Maple syrup is having a moment in the cocktail world. Once confined mainly to pancake breakfasts, this natural sweetener from the sap of maple trees is now making its way into a range of creative cocktail recipes. From classic drinks like the maple Old Fashioned to new concoctions like the maple Manhattan or maple sour, bartenders are discovering that maple syrup’s rich flavor and viscosity can add interesting complexity and texture to cocktails.
But is maple syrup actually a good ingredient for cocktails? Here are some key considerations when using maple in drinks:
Flavors
Maple syrup brings its own inherent flavors to cocktails that can enhance and balance other ingredients. It has a pronounced maple taste, featuring earthy, woody, caramel notes as well as a subtle vanilla aroma. This can lend cocktails a warm, slightly smoky character. Maple’s flavors complement bourbon and rye whiskeys particularly well. Its sweetness balances sour citrus flavors in drinks like margaritas and sours. Maple also pairs nicely with fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Sweetness
With a high sugar content, maple syrup obviously brings sweetness to cocktails. This allows it to substitute for simple syrup or other sweeteners. Maple syrup tends to be less cloyingly sweet than white sugar. Its more nuanced sweetness integrates smoothly into drink recipes without overpowering them. The sweetness can also help mellow the bite of spirits like whiskey or rum. However, the sweetness level can vary between maple syrup grades, so you may need to adjust proportions when substituting maple for simple syrup in recipes.
Texture
Thanks to maple syrup’s viscosity, it can give cocktails a thicker, richer mouthfeel compared to plain simple syrup. This texture helps the maple flavor cling to the palate and gives drinks a pleasant weight. The texture also allows maple syrup to add body to cocktails with diluted flavors. However, too much maple thickness can make some drinks unwieldy. Finding the right balance is key.
Versatility
Maple syrup works in a diverse range of cocktails. It’s at home in old fashioneds, Manhattans, and other spirit-forward drinks. The maple sweetness and viscosity help soften harsh notes in bourbon or rye. Maple also shines in autumnal cocktails with fall flavors like apple cider and pumpkin. In citrus cocktails, maple can provide sweet contrast to tart margaritas, daiquiris and whiskey sours. Maple pairs surprisingly well with coffee liqueurs like Kahlua. It can even add character to tropical drinks, playing off rum and juices.
Grades of Maple Syrup
Not all maple syrup is created equal when it comes to cocktails. There are various grades that have different characteristics:
Golden/Amber
The most common, versatile maple syrup grade. Golden color, medium bodied, well-rounded maple flavor. Offers a good balance of sweetness, texture and maple taste for cocktails.
Dark
Bolder, more intense maple flavor. Darker color and syrupy thickness. Can stand up to strongly flavored spirits like whiskey without getting lost. Drawback is the higher sugar content.
Very Dark
Strongest maple flavor. Very thick and viscous texture. Can overpower some cocktails. Best in small doses to add flavor nuance. Too much thickness and sweetness for some drinks.
Grade A
Lighter color and more delicate, subtle maple taste. Lower sugar content. Often used for drizzling or pancakes, but may get drowned out in cocktails.
Grade B
Much stronger maple flavor. Dark color and dense syrupy texture. Only suitable in very small quantities in cocktails to avoid overpowering drinks.
Cocktail Recipes Using Maple Syrup
Here are some recommended cocktails that highlight maple syrup’s versatility:
Maple Old Fashioned
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 tsp maple syrup
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange twist
Substitute maple syrup for simple syrup in a classic old fashioned. The maple flavors marry beautifully with bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes.
Maple Sour
– 2 oz rye whiskey
– 3/4 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz maple syrup
– 1 dash orange bitters
– Orange slice
Maple sweetness balances the sour lemon in this twist on a whiskey sour. Rye’s spicy kick contrasts the maple as well.
Maple Manhattan
– 2 oz rye whiskey
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/4 oz maple syrup
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry garnish
Maple puts its own spin on a sophisticated classic. The maple smooths out rye’s edges while complementing the herbal vermouth.
Maple Margarita
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz maple syrup
– 1/4 oz triple sec
– Lime wedge
Maple adds rich sweetness and texture to balance tart citrus in a margarita. The woodsy maple flavors work unexpectedly well with tequila.
Maple Apple Cider Cocktail
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon
– 1/2 oz maple syrup
– 4 oz apple cider
– 1 cinnamon stick
Perfect for autumn, maple joins fall flavors like bourbon, apple cider and cinnamon. Sweet maple pairs nicely with tart apples.
| Cocktail | Base Spirit | Maple Syrup Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Maple Old Fashioned | Bourbon | 1 tsp |
| Maple Sour | Rye whiskey | 1/2 oz |
| Maple Manhattan | Rye whiskey | 1/4 oz |
| Maple Margarita | Tequila | 1/2 oz |
| Maple Apple Cider Cocktail | Bourbon | 1/2 oz |
Tips for Using Maple Syrup in Cocktails
To use maple syrup successfully in cocktails:
– Stick to golden/amber or dark maple syrup, which provide good maple flavor without being overly sweet or strong.
– Use a light hand at first when substituting maple for simple syrup in recipes – too much can make drinks too thick.
– Add gradually and taste as you make a cocktail, until you achieve desired sweetness and maple flavor balance.
– For stronger maple presence, combine maple syrup with maple liqueurs/extracts like Sortilège.
– Maple can quickly overpower more delicate ingredients like floral gin or vodka, so avoid large amounts.
– Make a maple simple syrup by combining equal parts maple syrup and water to thin out texture.
– Maple drinks pair well with fall garnishes like orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks or apples.
Conclusion
Maple syrup can add wonderful flavor, aroma, texture and sweetness when used judiciously in cocktails. Its inherent maple taste and viscosity make it more than just a plain sweetener. Maple pairs well with bourbon, rye, apple cider and autumnal flavors. It balances tart citrus in sours and margaritas. Just be careful not to overdo the maple so it doesn’t overpower other ingredients. Used creatively in the right amounts, maple syrup can be a delicious way to give cocktails rich, seasonal character. So don’t relegate it just to pancakes – take maple syrup on a cocktail adventure!