The 10 best Maple syrup cocktails
An editorial shortlist of the Maple syrup cocktails most worth starting with.
Introduction
Sweeten Your Sips with Maple Syrup
Maple syrup isn't just for breakfast anymore.
This natural sweetener has found its way into the shakers of the world's best mixologists, crafting cocktails that blend the complex flavors of the wilderness with the sophistication of top-shelf spirits. This golden elixir, pulled from the sap of maple trees, carries rich flavors of vanilla, wood, and caramel, making it an ideal ingredient for cocktails that aim to delight and surprise the palate. Whether used as a subtle sweetener or the star of the show, maple syrup adds a touch of earthy sweetness to a variety of cocktails, from bourbon-based classics to inventive new mixes.
The versatility of maple syrup shines through in cocktails ranging from sultry and smoky to bright and citrusy, proving that this ingredient is much more than a pancake topping.
On this page
Jump through the ranked list, then head into the conclusion or FAQs.
1. Benton’s Old Fashioned
Featuring a harmonious blend of bourbon's warmth with the understated sweetness of maple syrup, this cocktail is a sophisticated twist on the classic Old Fashioned. The addition of a dash of bitters complements the complexity of the bourbon while elevating the woody and caramel notes inherent in the maple syrup. This drink pays homage to traditional cocktail crafting by highlighting the quality of its ingredients, allowing each sip to bring forth a rich tapestry of flavors, balanced elegantly with a hint of sweetness that lingers on the palate.
Ingredients
Method
-
- This recipe calls for bacon fat-washed bourbon, which can be made by grilling four slices of bacon and adding the fat to a bottle of bourbon and leaving to infuse for a day
-
- After the day place the bourbon into a freezer to solidify the fat, before clarifying the bourbon by pouring into a new bottle to separate it from the solid waste
-
- In a mixing glass add the maple syrup and the bacon-washed bourbon and stir well until the syrup has properly dissolved
-
- Add the bitters and stir again before straining into a rocks-filled lowball glass
-
- Garnish with an orange twist and serve
2. Maple Brown Derby
A delightful mix that brings together the zesty freshness of grapefruit juice with the smooth, deep flavors of bourbon and maple syrup. This cocktail is a testament to the balance that can be achieved when contrasting flavors are skillfully combined. The tartness of the grapefruit juice is perfectly mellowed by the sweetness of the maple syrup, creating a drink that is as refreshing as it is satisfying. The addition of a dash of bitters ties all the components together, making this drink a perfect choice for those seeking a refreshing yet complex cocktail experience.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Combine all the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well
-
- Straining into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with a lemon slice and serve
3. Maple Morning
This drink is a celebration of the darker side of spirits, featuring a rich base of dark rum complemented by the subtle sweetness of maple syrup. The inclusion of lime juice and a dash of orange bitters introduces a citrusy brightness, creating a complex flavor profile that is both invigorating and hearty. This cocktail showcases the versatility of maple syrup as a sweetener that can effortlessly bridge the gap between the robustness of dark rum and the tangy sharpness of lime, resulting in a uniquely balanced and flavorful experience.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice
-
- Shake well and strain over ice into a rocks glass
-
- Garnish with lemon peel and some brandied cherries and serve
4. Port Old-Fashioned
Combining the velvety textures of port and bourbon with the distinctive sweetness of maple syrup, this cocktail delivers an experience that is both refined and profoundly satisfying. The nuanced addition of bitters enhances the overall richness of the drink, allowing the individual flavors to meld together beautifully without overpowering one another. This creation is a nod to the elegance of classic cocktails while introducing a modern twist that elevates the drinking experience to new heights. Each sip unveils the depth and sweetness of maple syrup, perfectly encapsulated within the warmth of bourbon and the complexity of port.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Start by combining all the ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice, giving them a thorough stir for about 10-15 seconds until well mixed
-
- Then, carefully strain the mixture into a glass that's already packed with fresh ice, ensuring a smooth pour
-
- Enjoy your perfectly blended cocktail, ready to sip!
5. Jean Gabin
This cocktail is an exquisite blend of richness and comfort, marrying the bold flavors of dark rum and Calvados with the sweet, soothing touch of maple syrup. The addition of milk rounds out the texture, creating a drink that is both indulgent and comforting. The maple syrup's presence is felt through the gentle sweetness that complements the strength of the spirits, making this concoction a delightful treat. This drink stands as a testament to the versatility of maple syrup, showcasing its ability to enhance and harmonize with both the robust and the delicate flavors of various ingredients.
