When presented with a cocktail menu, I just can’t help but order a whiskey drink. An Old Fashioned, Manhattan, a well-made whiskey sour or any spin on the above. I’m a whiskey girl. Always have been, always will be.
Naturally, when I spied the “cinnamon maple sour” on the menu at a local bar the other day, I had to order it. I liked it so much that I had to recreate it at home.
This whiskey sour recipe is sweetened with maple syrup, which tastes so much more interesting than basic simple syrup. The recipe includes plenty of fresh lemon juice and a hefty pinch of ground cinnamon, which offers some warming flavor for cold winter days. You can skip the cinnamon, though, if you would like a classic whiskey sour.
This is my last post before I take off for the holidays. Be merry and be safe! I appreciate you all so much for hanging out with me here and cooking my recipes in your kitchens.
More Cozy Whiskey Drinks to Enjoy
Here are a few more of my favorites:
Please let me know how these drinks turn out for you in the comments!
Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
- Author:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktail
Meet the best whiskey sour recipe—it’s full of bourbon and fresh lemon, sweetened with maple syrup and includes a hint of cinnamon (spice is optional). Feel free to multiply the amounts given below by up to four, if you’d like to make a bigger batch in your cocktail shaker all at once.
Ingredients
Per cocktail
- 1 ½ ounces (3 tablespoons) Bulleit bourbon or your bourbon of choice
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice
- 2 to 4 teaspoons maple syrup, to taste (I like 3 teaspoons, which is the equivalent of ½ ounce or 1 tablespoon)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon, optional
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker or mason jar about two-thirds full with ice. Pour in the bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Securely fasten the lid and shake well.
- Pour fresh ice into your cocktail glass and strain the cold whiskey sour mixture into the glass. Enjoy!
Notes
Recipe inspired by the cinnamon maple whiskey sour at Summit Grill and Bar in Kansas City.
▸ Nutrition Information
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Evelyn
So many lovely Christmassy treats! Kate, you’re spoiling us. I was planning on making your Earl Grey French 75 (I adore Earl Grey), but this looks divine too. I’m also a whisky girl I think, but then one that drinks hers plain, without ice or other things that distract from the whisky taste. Do you also drink your whisky like that, or always cocktail style?
Happy holidays, and we’ll see you in 2016!
Kate
Merry Christmas, Evelyn! I’d say you’re more of a true whiskey girl than I am, because I need at least ice or some add-ins to really love it. Hope you enjoy this one!
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan
I always go for a whiskey drink too! I used to hate whiskey (bad college experience : /) but now I see how amazing it can be. I love a good sour recipe too, so this is going into my rotation ASAP! Have a lovely holiday Kate!
Kari
I’ll take a glass please!
Kate
This sounds incredible, Kate!! I’m making one tonight. Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Kate
Hope you loved your cocktail, Kate! Happy holidays!
Kimberley
Wow, so these also look quite delicious! I will have to try these as well over the holidays! Thanks Kate!
Phyllis
Have you tried Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey? It’s wonderful.
Kate
I have! It is sure easy to drink. :)
Allyson
Whiskey is my favorite base spirit, and this rendition of a whiskey sour sounds fantastic. I tend to like my whiskey sours shaken with egg whites, so I might try that variation.
Kate
I think a frothy egg white version would be great!
Kris
It looks really delicious. Im going to make this cocktail this weekend. Thanks :)
★★★★★
Emilie @ Emilie Eats
I love that you use maple syrup instead of simple syrup – I bet it adds such a rich, seasonal flavor. This sounds absolutely delicious!
Aithne Potts
Yum!!
★★★★★
Ari Hamilton
OMG! I just got into bourbon whiskey and this is the best and perfect for this time of the year. So delish!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m excited you loved it, Ari! Thank you for your review.
