There are hundreds of delightful maple bourbon cocktail recipes out there, so what makes this version different? For starters, this Maple Old Fashioned Mocktail veers from the traditional in that it doesn’t call for bitters, a prominent ingredient in the classic Old Fashioned bourbon cocktail, and it features non-alcoholic bourbon.
Is an old fashioned without bitters really an old fashioned? We say, absolutely! What it lacks in bitters it more than makes up for with the addition of rich and flavorful pure maple syrup.
Before you know it, you’ll be cozied up around a fire with this fall-inspired maple syrup mocktail and your favorite people.
Maple Old Fashioned Mocktail Ingredients
Making an old fashioned mocktail with maple syrup is easy and this list of ingredients is short and sweet, just like the drink.
- Non-alcoholic bourbon or rye whiskey, such as Kentucky 74 by Spiritless or award-winning bourbon alternative The Spirit of Bourbon by The Free Spirits Company.
- High-quality maple syrup, such as Crown Maple Syrup’s Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
- Freshly squeezed orange juice
- Ice
- Orange twists
- Cocktail cherries, such as Tillen Farms Bada Bing Cherries
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How to Make the Perfect Fall Mocktail
The classic Old Fashioned whiskey cocktail typically calls for angostura bitters, but our maple bourbon mocktail does things a little differently. Here’s a quick guide on how to make an old fashioned mocktail without bitters. It may be the tastiest thing you do today!
Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and add the bourbon alternative, maple syrup and orange juice. Shake, shake, shake until thoroughly mixed and chilled, about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Add one extra large ice cube each to two double old-fashioned or low-ball glasses.
Step 3: Use the cocktail strainer to pour the maple bourbon mocktail into the two glasses.
Step 4: Garnish with a fresh orange peel and a cocktail cherry.
Maple Old Fashioned Mocktail: Frequently Asked Questions
Why non-alcoholic bourbon? Won’t that change the taste?
Turning bourbon cocktails into mocktails is easy with spiritless or alcohol-free whiskey alternatives. There many great brands producing high-quality non-alcoholic spirits, making it possible to mimic the flavor, depth and complexity of an original bourbon cocktail.
What kind of maple syrup is best in this mocktail?
Use a high-quality maple syrup for best results. Pure maple syrup (as in, not the same syrup you’re drizzling over your children’s pancakes) is going to provide a unique depth and sweetness that makes this mocktail top notch.
Can I make this maple mocktail in advance?
This is a great mocktail for fall gatherings, football season and holidays. Make it in advance by preparing the mix a few hours in advance. Don’t add ice or the garnishes until you’re ready to serve your crowd.
Maple Old Fashioned Mocktail
The classic Old Fashioned bourbon cocktail gets an autumn-inspired upgrade with maple syrup, orange juice and your favorite non-alcoholic bourbon or rye whiskey. If you like a maple bourbon smash you’ll love this Maple Old Fashioned Mocktail recipe. Cheers!
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 2 1x
Ingredients
- Handful of ice cubes
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) non-alcoholic bourbon alternative
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) pure maple syrup
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 extra large ice cubes
- Orange twists and cocktail cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with regular ice cubes and combine the alcohol-free bourbon, maple syrup and freshly squeezed orange juice. Shake until thoroughly mixed and chilled, about 30 seconds.
- Add one extra large ice cube each to two double old-fashioned or low-ball glasses.
- Using a cocktail strainer, split the Maple Old Fashioned Mocktail into two glasses.
- Garnish with an orange twist and a cocktail cherry (optional) and serve.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Drinks
- Method: By hand
- Cuisine: American
*Article originally posted 10/25/2022; Last updated 8/16/2024
