🥃 The Cozy Autumn Old Fashioned: Our Favorite Maple & Bourbon Twist on a Classic Cocktail
The Old Fashioned is the king of classic cocktails—a simple, strong, and perfectly balanced drink. But when the temperatures drop and the leaves turn golden, my palate starts craving something warmer, richer, and a little more comforting. That’s how I landed on the Autumn Old Fashioned, a seasonal spin that replaces standard simple syrup with the deep, complex sweetness of real maple syrup and introduces a subtle hit of orange and spice.
This isn’t just a drink; it’s a fireside chat in a glass. It captures the essence of a crisp fall evening—the smoky warmth of the bourbon, the earthy depth of the maple, and the bright spark of citrus. It’s sophisticated, incredibly easy to make, and is guaranteed to be your new signature cocktail for the season.
—Jason Griffith, Chef Maniac Contributor
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a traditionalist when it comes to cocktails, but the Autumn Old Fashioned has earned a permanent spot in my rotation for three key reasons:
- The Maple Swap: Maple syrup isn’t just sweet; it carries notes of caramel, vanilla, and slight toastiness that complement bourbon beautifully. It adds an immediate layer of cozy, autumnal complexity that simple sugar just can’t touch.
- It’s a 5-Minute Masterpiece: Like the classic, this drink requires zero shaking and minimal measuring. It’s perfect for when you want a high-end cocktail but only have five minutes before your guests arrive (or before you settle onto the couch).
- The Sensory Experience: The garnish isn’t an afterthought here. Expressing the orange peel releases its fragrant oils, and adding a cinnamon stick (or a clove-studded stick) means every sip is accompanied by a beautiful, spiced aroma.
🍯 Ingredients for the Autumn Old Fashioned
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Bourbon | 2 oz | Use a high-quality bourbon you enjoy sipping neat. Woodford Reserve or Maker’s Mark are great choices. |
| Maple Syrup | 1/2 oz | Use 100% pure maple syrup, Grade A Dark or Very Dark for best flavor. |
| Angostura Bitters | 2 dashes | Essential for balance and spice notes. |
| Orange Bitters | 1 dash | Optional, but highly recommended. It enhances the citrus notes without adding acidity. |
| Water | Splash | Used to help dissolve the maple syrup and mellow the intensity slightly. |
| Ice | Large block | A single large ice cube melts slower and keeps the drink cold longer without over-diluting. |
| Orange Peel | 1 slice | For garnish and expressing the oils. |
| Cinnamon Stick | 1 | Optional—for aromatic garnish. |
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🍎 Swaps and Notes
- Bourbon Alternatives: Rye whiskey works wonderfully for a spicier, drier profile. For a lighter touch, try aged rum.
- Cinnamon Stick Trick: If you don’t have a cinnamon stick, use a toothpick to stud your orange peel with a few whole cloves for a similar spiced aroma.
- The Apple Twist: For a deeper fall flavor, replace the maple syrup with 1/2 oz of a high-quality apple cider reduction. This is an amazing pairing for the bourbon.
🍸 How to Make the Autumn Old Fashioned (Step-by-Step)
The key to a perfect Old Fashioned is chilling and combining your ingredients gently before straining.
- Muddle the Base: In a sturdy mixing glass (or the bottom of your cocktail shaker), combine the maple syrup, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, 1 dash of orange bitters (if using), and a splash of cold water. Stir them quickly to fully incorporate the maple syrup.
- Add Bourbon and Ice: Pour in the 2 oz of bourbon. Fill the mixing glass about two-thirds full with ice cubes.
- Chill and Stir: This is the most important step. Stir the mixture gently but consistently for about 30 seconds. You are not trying to shake or aerate the drink; you are slowly chilling and slightly diluting it. The goal is a noticeably colder glass.
- Serve: Place a large, fresh ice cube in a rocks glass. Strain the bourbon mixture from the mixing glass over the fresh ice.
- Garnish and Finish: Take your orange peel and gently twist it over the drink (known as ‘expressing’ the oils). You should see a fine mist of oils hit the drink. Drop the peel into the glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, if desired, for an extra cozy aroma.
💡 Tips for Success
- Invest in Quality Bourbon: Since there are only a few ingredients, the quality of your bourbon truly shines through. Avoid bottom-shelf spirits; opt for a mid-range bottle you enjoy on its own.
- Don’t Skimp on Stirring: Proper chilling and dilution are crucial. If you skip stirring, the drink will taste harsh and overly alcoholic. If you over-stir, it will be watery. Aim for a cold glass and a slight lift in volume.
- The Block Ice Rule: A single large ice block is non-negotiable for me. Crushed ice or many small cubes will melt too fast. The point of the large cube is slow, measured dilution.
- Make it Batchable: Preparing for a party? You can pre-mix the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters and store it in the fridge. When a guest orders a drink, simply pour the chilled mixture over fresh ice and garnish!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This cocktail is strong and complex, making it the perfect partner for rich, savory appetizers and decadent desserts.
- Savory Appetizers: The sweetness of the maple cuts through the richness of cheese beautifully. I love pairing this with a creamy, warmed baked brie appetizer or a rich party dip like this Beer Cheese Dip.
- Fall Dinners: Pair it with a classic, slow-cooked meal like braised short ribs or a savory chili.
- Desserts: The bourbon and maple notes are a natural match for fall desserts. Try it alongside Pecan Pie Bars or a slice of chocolate cake. For a non-traditional pairing, try this decadent Brownie Batter Dip.
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Disclaimer: This is an approximation and will vary based on the specific brand of bourbon and maple syrup used.
| Component | Estimate |
| Calories | 170−200 |
| Alcohol | Approx. 25 grams |
| Sugar (from Maple) | Approx. 13 grams |
| Carbohydrates | Approx. 13 grams |
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Note: This recipe contains alcohol and is intended for adults of legal drinking age.
🧊 Storage and Leftover Tips
Since this is a single-serving cocktail, there are no leftovers! However, you can store the pre-mixed cocktail base (bourbon, maple syrup, bitters) in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator for up to one month. When you’re ready to serve, simply pour the pre-mixed base over fresh ice and garnish as instructed in the steps above.
🍹 More Recipes You Will Love
Looking for other amazing sips and sweets to enjoy this season? Give these a try:
- If you prefer a lighter, refreshing drink, try this Blueberry Lemonade (it’s fantastic with a splash of gin!).
- For another timeless classic, check out my recipe for a flawless Classic Margarita.
- If you need a decadent, quick dessert, you can’t go wrong with this no-bake Grasshopper Pie.
✨ Final Thoughts
The Autumn Old Fashioned is more than just a seasonal modification; it’s a testament to how small changes—like swapping cane sugar for maple syrup—can completely transform a drinking experience. It’s elegant, comforting, and the perfect toast to the changing seasons.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know your favorite bourbon to use in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow me for more classic cocktail twists and entertaining ideas.
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