Gaby Dalkin
the flavor combination is like nothing I’ve seen in a drink before! can’t wait to try this
India
I’m a whiskey girl too! Just ordered a cocktail this week that had maple syrup instead of simple syrup and it was so smooth. Where are your glasses from? My husband loves them & wants them:)
Kate
Hi India! They’re from IKEA. Very inexpensive! :)
Lee
We made these tonight for a Christmas party. They were a huge hit! Everyone loved them! So incredibly good!
Kate
Oh, yay! I’m so glad to hear it. Happy holidays!
Ericka
We are a family of whiskey drinkers as well and I’d love to try these for our Christmas dinner! Do you think we could use Crown Maple in place of the bourbon in the recipe? I’ll let you know how it turns out if we do that.
Merry Christmas!
★★★★★
Kate
Hi Ericka! Yes, I think you could! You might want to scale back on the added maple syrup since your whiskey has maple flavor in it already. Just play with it—I think you’ll love it! Happy holidays!
jess
Just did a trail run- perfect! Serving these on Christmas. Thank you so much for the easy holiday cocktail!!
Kate
Hooray!!! Thank you, Jess, and merry Christmas! :)
jess
Oops- TRIAL run, don’t worry, I stayed off the trails ;)
Angela - Patisserie Makes Perfect
This looks amazing, I really need to try a whiskey cocktail.
l love the glasses you’ve used in these pictures.
Have a fantastic holiday Kate! Hope Cookie gets lots of treats. x
Kate
Thank you, Angela! The glasses were an IKEA find. Happy holidays to you, too!
Trish
My husband and I had this last night – SO good! Thank you! One of my favorites now.
★★★★★
Kate
Hooray! Thanks, Trish!
Jessie @ Chasing Belle
This looks so yummy! My husband is a whiskey sour fan so I’ll have to ask him to work this twist into his repertoire!
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health
i have yet to like whiskey but if i see something fancy on the menu, i tend to get it and this is one of them for sure.
Amanda | The Cinnamon Scrolls
Well, hello there, Kate (and Cookie)! I just came across your blog, and I just had to say hi once I saw this amazing cocktail! Whiskey is one of my favourite things to play with (drinks, bakes, food, you name it), so obviously I’m in love with this cinnamon-maple version! You have a wonderful blog, and I’m looking forward to reading about your 2016 adventures! Lots of love and luck for the new year!
Kate
Thanks for saying hello, Amanda! Always nice to hear from a fellow whiskey fan. :) Happy New Year!
Rebecca
I drank this on New Year’s – who needs champagne?! Super SUPER good cocktail – sweet, tangy, sharp, loved it.
★★★★★
Kate
Hooray! Thank you, Rebecca. :) Happy New Year!
Laura
This was our NYE celebratory drink and was so good that we had to make one on Jan 1 too! As usual, tasty recipe, Kate!
★★★★★
Kate
Cheers! Thank you, Laura, and Happy New Year!
Kate
our new favorite boozy drink! <3 it's so fantastic. not really too maple-y with the 2 tsps. just helps to sweeten a little. so delicious!
Kate
Yay, thanks Kate!
Carlin
This became my pocket cocktail for the 2015 holiday season! I impressed party guests AND my bartender roommates! I occasionally used an egg white for more body (it’s a thing!) and it was super delish.
Thank you!!
★★★★★
bob
lovely
★★★★
beth
this was delicious! i used a cinnamon stick instead of powder in the finished glass. thanks!
★★★★★
Z
Even makes a bad whiskey taste good :)
★★★★★
Kate
Wow. My partner just whipped these up with “a splash” of extra bourbon. We used Maker’s Mark. Just what I needed! Excellent recipe.
Dani
This is my go to cocktail of choice at home now, and my first whiskey sour ever. I ordered one out at a restaurant after making this a few times thinking the “real thing” must be good, and had to ask them to make me something else- sour mix does NOT compare to fresh lemon and the complexity of maple syrup in this drink. This is the where the bar is set that all other whiskey sours must meet.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m blushing, Dani! I’m no cocktail expert, but that is high praise ;) Appreciate it!