Ingredients
Method
-
- First heat up the milk in a pan until warm and frothy
-
- Pour in the hot milk into an Irish coffee glass and add the rum and calvados
-
- Stir in the maple syrup until it has dissolved
-
- Sprinkle some nutmeg on top as a garnish and serve
6. Maple Leaf
A showcase of simplicity and elegance, this cocktail combines the smoothness of bourbon with the bright acidity of lemon juice, all sweetened to perfection with maple syrup. The result is a drink that strikes a perfect balance between the whiskey's warmth and the lemon's citrus bite, with the maple syrup providing a smooth, sweet backdrop that ties the flavors together. Ideal for those who appreciate the beauty in simplicity, this cocktail illustrates how a few carefully chosen ingredients can create a deeply satisfying and nuanced beverage.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
-
- Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
-
- Strain into a chilled old fashioned glass, garnish with a lemon peel twist and serve
7. Maple Old Fashioned
Reinventing a timeless classic, this version of the Old Fashioned brings the rich, natural sweetness of maple syrup to the forefront, complemented by the depth of bourbon and a hint of bitterness provided by the bitters. This drink perfectly captures the essence of its traditional roots while introducing a modern twist that showcases the warm, comforting flavors of maple syrup. It's a testament to the ingredient's natural affinity with bourbon, creating a cocktail that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Add two ice cubes to a glass and stir in half of the bourbon
-
- Add the maple syrup and bitters and two more ice cubes
-
- Stir some more before adding in two more ice cubes
-
- Add the rest of the bourbon and stir so as to melt the ice
-
- Add some fresh ice
-
- Garnish with an orange peel twist and serve
8. Brown Derby
This cocktail is a harmonious blend of the rustic sweetness of maple syrup with the tartness of pink grapefruit juice, anchored by the robust character of bourbon. The result is a refreshing and approachable drink that offers a delightful contrast of flavors, proving that sweetness and acidity can coexist beautifully in a glass. The maple syrup's natural flavors are given a platform to shine, complemented by the citrusy sharpness of the grapefruit, making this drink a favorite among those seeking a sweet yet tangy experience.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Begin by placing all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice
-
- Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, or until you notice the shaker's exterior has frosted over
-
- Once shaken, use a fine mesh strainer to pour the mixture into a pre-chilled glass, ensuring any ice fragments are caught and only the smooth drink is served
-
- Enjoy your perfectly crafted cocktail
9. Heartbreak Bacardi
An invigorating mix that combines the crisp, clean flavors of vodka and white rum with the freshness of mint and lime, all brought together with the smooth sweetness of maple syrup. This cocktail is an explosion of fresh flavors, offering a cooling and refreshing experience that is perfect for any occasion. The maple syrup adds a layer of depth to the drink, ensuring that the sweetness enhances rather than overwhelms the mint and lime's bright, vibrant character.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Put ice cubes into a glass
-
- Add maple syrup, Bacardi, vodka and lime wedges, and stir
-
- Crush mint leaves, add to the glass and allow to settle before serving
10. Maple Bourbon Sour
Balancing the tartness of lemon juice with the richness of bourbon, this cocktail uses maple syrup as the bridge between these two strong characters, creating a drink that is both bold and harmonious. The maple syrup's versatility as a sweetener is on full display, offering a smooth, mellow sweetness that integrates seamlessly with the citrus and whiskey flavors. Ideal for those who love their cocktails with a bite, this drink delivers a satisfying complexity that is both invigorating and lush.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake for several seconds
-
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with a lemon wedge and serve
Conclusion
Choosing the top 10 cocktails that feature maple syrup was no easy task, but it was a delicious challenge.
Each cocktail on this list was selected for its ability to showcase maple syrup's rich, complex flavors, and the creativity it inspires in cocktail crafting. The selected cocktails range from reinterpretations of classic drinks to original creations that could only exist in the modern craft cocktail movement. What makes these drinks special is their ability to balance sweetness with depth, using maple syrup to create layers of flavor that unfold with each sip.
These top 10 cocktails celebrate the versatility and charm of maple syrup, ensuring there's a concoction to satisfy any craving, any season.
More about Maple syrup
What is the most popular cocktail made with maple syrup?
A Maple Old Fashioned is one of the most popular ways to use maple syrup in cocktails, swapping in maple for some or all of the sugar. It adds a smooth, earthy sweetness that pairs naturally with whiskey and bitters.
What ingredients pair well with maple syrup in cocktails?
Maple syrup pairs especially well with whiskey and bourbon, aromatic bitters, and coffee flavors for rich, warming drinks. It also works nicely with fall spices (like cinnamon) and citrus to balance its sweetness.
How many cocktails can you make with maple syrup?
You can make 20 cocktails with maple syrup based on the recipes currently listed. That range includes Old Fashioned-style drinks and seasonal, dessert-leaning cocktails.
What is maple syrup and what does it taste like in cocktails?
Maple syrup is a natural sweetener made from the sap of maple trees, known for its deep golden color. In cocktails it tastes richly sweet with smooth, earthy notes, adding depth compared with plain sugar syrup.
Explore even more about Maple syrup
Jump back to the discovery hub or the ingredient guide if you want broader context beyond this ranked shortlist.
See every Maple syrup cocktail in one place
Open the full results page to search, sort, and filter every maple syrup cocktail beyond this shortlist.