maple syrup if I like it sweeter You can but balance matters. Start small and add another splash only if the first sip says yes.
Is this good after dinner or before dinner Definitely after dinner or while pretending to be deep in conversation. It works as an evening sipper, not a brunch drink.
Can I make a non alcoholic version Want to keep the vibe Try non alcoholic bourbon alternatives plus a bit of smoked maple syrup and bitters substitute. It will not be the same but it can be cozy.

Final Thoughts

You just made a cocktail that looks like it took effort but actually did not. That is the best kind of win. This Smoked Maple Old Fashioned balances sweet, boozy, and smoky in the kind of way that makes people ask for seconds. Serve it with a cheesy snack, a friend, or a playlist you pretend you curated.

A few parting pro tips Think about pairing with chocolate or a simple charcuterie bite. Chill your glass briefly if you want to show off a little. Laugh at yourself when that first sip makes you go hmm and then smile.

Now go impress someone or yourself with your newly acquired mixology skill. You earned it. Cheers.

Conclusion

If you want more riffs on the Smoked Maple Old Fashioned check this classic take at Smoked Maple Old Fashioned for inspiration. For a step by step technique video and another perspective see Smoked Maple Old Fashioned — Anders Erickson.