Okay, so let me tell you about a drink that completely changed my cocktail game. You know how much I love a classic whiskey sour – that perfect balance of tart and sweet, with that amazing frothy top? Well, one chilly evening, I was tinkering in my kitchen (as I do!) and stumbled upon something truly special. I had some smoked maple syrup left over from a barbecue experiment, and a wild idea struck me: what if I put it in a whiskey sour?

The result? This Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour. It takes everything you love about the original but adds this incredible layer of smoky depth and a hint of warm, sweet maple. It’s sophisticated but totally approachable, and trust me, it’s become my go-to for cozy nights by the fire or when I want to impress friends without breaking a sweat. I’ve made this countless times now, tweaking it here and there, and I’m finally ready to share my absolute favorite version with you. Get ready for a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour

Okay, why is THIS the whiskey sour you need in your life? Let me count the ways!

It’s seriously unique: That smoky maple isn’t overpowering, it just adds this amazing, unexpected twist that makes people go, “Wow, what IS that?”
Super simple to whip up: Honestly, once you have the ingredients, it comes together in minutes. Perfect for spontaneous cocktail hour!
Totally impressive: Hand someone one of these, and they’ll think you’re a master mixologist. Little do they know how easy it was!
Just so cozy: The warmth of the whiskey, the sweetness of the maple, the hint of smoke… it’s like a hug in a glass, perfect for chilling out.

It’s basically a classic cocktail with a cool-kid makeover, and you are going to adore it.

Essential Ingredients for Your Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this magic happen. The beauty of this drink is that it uses pretty straightforward stuff, but the *quality* of those ingredients really does make a difference. Think of them as your building blocks for deliciousness!

Whiskey: Go for something you actually like to drink neat or on the rocks. A good bourbon or rye works wonderfully here.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Please, *please*, squeeze it yourself! Bottled stuff just doesn’t have the same brightness.
Smoked Maple Syrup: This is the star! You can buy it or even try smoking your own (more on that later!), but make sure it’s good quality maple syrup that’s been smoked.
Large Egg White: Optional, but trust me, this is what gives you that gorgeous, silky foam on top.
Angostura Bitters: A few dashes add complexity and balance.
Ice: You’ll need plenty for shaking and serving.
Garnish: A fresh orange peel (expressed oils are key!) and maybe a maraschino cherry if you’re feeling fancy.

That’s it! Simple, right? But these ingredients, when they come together, create something truly special.

Preparing Your Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour Step-by-Step

Okay, let’s get shaking! Making this Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour is pretty straightforward, but there are a couple of little tricks that make a big difference, especially if you’re using that egg white for the foam. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect cocktail in no time.

Combine the liquids: Grab your cocktail shaker. Add the whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and that lovely smoked maple syrup. If you’re using an egg white for that gorgeous foam, add it in now too.
The Dry Shake: This is crucial if you’re using the egg white! Pop the lid on your shaker *without any ice* and shake it like crazy for about 15-20 seconds. You’re basically whipping that egg white to get it nice and frothy.
Add the ice: Now, open up the shaker and add a good amount of ice. Fill it about two-thirds full.
The Chilled Shake: Put the lid back on tightly and shake again! This time, you’re shaking to chill the drink down properly and dilute it just a tiny bit. Shake until the outside of the shaker feels really, really cold – usually another 15-20 seconds.
Strain it out: Get your serving glass ready. If you want it served “up” without ice (perfect for showing off that foam!), use a coupe glass. If you prefer it on the rocks, fill a rocks glass with fresh ice. Use a fine mesh strainer (over your regular shaker strainer) to pour the cocktail into the glass. This helps catch any little bits and makes the foam super smooth.
Add the bitters: Carefully drop a few dashes of Angostura bitters right on top of the foam. It looks pretty and adds a nice aromatic touch.
Garnish and enjoy: Twist that orange peel over the drink to release its oils, rub it around the rim, and then drop it in. Add a cherry if you like. And there you have it – your perfect Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour!

The Dry Shake: Building the Foundation of Your Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour

This step is all about the egg white, if you’re using it. Shaking the ingredients *without* ice first helps the egg white emulsify properly. You’re basically aerating it and building that stable, silky foam that sits so beautifully on top of the finished drink. Don’t skip this if you want that classic whiskey sour head!

The Chilled Shake: Perfecting Your Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour

Okay, once you’ve done the dry shake (or if you’re skipping the egg white entirely), it’s time to add the ice. The second shake is all about getting the drink ice-cold and adding just the right amount of dilution from the melting ice. This chills the cocktail down quickly without over-diluting it, making sure it’s perfectly balanced and refreshing.

Straining and Serving Your Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour

When it’s time to pour, using a fine mesh strainer along with your regular shaker strainer is key, especially with the egg white foam. This “double strain” gets rid of any tiny ice shards or bits of egg white that didn’t fully emulsify, giving you a really smooth, clean pour and that beautiful, uninterrupted layer of foam on top. Choose your glass, strain carefully, add those bitters and garnish, and admire your handiwork!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour

Okay, you’ve got the basics down, but here are a few little things I’ve learned that really take this Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour from good to absolutely amazing. These are my little secrets for perfection!

