Can you use maple syrup in cocktails?

Maple syrup has its place in many cocktails, some of which you may have heard of before.

It’s an ingredient that can provide a rich, caramel-like sweetness that goes particularly well with dark liquors such as whiskey and rum.

Why use artificial syrup in cocktails when you can opt for organic maple syrup; a 100% natural product that is rich with nutrients?

In this article, we pick out some of the best cocktails that can be made with maple syrup. We’ll round off with some tips on using maple syrup in alcoholic drinks.

Popular maple syrup cocktails

There’s no end to the possibilities of maple syrup in cocktails, but we recommend these five cocktails in particular:

Maple Old Fashioned

An original take on a timeless classic. All you need to do is replace the traditional sugar cube with a splash of maple syrup. The rest of the Old Fashioned stays the same – bourbon, bitters, ice, and an orange garnish.

Maple Bourbon Sour

Maple syrup – along with bourbon, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a dash of bitters – creates a nicely balanced drink with citrus brightness and earthy sweetness.

Brown Derby

A classic Hollywood-era cocktail. Bourbon is complemented by the sharpness of grapefruit juice and warm sweetness of maple syrup. A refreshing livener.

Maple Espresso Martini

Give this popular coffee cocktail a sweet and aromatic twist. Maple syrup adds a natural, caramelised note to match the boldness of the espresso.

Applejack Rabbit

This is a comforting autumnal cocktail that uses the French apple brandy Calvados, orange juice, lemon juice and maple syrup. It falls under the ‘sours’ category of cocktails.

Tips for using maple syrup in cocktails

We’ll conclude here with some tips for getting the most out of maple syrup behind the bar or at home:

Choose the best pairings

Maple syrup works best with aged spirits; bourbon, rye, rum, and brandy are all excellent choices.

Ratio

Use it 1:1 in place of simple syrup. As it’s thicker, stir a little longer or dilute it with warm water to create a maple simple syrup that blends more easily.

Flavour profile

Maple syrup provides a natural, low-glycemic option with a warm, woody character. It can elevate and increase the overall complexity of a cocktail.