Welcome to the first edition of our monthly mixology feature! While simple syrup is the traditional sweetener for most cocktails, substituting it with pure maple syrup adds an incredible depth of flavour, a silky texture, and complex notes of vanilla, caramel, and wood.
Here are five classic cocktails that are instantly upgraded when you swap out the sugar for the liquid gold of the Niagara Escarpment.
1. The Maple Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is where maple syrup truly shines. The robust, earthy notes of the syrup pair perfectly with the oaky profile of a good bourbon or rye whiskey.
- 2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
- 1/4 oz Beaver Valley Dark Organic Maple Syrup
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions: Add the maple syrup and bitters to a glass. Add the whiskey and a large ice cube. Stir until well chilled. Express the orange peel over the glass and drop it in.
2. The Maple Bourbon Smash
A refreshing, slightly tart cocktail that transitions perfectly from late summer into crisp autumn evenings.
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1/2 oz Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 oz Maple Syrup
- 3-4 fresh mint leaves
Instructions: Muddle the mint and lemon juice in a shaker. Add the bourbon, maple syrup, and ice. Shake vigorously and strain over fresh ice.
3. The Maple Whiskey Sour
The rich maple tempers the sharp bite of the lemon, creating a perfectly balanced sour.
- 2 oz Whiskey
- 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz Maple Syrup
- Optional: 1 egg white (for a frothy top)
Instructions: Dry shake all ingredients (without ice) vigorously if using the egg white. Add ice and shake again until chilled. Strain into a coupe glass.
4. The Autumn Apple Mule (Non-Alcoholic)
A warming, spicy mocktail that everyone can enjoy.
- 2 oz Apple cider
- 1/2 oz Maple Syrup
- 1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
- Ginger beer to top
Instructions: Mix the cider, maple syrup, and lime juice in a copper mug or highball glass. Add ice and top with spicy ginger beer. Stir gently.
5. The Maple Bee's Knees
A twist on the Prohibition-era gin classic, swapping honey for maple.
- 2 oz Gin
- 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz Maple Syrup
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake until frosty and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Mixologist's Tip: For cocktails, we generally recommend our Dark Organic Maple Syrup. Its robust flavour stands up beautifully to strong spirits without getting lost.