Cocktails with Nachtmann

Maple Old Fashioned

Maple Old Fashioned cocktail served in a NACHTMANN Noblesse Single Old Fashioned glass

An old fashioned cocktail's beauty lies in its simplicity. A base spirit, a sweetener, bitters, ice, and garnish are all you need to build one of the world's most beloved cocktail types. Thanks to this simplicity, there are many delicious old fashioned variations you can make and enjoy with little fuss, one of which is the buttery sweet maple old fashioned.

Adding a Canadian twist to the old fashioned

Old fashioneds are evergreen in their popularity, but they're undoubtedly at their most popular during the cooler months in autumn and winter. As a famously cold country, adding a Canadian element to the traditional old fashioned recipe is a good way of making this cocktail even more of a winter pleaser.

Using maple syrup instead of simple syrup or granulated sugar gives this old fashioned earthy, caramel notes for a richer sweetness component. The use of candied bacon in place of orange zest is optional, but it makes for a classic pairing with the maple syrup and adds sweet and smoky aromas to the cocktail (plus a crispy texture if you want to take nibbles in between sips). You can use bourbon or rye whiskey when making your maple old fashioned, with both options continuing the North American theme of the drink.

How to make your candied bacon

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C/375° F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  • Place the bacon (we recommend using strips if possible) on the wire rack and sprinkle with brown sugar. Use approximately 1tsp per strip, spreading it out evenly.
  • Bake your bacon strips in the oven for approximately 20 minutes. You'll know it's done once the sugar is completely melted and the bacon has turned a deep brown color. Remove the bacon from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before using it for your maple old fashioned garnish. Any leftover bacon can be stored for a couple of days.
Maple Old Fashioned cocktail served in a NACHTMANN Noblesse Single Old Fashioned glass

Glassware for your maple old fashioned

Like any other type of old fashioned, this variation is best served in an old fashioned tumbler. Also known as a rocks glass, a lowball glass, or a whisky tumbler, this compact, robust type of glass is perfect for low-volume, spirit-forward cocktails that are served over ice. Our Nachtmann Noblesse Single Old Fashioned Glass is an ideal choice for the job, as is our variety of Nachtmann Whisky Tumblers across various collections.

Ingredients (for one)

  • 50ml/1.75oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 15ml/0.5oz maple syrup
  • Three dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Candied bacon for garnish

Making your maple old fashioned

  • Add your maple syrup and Angostura bitters to your Nachtmann old fashioned glass and stir to combine.
  • Add ice and your whiskey of choice and stir again.
  • Balance your candied bacon on the rim of the glass, and your maple old fashioned is complete.
Maple Old Fashioned cocktail served in a NACHTMANN Noblesse Single Old Fashioned glass

Mixing up some of your favorite cocktails, such as the old fashioned, is a fun, delicious way to boost your mixology enjoyment, and this maple version with bacon garnish is the perfect option for the cooler months. Check out our winter negroni recipe for another winter-friendly spin on a cocktail classic. You can also see our winter hot drinks blog for general drinks inspiration during the cooler months.

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Nachtmann Whisky Tumblers