Here’s an Old Fashioned cocktail that’s ready for fall! Maple syrup plus infused bourbon brings warming fall spices—cloves, star anise, and cinnamon—to this spin on the classic cocktail.
The Old Fashioned is one of my go-to cocktails—it is at once reliable and a little bit fancy. The warmth from the whiskey and the little bit of sweetness from the sugar make for a really unbeatable combo.
If you’re searching for something reliably delightful for a special evening at home or a gathering with friends, here’s a tiny twist on a traditional cocktail that’s very simple to make, takes just a few ingredients, and yet tastes very sophisticated, indeed.
WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS FOR AN OLD FASHIONED?
Your typical Old Fashioned is made with a sugar cube, bitters, and bourbon. I like to muddle a bit of orange peel in mine, but for purists, this is controversial.
This variation uses maple syrup in place of the sugar, which gives the drink an extra depth and richness.
INFUSE YOUR BOURBON WITH SPICES!
For something that’s even more seasonal (and even a little unexpected), try making your maple Old Fashioned with this spice-infused bourbon.
Although the idea of infusing liquor may seem a little intimidating if you’ve never tried it before, it is very simple to make and takes just 24 hours. And it’s a great way to take this bourbon drink to the next level.
An Old Fashioned made with spice infused bourbon has an extra bit of fullness and warmth, just in time for a chilly night.
WHAT BOURBON TO BUY FOR AN OLD FASHIONED?
If you’re not into the infusing thing and want to just stay classic, it will still be delicious. Or if you want the spiced bourbon and don’t want to wait for it to infuse, there are plenty of brands that make spiced bourbons, such as Wild Turkey.
MORE COZY FALL COCKTAILS
Fall-Spiced Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
- Prep time: 2 minutes
- Infusion time: 24 hours
- Yield: Infused bourbon for 8 drinks
Ingredients
For the infused bourbon:
- 2 cups bourbon
- 1 whole star anise
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 12 whole cloves
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
For the Fall-Spiced Old Fashioned (makes one cocktail):
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon water
- 4 dashes of Angostura Aromatic Bitters
- 2 ounces infused-bourbon
- Ice
- Orange peel
Method
1 Infuse the bourbon: Place bourbon and spices in a glass jar with a lid. Allow to infuse for 24 hours, shaking occasionally. Strain the bourbon into a clean jar. (This makes enough for 8 cocktails)
2 Make the cocktail: Add the maple syrup, water, and bitters to the bottom of an old-fashioned glass. Add the ice and the bourbon, and stir for about 30 seconds.
3 Garnish with orange peel: Rub a piece of orange peel around the rim of the glass and drop it in.
