Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour

Winter and the holidays call for a cocktail with warm, cozy vibes. This Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour brings the warmth with its blend of smooth whiskey, warm cinnamon, tart fresh lemon juice, and sweet maple syrup. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, lemon slice, and star anise for a delicious classic cocktail with a seasonal twist.   

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Holiday Cocktails

I love me some cocktails! After all, ‘tis the season to be jolly and to spread some cheer, right? And delicious and flavorful holiday cocktails, in all their forms, are like a sip of Christmas in a glass! Christmas cocktails are the perfect addition to your next holiday party or to just sip and relax before a crackling fire and watch the lights on your Christmas tree.

From fruity and bubbly like this Christmas Berry Cocktail to cranberry flavored drinks like this Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail to a decadent, creamy cocktail like a Gingerbread Martini, these cocktails are sure to make your holidays extra merry and bright.

Why You'll Love This Maple Bourbon Sour

Perfect Balance of Flavors: This cocktail masterfully balances the sweet richness of maple syrup with the zesty sharpness of fresh lemon juice. The ground cinnamon adds a warm, spicy undertone, creating a harmony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds.

Seasonal Versatility: The Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour is a drink for all seasons. Its warm, spicy notes make it a cozy choice for fall and winter, while the refreshing citrus element suits the warmer spring and summer months.

A Unique Twist on a Classic: While maintaining the essence of the traditional whiskey sour, this variant introduces a delightful twist with maple syrup and cinnamon. It’s a refreshing change for regular whiskey sour lovers and a pleasant surprise for newcomers.

Easy to Customize: Whether you prefer a sweeter cocktail or one that's more tart, this drink is incredibly adaptable. You can easily adjust the amount of maple syrup or lemon juice to suit your taste, making it a hit for any palate.

Aesthetic Appeal: With its golden amber hue, garnished elegantly with a cinnamon stick and a lemon wedge, this cocktail is not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. It’s sure to impress guests and add a touch of sophistication to any gathering.

Whiskey Variety: The flexibility of choosing from different types of whiskey - bourbon, rye, Scotch, or specialty maple whiskeys - means you can enjoy different variations of the same drink. Each whiskey choice offers a new dimension and caters to different preferences.

Simple Yet Sophisticated: Despite its simple preparation, the Maple Cinnamon Whiskey Sour exudes a sophisticated flair. It’s perfect for those occasions when you want to serve something special without spending too much time on preparation.

This drink is not just a cocktail - it's an experience. The cinnamon maple bourbon sour is sure to become a favorite for its delightful mix of flavors, aesthetic charm, and the joy of sipping on a well-crafted beverage.

What is a Whiskey Sour?

The basic formula for a traditional Whiskey Sour involves three components: whiskey, lemon juice, and a sweetener, traditionally sugar or simple syrup. These ingredients are mixed in specific proportions, commonly: two parts whiskey, one part lemon juice, and one part sweetener. The ingredients are shaken with ice and then strained into a glass filled with ice.

There is also a variation known as the Boston Sour, which includes an egg white to add a silky mouthfeel and a frothy head to the cocktail.

This cinnamon maple whiskey sour is a delicious twist on the classic cocktail. Maple syrup adds rich flavor and special sweetness. Cinnamon gives a warm spice touch and pairs beautifully with bourbon whiskey.

Oh, and mark your calendar - National Whiskey Sour Day is observed annually on August 25th.

Ingredients for This Whiskey Sour

Here's what you'll need to make the cocktail. The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.

• Bourbon Whiskey
• Lemons - for freshly squeezed juice and a slice for garnishing
• Real Maple Syrup
• Ground Cinnamon
• Cinnamon Stick for garnishing

Best Whiskey for Whiskey Sour

The best whiskey to make whiskey sour comes down to personal preference, as different types will bring different flavors to the cocktail. Here are a few suggestions:

• Bourbon: Bourbon is often a popular choice due to its sweet and full-bodied nature, which pairs well with the lemon's tartness.
• Rye Whiskey: For a spicier, more complex flavor, rye whiskey can be a great choice. It balances the sweetness of the maple syrup and the tartness of the lemon juice nicely.
• Scotch: For a smoky twist, you could use Scotch whisky. Just note that the smoky flavor can be quite prominent, so it's best for those who already enjoy Scotch.
• Maple Whiskey: Combines the traditional, rich woody flavors of whiskey with a hint of maple. This choice is great for a deeper maple flavor in the cocktail. Crown Royal and Jim Beam are great choices.
• Smoked Maple Bourbon Whiskey: Knob Creek smoked maple whiskey brings a unique touch of smokiness. The rich, robust flavor of smoked maple enhances the complexity of the drink.

Best Lemon for Whiskey Sour

The most important factor in choosing lemons for a whiskey sour is freshness. Fresh lemons provide the best flavor and zest, significantly enhancing the overall taste of the cocktail. Avoid lemons that are overly soft or show signs of aging.

While most common lemon varieties like Eureka or Lisbon work well, each type offers a slightly different flavor profile. Eureka lemons, often found in grocery stores, are quite acidic with a bright, bold flavor, making them a popular choice for cocktails. Lisbon lemons are very similar but may have slightly thinner skin.

For a sweeter, less acidic whiskey sour, Meyer lemons are an excellent choice. They are less tart than regular lemons and have a complex, fragrant aroma. Meyer lemons can add a unique twist to your whiskey sour, though they might not provide the same sharpness as traditional varieties.

Equipment Needed

• Cocktail jigger - for measuring the whiskey
• Measuring spoons - for measuring the maple syrup, lemon juice, and cinnamon
• Cocktail shaker - for shaking and mixing the drink
• Glass for Whiskey Sour - lowball glass aka old fashioned glass

How to Make a Whiskey Sour with Maple Syrup

Here are the simple steps for making a whiskey sour:

1. Pour bourbon into a cocktail shaker filled with ice,
2. Add fresh squeezed lemon juice.
3. Pour in maple syrup.
4. Add a pinch of cinnamon.

5. Shake well to chill.
6. Pour into a lowball glass filled with ice.

Finish this warm and cozy cocktail with a slice of lemon, star anise, and a cinnamon stick. Cheers!

Garnish For Whiskey Sour With Maple Syrup

Adding garnishes can enhance both its visual appeal and its flavor profile. Here are some creative and complementary garnish options beyond the classic cinnamon stick and lemon slice:

Apple Slices: Thin slices of apple can complement the autumnal flavors of the cocktail, especially if you're using a bourbon with apple notes.

Fresh Herbs: A sprig of rosemary or thyme can introduce an aromatic element. These herbs provide a beautiful visual contrast and a pleasant scent with each sip.

Star Anise: This visually striking spice not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also gives a subtle hint of licorice flavor, which can be intriguing with the maple and cinnamon.

Maple Sugar Rim: For an extra touch of sweetness, you could rim the glass with maple sugar. This adds a sweet crunch with each sip.

More Holiday Cocktail Recipes

• Cranberry Whiskey Sour
• Eggnog Martini
• Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail
• Peppermint White Russian
• Spiked Hot Apple Cider

Find lots of easy cocktail recipes to make throughout the year right here on 2CM!

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