Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour is a cozy, fall-inspired twist on the classic cocktail. Made with whiskey, fresh lemon juice, pure maple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon, this drink is balanced, warm, and perfect for autumn evenings. Optional egg whites add a frothy texture, while garnishes like cinnamon sticks and lemon wheels elevate its presentation. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, this recipe is a must-try for seasonal cocktail lovers!
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail shaker – for mixing and chilling the ingredients
- 1 Jigger – To measure the whiskey, lemon juice, and maple syrup accurately.
- 1 Citrus Juicer – For freshly squeezing lemon juice.
- 1 Strainer – To remove ice and ensure a smooth pour.
- 1 Rocks Glass or Coupe Glass – For serving the cocktail.
- 1 Bar Spoon – Optional, for stirring if not using a shaker.
- 1 Grater or Microplane – Optional, for grating cinnamon or nutmeg as garnish.
- 1 Small Bowl – Optional, if separating an egg white.
- Ice – For chilling the cocktail during shaking.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour:
- 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye for optimal flavor)
- 1 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1 oz Maple syrup (preferably pure maple syrup for a richer taste)
- 1 Large egg white (optional, for a velvety texture)
- Dash of ground cinnamon or cinnamon simple syrup for extra warmth
- Ice (for shaking)
For Garnish:
- Cinnamon stick
- Lemon wheel or twist
- Grated cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
Tips:
- For a stronger maple flavor, consider using a dark amber maple syrup.
- If you’re vegan or prefer not to use egg whites, aquafaba (chickpea water) is an excellent substitute.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice for the best flavor—bottled juice won’t do justice here.
- If using cinnamon simple syrup, make it in advance by simmering ½ cup water, ½ cup sugar, and a cinnamon stick until dissolved. Cool completely before use.
Step 2: Shake It Up
- Dry Shake: In a cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, egg white (if using), and a dash of cinnamon. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds without ice. This helps create that frothy, velvety texture.
- Add Ice: Toss in a handful of ice and shake again until the shaker feels frosty—about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Serve
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass or coupe glass.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, a lemon wheel, and a light dusting of grated cinnamon or nutmeg for visual appeal and aroma.
Pro Tip:
- For a refreshing variation, serve this cocktail over ice in a rocks glass with a splash of soda water for a whiskey sour spritzer.