Maple syrup season is a first sign of spring in Michigan and, while the length of the season varies from year to year, it generally runs from late February to early April. During maple syrup season the freeze/thaw cycle of spring lasts long enough for the sap in Michigan’s sugar maple trees to start flowing. The sweet sap is then harvested by drilling tap holes into maple trees. It is boiled into a thick syrup before being filtered, processed, and bottled into the sweet maple syrup we know and love and dowse on our Saturday morning stack of pancakes.
Our team connected with Kirk from the Sugar Shack Experience in Jackson County, Michigan, to learn how he uses maple syrup in one of his most popular cocktail recipes: the Maple Old Fashioned. Find the recipe below alongside other must-have maple syrup cocktail recipes from the Fox & Oden team.
Maple Old Fashioned
An Old Fashioned that features réduit (boiling sap from a pan that is halfway to syrup) and drinks a bit like a sweet Hot Toddy.
1 oz hot réduit
2 oz Fox & Oden Straight Bourbon Whiskey
1-2 shakes Angostura bitters
Orange slice, garnish
Brandied cherry, garnish
Combine all ingredients into a mug and garnish with orange slice and brandied cherry.
Forest For the Trees
An original Fox & Oden maple syrup cocktail.
2 oz Fox & Oden Rye Whiskey
.75 oz Amaro Pasubio
.5 oz maple syrup
1 oz lemon juice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a cocktail glass.
Maple Syrup Whiskey Sour
An elevated take on a maple syrup cocktail; use local, authentic maple syrup.
2 oz Fox & Oden Straight Bourbon Whiskey
.75 oz lemon juice
.5 oz maple syrup
.25 oz cinnamon syrup
.75 oz aquafaba or egg white, optional
3 dashes cinnamon bitters
Cinnamon sugar, garnish
Prepare glassware by rimming with maple syrup and cinnamon sugar. Transfer glass to the freezer to chill. If using aquafaba or egg white, add it and the Fox & Oden Straight Bourbon Whiskey to a cocktail shaker. Vigorously shake for 15-20 seconds. Add other cocktail ingredients to the container and shake for another 10 seconds until frothy. Strain into a chilled glass. If more foam is desired, stir with a latte whisk for 10-15 seconds.
See the full instructions and recipe here.
Sparkling Maple Leaf Cocktail
A maple syrup cocktail with some added bubbles.
2 oz Fox & Oden Straight Bourbon Whiskey
1 tsp maple syrup
12 oz Spindrift Lemon (or other lemon sparkling water)
Lemon peel, garnish
Cinnamon stick, garnish
Pour maple syrup in glass. Add Fox & Oden Straight Bourbon Whiskey and stir to combine. Top with sparkling lemon water. Garnish with cinnamon stick and lemon peel.
See the full instructions and recipe here.
Coldbrew Maple Whiskey Cocktail
A cocktail that combines coffee, whiskey, and maple syrup.
4 oz cold brew coffee
1 oz Fox & Oden Rye Whiskey
.5 oz maple syrup
1 oz cream
Ice
Add 1/2 cup of ice to a cocktail shaker, along with the cold brew coffee, Fox & Oden Rye Whiskey, and maple syrup. Place the lid onto the shaker and shake for 10-15 seconds. Strain cocktail into a glass and top up the cream. Serve immediately.
See the full instructions and recipe here.
Which maple syrup cocktail are you reaching for? Whether sipping your maple whiskey cocktails in spring or autumn enjoy with a whiskey made for the heartland. Purchase Fox & Oden spirits at our tasting rooms or a retailer near you. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest from Fox & Oden. Remember to enjoy and drink your whiskey responsibly.
