Old Fashioned with Spiced Maple Simple Syrup

When I think about winter classics, I think about Sinatra, crisp Saturday nights in Manhattan during the holidays, a steakhouse with a ribeye and creamed spinach, and an Old Fashioned.

I love making different simple syrups at home because they’re so easy to create, but the options for flavor profiles are infinite. Play with different herbs and spices and then store simple syrups in mason jars in your fridge for when you want to spruce up your cocktail game.

This Old Fashioned with Spiced Maple Simple Syrup is something we enjoy throughout the cold weather months. It’s a lovely before or after dinner drink. Between these crazy Covid times and having a toddler at home, we don’t go out every Saturday night like we used to, but we still do our best to make weekend nights together special. We have date nights at home, and this drink gives off the vibe of being all dressed up and out on the town, even if we’re home on our couch with candles, takeout, and a few good movies.

Call me old fashioned, but I truly believe that life, romance, and love is truly what you make it, and I’ll cheers to that any day of the week!

This recipe is included inYour 2021 TBOS Holiday Recipe Guide. If you make it, be sure to tag @threebirdsonestove so I can see how you're enjoying this timeless cocktail.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 8-10 Minutes

Yield: 1 Old Fashioned

Ingredients

2 ounces bourbon

4 dashes Angostura bitters

1 teaspoon Spiced Maple Simple Syrup (recipe/method below)

1 orange peel or slice

For the Maple Spiced Simple Syrup:

½ cup turbinado sugar

½ cup water

1 cinnamon stick

1 3-inch long orange peel

1 teaspoon maple syrup

Directions

For the Spiced Maple Simple Syrup:

1. Add all syrup ingredients to a small skillet. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low and simmer until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes, stirring periodically.

2. Once dissolved, remove from heat and allow the syrup to sit for 20 minutes. Remove orange peel and transfer the syrup to a Mason jar or airtight container, leaving the cinnamon stick in the jar. You can make this ahead of time. Chill until ready to use.

Make Your Old Fashioned:

1. Add all ingredients to a short tumbler. Top with ice and stir gently. Garnish with an orange peel or slice.