The Maple Smoked Old Fashioned is built around aroma as much as flavor. Maple syrup replaces the traditional sugar cube, adding depth and a soft woodsy sweetness, while smoke gives the glass a darker, fireside mood. The best version stays disciplined: strong whiskey, modest maple, good bitters, and just enough smoke to frame the drink.
Maple Smoked Old Fashioned
A smoky maple Old Fashioned with bourbon, bitters, orange oil, and a dark fireside finish.
Glass
Rocks glass
Method
Stirred
Serves
1
Profile
Maple, oak, smoke
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/4 oz maple syrup
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Large ice cube
- Orange peel, for garnish
- Wood chips, cinnamon, or rosemary for smoking the glass, optional
Suggested Brand
A suggested option for the bourbon base.
Method
- Lightly smoke the empty rocks glass, then cover it while preparing the drink.
- Add bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until chilled and lightly diluted.
- Strain into the smoked glass over a large cube and garnish with expressed orange peel.
Bar Tools
- Cocktail smoker
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger
- Cocktail strainer
- Citrus peeler
Whiskey Scene Notes
Use real maple syrup and a bourbon with enough proof to hold its shape. The smoke is most elegant when it fades into the aroma instead of sitting heavily on the palate.
Prefer a zero-proof pour? Visit our companion site, The Brixyard, for non-alcoholic cocktail inspiration.
