Maple Bacon Old Fashioned – A Smoky, Sweet Bourbon Cocktail

The Maple Bacon Old Fashioned is a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. Smooth bourbon, pure maple syrup, and Angostura bitters come together in this bold drink, while crispy bacon and an orange peel twist add the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or hosting a whiskey-lover’s dream night, this cocktail is a must-try for bacon and bourbon fans.

Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

A Classic with a Twist – The Old Fashioned gets an upgrade with maple syrup and bacon.
Perfect Balance of Flavors – Sweet, smoky, and rich, with just the right amount of citrus.
Great for Whiskey Lovers – A bold and sophisticated drink for bourbon fans.
Impress Your Guests – A conversation-starting cocktail that’s easy to make but feels fancy.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon (Choose a smooth, rich bourbon like Woodford Reserve or Buffalo Trace.)
• ½ oz Maple Syrup (Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.)
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters (Adds complexity and depth.)
• Ice Cubes (For chilling and proper dilution.)
• 1 Cooked Bacon Strip (Crispy, for garnish.)
• 1 Orange Peel Twist (For a hint of bright citrus aroma.)

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Glass

• In a rocks glass, combine maple syrup and Angostura bitters.
• Stir gently to mix.

2️⃣ Add the Bourbon

• Pour in bourbon and stir again to blend the flavors.

3️⃣ Chill It Down

• Add ice cubes and stir for 20-30 seconds until well chilled.

4️⃣ Garnish Like a Boss

• Add a crispy bacon strip as a stir stick or rest it on the rim of the glass.
• Express the orange peel over the drink (gently twist it to release the citrus oils), then drop it in.

5️⃣ Sip & Indulge

• Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and bold flavors!

Optional Upgrade: Want even more bacon flavor? Fat-wash your bourbon by infusing it with bacon fat beforehand for an extra smoky, savory kick!

Notes & Pro Tips

Choose a Bourbon with Character – A high-quality bourbon enhances the drink. Try Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, or Bulleit.
Fat-Wash for Extra Bacon Flavor – Infuse bourbon with bacon fat, then strain and chill for a next-level smoky experience.
Use a Large Ice Cube – A big ice cube melts slower, preventing over-dilution.
Want It Less Sweet? Use ¼ oz maple syrup instead of ½ oz.
Experiment with Bitters – Try smoked bitters or chocolate bitters for a deeper, complex twist.

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Maple Bacon Old Fashioned

Use High-Quality Bourbon – A smooth, rich bourbon like Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, or Bulleit enhances the drink’s depth and character.

Pure Maple Syrup is Key – Avoid pancake syrups; 100% pure maple syrup delivers the best flavor.

Chill Your Glass – Place your rocks glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before serving for a cooler, more refreshing drink.

Stir, Don’t Shake – Stirring with ice for 20-30 seconds ensures proper dilution and a smooth texture without over-aeration.

Fat-Wash for Extra Bacon Flavor – Infuse bacon fat into bourbon, freeze, strain, and use it for a richer, smoky taste.

Go for Crispy Bacon – A well-cooked, crispy strip holds up better as a garnish and adds a nice crunch.

Enhance the Citrus Aroma – Before dropping in the orange peel, twist it over the drink to release aromatic oils.

Try Smoked Bitters – Swap Angostura bitters for smoked bitters (like Woodford Reserve or Fee Brothers) for extra depth.

Experiment with Ice – A large ice cube melts slower and keeps your drink cold without over-dilution.

Make It a Party Hit – Batch mix bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters ahead of time for easy serving. Just stir with ice and garnish fresh!

Conservation and Storage

The Maple Bacon Old Fashioned is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store or prepare it in advance, here’s how to do it properly:

Short-Term Storage (Pre-Mixed Cocktail):

• Refrigerate the Base Mix: Combine bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters in an airtight container or glass bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• When Ready to Serve: Stir well, pour over fresh ice, and garnish with a crispy bacon strip and orange peel.

Long-Term Storage (Fat-Washed Bourbon):

• Infuse Bourbon with Bacon Fat: If using bacon fat-washed bourbon, store it in the freezer for up to 1 month.
• Shake Before Use: The infusion may settle, so give it a gentle shake before pouring.

Garnish & Ice Storage:

• Bacon Garnish: Cook bacon fresh for best texture and flavor, but you can pre-cook and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Orange Peel: Store pre-cut orange peels in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.

What to Avoid:

Do Not Store with Ice – Ice melts and dilutes the drink. Always add ice fresh before serving.
Do Not Freeze the Mixed Cocktail – Freezing affects the texture and balance of flavors.

For the best taste and experience, mix fresh and enjoy immediately!

Storage Instructions

• Best Served Fresh – This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately.
• Pre-Mix Storage: Mix bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Stir with ice before serving.
• Fat-Washed Bourbon: If fat-washing bourbon, store in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Substitutions and Variations

• No Maple Syrup? Use honey syrup or brown sugar syrup instead.
• Make It Smokier: Use mezcal instead of bourbon for a rich, earthy flavor.
• Try Different Bitters: Smoked bitters or chocolate bitters add another layer of complexity.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace bourbon with a mix of non-alcoholic whiskey alternative + a drop of liquid smoke.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is fat-washed bourbon?

Fat-washing is a technique where bourbon is infused with melted bacon fat, then strained and frozen to remove the solids. This gives the drink a rich, smoky bacon essence.

Can I use a different whiskey?

Yes! Rye whiskey adds spice, while a smoky Scotch gives it a deep, peaty twist.

How do I make a batch for a party?

Mix the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters in a pitcher ahead of time. When serving, stir over ice and garnish with fresh bacon and orange peel.

What’s the best type of bacon to use?

A crispy, thick-cut smoked bacon works best for flavor and presentation.

Conclusion: A Bold & Smoky Bourbon Classic!

The Maple Bacon Old Fashioned is rich, smooth, and unforgettable—a must-try for whiskey lovers and bacon fans alike! Whether you enjoy it as an after-dinner drink, weekend treat, or party showstopper, this sweet, smoky, and savory cocktail delivers big flavors in every sip.

Craving more whiskey cocktails? Try these next!

Smoked Old Fashioned – A classic with a bold, smoky twist.
Maple Bourbon Smash – A refreshing maple, citrus, and whiskey mix.
Peanut Butter Old Fashioned – A nutty, rich take on the classic.

Tried this recipe? Share your photos on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram! Cheers! 🥃🥓🍁

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