Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned: A Sweet Vermont Twist on a Classic
There’s something timeless about an Old Fashioned—the crackle of ice in a short glass, the gentle swirl of bitters, and the mellow burn of bourbon warming your chest. At Dragonfly Sugarworks, we believe the best cocktails aren’t just mixed; they’re crafted—layer by layer, from tap to table. Today, let’s talk about how to make a maple bourbon Old Fashioned that’s both rooted in tradition and uniquely Vermont.
Using small-batch Runamok Maple Bitters and the subtly spicy Basil Hayden Bourbon, we’ll create a cocktail with warm, rounded sweetness and a balanced complexity that invites slow sipping. Whether you’re hosting a dinner, winding down by the fire, or simply want to elevate your weekend pour, this recipe will show you how.
Why maple belongs in your Old Fashioned
In classic cocktail circles, sugar cubes or simple syrup do the sweetening. But in Vermont kitchens and sugarmaker homes, pure maple syrup is our go-to. Why?
- Natural complexity – maple adds caramel, toffee, and woodsy notes you can’t get from refined sugar.
- Better mouthfeel – syrup blends smoothly without graininess.
- Local, seasonal character – using real maple syrup means every sip carries a hint of our forests and family traditions.
For the best results, choose Grade A Amber or Dark maple syrup; they offer a richer flavor that won’t disappear behind the bourbon and bitters.
Learn more: What is Grade A Maple Syrup?
See also: Maple Simple Syrup for Cocktails
How to make a maple bourbon Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 oz Basil Hayden Bourbon
- ¼–½ oz real Vermont maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2–3 dashes Runamok Maple Bitters
- Ice (large cube or sphere preferred)
- Orange peel or cherry, for garnish
Directions
- Build in glass: Add maple syrup and bitters to a lowball or Old Fashioned glass.
- Add bourbon: Pour in Basil Hayden.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon, about 20–30 seconds.
- Add ice: Ideally a single large cube to slow dilution.
- Garnish: Express an orange peel over the drink to release its oils; drop it in, or add a cherry if you like.
Tip: Taste after stirring. If it’s too strong, add a touch more syrup; too sweet, add a splash more bourbon.
Bitters & bourbon: why these picks matter
Runamok Maple Bitters
- Made in Vermont, these bitters blend real maple syrup with botanicals.
- Adds subtle baking spice, earthiness, and maple aroma without extra sweetness.
- Pairs beautifully with aged spirits.
Basil Hayden Bourbon
- Light, peppery rye spice and vanilla notes keep the cocktail balanced.
- Lower proof (80) than some bourbons, so the maple doesn’t get lost in heat.
- Smooth enough for new bourbon drinkers, complex enough for aficionados.
These choices help create a cocktail that’s more layered than cloying: lightly sweet, pleasantly bitter, and deeply aromatic.
Explore more: Runamok: Maple Bitters & Beyond
Related: Our Favorite Bourbons for Maple Cocktails
Small changes, big difference: bartender tips
- Use large ice: Slower melt keeps the drink cold but not watery.
- Orange oils are key: A quick twist of peel brightens everything.
- Taste as you stir: Maple syrup sweetness varies by batch and grade.
- Serve in a chilled glass: Enhances aroma and keeps the drink cool longer.
🍸 Want to experiment? Try Smoked Maple Old Fashioned next.
Quick takeaways
Maple syrup brings natural depth and local character.
Basil Hayden offers balance, spice, and smoothness.
Runamok Maple Bitters lift the drink with aroma and complexity.
Fresh citrus oils and slow-melting ice make a difference.
Adjust sweetness to your taste, not a fixed recipe.
FAQs
Does maple syrup dissolve well in cold drinks?
Yes! Especially high-quality syrups like Runamok’s, which are smooth and filtered so they blend right into your cold brew without clumping.
Is coffee-infused maple syrup caffeinated?
Only a trace amount. It’s infused with real coffee beans, but it won’t noticeably add to your caffeine intake.
Can I use this syrup in hot drinks too?
Absolutely. It tastes wonderful in hot coffee, lattes, or even a cozy mug of cocoa.
How long does cold brew last in the fridge?
About 5–7 days if you keep it sealed and refrigerated.
Is this recipe completely vegan?
Yes—just skip the dairy and, if you like it creamier, use oat, almond, or coconut milk instead.
Conclusion: Your New Morning Ritual
Dairy-free doesn’t have to mean dull. With Vermont-crafted Runamok Coffee-Infused Syrup, your coffee-infused maple cold brew becomes a ritual: naturally sweet, warmly bitter, and unmistakably local.
Ready to taste the difference?
Explore Runamok Coffee-Infused Syrup here and make tomorrow’s morning a little more maple.
