Maple Orange Bourbon Old Fashioned

If you love a classic Old Fashioned but want something a little warmer, sweeter, and cosier (without turning your drink into a dessert), this Maple Orange twist is the one. It’s smooth, citrusy, lightly sweet, and perfect for autumn, winter, or honestly… any night you want a “treat yourself” cocktail without effort.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 orange peel
• 1 large ice cube
• Optional: extra orange slice or dehydrated orange for garnish

Instructions

1. Add bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass.
2. Add ice and stir for 20–25 seconds until chilled and silky.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Express an orange peel over the top, rub it around the rim, and drop it in.
5. Garnish with an extra orange slice if you want it pretty.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked maple syrup for a deeper campfire-style flavour.
• Swap bitters for orange bitters to make it brighter.
• Add a tiny pinch of cinnamon for a festive twist.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with salty nuts, dark chocolate, or a cosy cheeseboard.
• Works beautifully as a welcome drink at holiday gatherings.

Storage

Cocktails don’t store well once mixed, but you can pre-batch:

• Mix bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters in a jar (no ice).
• Chill up to 3 days.
• Pour over ice and add fresh orange peel before serving.