Salted Maple Coffee Old Fashioned: An Easy Bourbon Cocktail

This Salted Maple Coffee Old Fashioned gives the classic bourbon cocktail a smooth, modern twist. Cold-brew concentrate adds roasted depth, pure maple syrup provides subtle sweetness and one tiny pinch of sea salt helps bring the flavors together.

Unlike a creamy coffee cocktail, this drink remains spirit-forward and balanced. It is an easy choice for outdoor dinners, cocktail hour or relaxing beside the grill.

Salted Maple Coffee Old Fashioned

Preparation time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Rocks glass

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 1/2 ounce cold-brew concentrate
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
• 2 dashes chocolate or aromatic bitters
• 1 tiny pinch fine sea salt
• Ice for stirring
• 1 large ice cube for serving
• 1 orange peel for garnish

Instructions

1. Add the bourbon, cold-brew concentrate, maple syrup, bitters and a tiny pinch of sea salt to a mixing glass.
2. Fill the mixing glass approximately three-quarters full with ice.
3. Stir for 20 to 30 seconds, or until the drink is thoroughly chilled and lightly diluted.
4. Place one large ice cube in a rocks glass.
5. Strain the cocktail over the ice.
6. Twist an orange peel over the glass to release its oils, then place it in the drink.

Why Coffee Works in an Old Fashioned

Coffee and bourbon share several complementary flavors, including caramel, toasted oak, cocoa and vanilla. A small amount of cold-brew concentrate enhances those notes without making the cocktail taste like iced coffee.

The maple syrup softens the bourbon’s sharper edges, while the salt reduces bitterness and brings forward the sweeter flavors. The key is restraint: the drink should still taste like an Old Fashioned.

Use Cold-Brew Concentrate, Not Regular Coffee

Cold-brew concentrate provides strong coffee flavor without adding too much water. Regular cold brew may be used, but the finished cocktail will have a lighter coffee flavor.

Avoid using warm coffee. It will melt the stirring ice too quickly and may leave the drink overly diluted.

How Much Salt Should You Add?

Use only a tiny pinch—less than you would use to season food. The cocktail should not taste salty. The salt is simply there to soften bitterness and make the coffee, maple and bourbon flavors more noticeable.

If you are uncertain, begin with just a few grains. You can always add another grain or two after tasting.

Choose the Right Bourbon

A medium-bodied bourbon with caramel, vanilla or toasted-oak notes works particularly well in this recipe. There is no need to use an extremely expensive bottle, but choose a bourbon you already enjoy drinking.

A higher-proof bourbon will create a stronger, more spirit-forward cocktail. If you use one, stir slightly longer to provide additional dilution.

Chocolate Bitters or Aromatic Bitters?

Chocolate bitters emphasize the cocoa and roasted-coffee flavors. They are an excellent choice when you want a darker, richer cocktail.

Aromatic bitters produce a more traditional Old Fashioned flavor with baking-spice and herbal notes. Either option works, so use what you have available.

Helpful Cocktail Tips

• Use pure maple syrup rather than artificially flavored pancake syrup.
• Measure the cold-brew concentrate carefully so it does not overpower the bourbon.
• Stir instead of shaking to keep the cocktail clear and silky.
• Use one large ice cube to slow dilution while drinking.
• Express the orange peel over the glass before adding it.
• Chill the rocks glass beforehand for an extra-cold cocktail.

Can You Make It Sweeter?

Yes. Increase the maple syrup to 1/2 ounce for a noticeably sweeter drink. For a drier, more bourbon-forward Old Fashioned, reduce it to 1/2 teaspoon.

Make small adjustments because maple syrup can quickly dominate the other ingredients.

Can You Make a Batch for a Party?

Yes. To make eight cocktails, combine:

• 2 cups bourbon
• 1/2 cup cold-brew concentrate
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• 16 dashes bitters
• Approximately 1/2 cup chilled water for dilution
• A very small pinch of sea salt

Stir everything together in a pitcher and refrigerate until serving. Taste before adding more salt or maple syrup. Serve each cocktail over a large ice cube with a fresh orange peel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this cocktail taste strongly like coffee?

No. The cold-brew concentrate adds depth and roasted flavor, but bourbon remains the main flavor of the cocktail.

Can I use regular maple syrup?

Use pure maple syrup for the cleanest flavor. Artificial pancake syrup is usually sweeter and may contain flavors that overpower the bourbon.

Can I use espresso instead of cold brew?

Chilled espresso can work, but it may add more bitterness and a slightly different texture. Allow it to cool completely before mixing the cocktail.

Can I make this without alcohol?

Yes. Replace the bourbon with a zero-proof whiskey alternative. Keep the cold brew, maple syrup and bitters, but verify that the selected bitters are alcohol-free if a completely alcohol-free drink is required.

What should I serve with it?

This cocktail pairs well with grilled steak, barbecue, smoked nuts, aged cheese, dark chocolate and other savory or roasted flavors.

Please enjoy responsibly. This recipe is intended for adults of legal drinking age.