Ingredient Quality Matters: Seriously, use fresh lemon juice! And pick a whiskey you actually enjoy drinking. The smoked maple syrup is the star, so make sure it’s one you love the flavor of. Good ingredients make a world of difference.
Shake it Like You Mean It: For that beautiful foam, you really need to shake hard during both the dry shake and the chilled shake. Don’t be shy! You’re aiming for well-chilled and perfectly emulsified.
Garnish with Gusto: Don’t just plop an orange peel in. Twist it over the drink first to express those fragrant citrus oils – they add another layer of aroma and flavor. A nice maraschino cherry is always a welcome addition too!
Taste and Adjust: Everyone’s palate is different. Give it a quick taste before you strain and adjust the sweetness or tartness if needed. A tiny bit more lemon or maple can balance it perfectly for *you*.

These little tweaks might seem small, but they seriously elevate your cocktail game. Give them a try!

Variations and Serving Suggestions for Your Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour

One of the fun things about making drinks at home is playing around and making them your own! While this Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour is pretty perfect as is (if I do say so myself!), there are definitely ways you can tweak it or think about what to serve alongside it to make the experience even better.

Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few twists you could put on this drink. You could swap out the whiskey – try a smoky scotch for an extra layer of fire, or perhaps a sweeter, higher-proof bourbon. If you don’t have smoked maple, you could use regular maple syrup and add a tiny dash of liquid smoke (use this *very* sparingly!) or even infuse your whiskey with a bit of smoked wood chip flavor briefly. You could also play with bitters – maybe a few drops of orange bitters instead of Angostura.

What to Serve with Your Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour

This drink is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with certain snacks. Think things that complement that smoky, sweet, and slightly tart profile. Roasted nuts, especially pecans or walnuts, are a natural fit. A cheese board with some sharp cheddar or smoked Gouda would be amazing. Even something simple like dark chocolate or a small plate of crispy bacon could work surprisingly well with the smoky notes!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour

Okay, so you might have a few questions buzzing around after reading all that! That’s totally normal when you’re trying a new cocktail, especially one with a fun twist like smoked maple syrup. Let’s tackle some of the common ones I get about this Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour.

Can I make a large batch of Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour?

You totally can! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want. Mix everything (except the egg white) in a pitcher. When ready to serve, shake individual portions with ice (and the egg white, if using) for the best foam and chill.

What kind of whiskey is best for a Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour?

I usually go for a good quality bourbon or a slightly spicy rye whiskey for my Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour. The sweetness of the bourbon plays really nicely with the maple, while a rye adds a bit more backbone. Honestly, use whatever whiskey you enjoy drinking – that’s the most important thing for your whiskey drink!

How do I smoke maple syrup for my Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour?

You can buy pre-smoked maple syrup online or at specialty stores, which is the easiest way! If you’re feeling ambitious, you can cold smoke maple syrup yourself using a smoker and wood chips (like apple or hickory). Just make sure the syrup is in a shallow pan so the smoke can really get to it. It takes a little time but is a fun project!

Estimated Nutritional Information for the Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour

Just a quick note about the nutrition stuff – this is definitely an estimate, okay? Cocktails can vary a lot depending on the exact ingredients and how much you pour! But generally speaking, one serving of this Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour is likely around 250 calories, mostly from the whiskey and maple syrup (which is sugar, of course!). It’s pretty low in fat and protein, and has about 18g of carbohydrates. Think of it as a treat, not a health drink!

Enjoy Your Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour

Alright, that’s it! You’ve got all the secrets to making the most incredible Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour. Seriously, give this one a whirl. It’s such a fun, delicious twist on a classic. I can’t wait for you to try it! Let me know what you think in the comments below, or maybe even rate the recipe once you’ve mixed one up. Cheers!

Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour: 1 Shocking Twist

Author: goforecipes.com
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A smoky and sweet twist on the classic whiskey sour, featuring smoked maple syrup.

Ingredients

Scale

2 oz whiskey
1 oz lemon juice
0.75 oz smoked maple syrup
1 egg white (optional)
Angostura bitters
Ice
Garnish (orange peel, cherry)

Instructions

Combine whiskey, lemon juice, smoked maple syrup, and egg white (if using) in a shaker without ice.
Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
Add ice to the shaker.
Shake again until well chilled.
Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice (or a coupe glass if not using ice).
Add a few drops of Angostura bitters on top.
Garnish with an orange peel and/or cherry.

Notes

Smoking maple syrup can be done at home using a cold smoker or by infusing it with smoked wood chips.
Adjust the amount of smoked maple syrup to your preference for sweetness.
For a vegan option, omit the egg white or use aquafaba.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Cocktail
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour, whiskey sour, smoked cocktail, maple cocktail, whiskey drink