Janelle
This drink was super easy and tasted like somethingid buy at a restaurant. Loved it!
Kate
Great! I am glad you thought so, Janelle. If you would want to leave a star review, I would really appreciate it!
Jess
Perfect cocktail around the holidays, but where can I buy a set of those glasses?? Would be a great addition to our bar
★★★★★
Kate
They’re from Ikea! :)
Denise
Found this recipe today and made it straight away. Loved the taste but sadly it didn’t help me win Monopoly!
Kate
Sorry about Monopoly! But I’m happy the recipe turned out :)
Andrea
Yum! I too am a whiskey girl (well, bourbon to be exact). I usually drink my Bulleit with a few shakes of walnut bitters, a splash of water and a Luxardo cherry but this was a delicious change of pace for the holiday season. Thanks for this and all of your wonderful recipes. Love your cookbook too!
Kate
Oh, whiskey :) Thank you for your support!
Jack
This is excellent! My only suggestion would be to add an orange slice. Cheers!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Jack!
Laura
I made these for a holiday party and they were amazing! I used 3 tsp. maple syrup per drink. These were a big hit. Thanks Kate!
★★★★★
Kate
How fun, Laura! Thanks for your review.
Brenda
Quite good! I wasn’t really sure if I’d like this, but I think the maple syrup and cinnamon toned down the whiskey nicely!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you gave it a try and then loved it, Brenda!
Mitch
What?! This is amazing! My girlfriend and I have been consistently blown away by recipes on your blog and in your book, and I just made this cocktail after googling for “whiskey cocktails for winter” and not even realizing I was clicking on your page! Girlfriend said it was the best cocktail I’ve made for her, and when I went to save the recipe, we both had an “OMG OF COURSE” moment when finally realizing I had clicked on a link to your blog!
★★★★★
Kate
The best! I love it. I recommend trying my New York sour too! I think I might like that one more. :)
Kristie
Love this! How do you think it would do in a large batch in a slow cooker? I’m looking for a warm treat for a friend’s birthday party and thought about experimenting with this. Any cautions or tips? Thank you so much!
Kate
You can mix several drinks in a shaker at once, or multiply the recipe and serve in a pitcher with some ice (add fresh ice to glasses before pouring).
christi
My bff gave us a cocktail basket with all the makings for this cocktail and some super cute glasses for Christmas.
It is now my go-to cocktail this winter: so balanced and refreshing.
Sometimes I use Penzey’s pie spice in place of the cinnamon.
★★★★★
Kate
That’s a great idea! I’m glad this recipe helps you use it. :) I appreciate the review, Christi.
Amy Smith
Isn’t it too much alcohol? Or is it easy to drink? Thanks!!
★★★★★
Kate
This is a great sipping cocktail!
Anna
OMG yummmmm!! Any suggestions on how to make this on a large scale for a party???
Kate
You can mix several drinks in a shaker at once, or multiply the recipe and serve in a pitcher with some ice (add fresh ice to glasses before pouring).
Hayden
Thinking about trying this for the weekend, I’m a big fan of Bulleit, and whiskey sours, and the maple syrup sounds amazing.. I just saw an article where they brought the maple syrup to a simmer on the stove with a few cinnamon sticks and lemon peels for a similar recipe, do you think that would be a good idea?
★★★★★
Kate
That sounds delicious and a great way to infuse flavors! Let me know what you think if you try it.
Karen
Usually more of a rum or vodka girl but this was so delicious and warming for a fall evening! Using real maple syrup in a cocktail blended so well and the flavors were amazing. Thanks for the recipe, serving at my next fall dinner party!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m happy you tried it!
Carrie
This is a great drink!!! I made a little extra and stored it in the fridge and a few days later it was even better!! Will definitely be making these for my family over the holidays
Kate
Thank you, Carrie!
Patti
We loved this recipe! I was out of lemon juice so substituted lime juice instead and it was delicious. The maple syrup was 2 steps easier than simple sugar and added a beautiful maple note. I added a twist of orange for color and flavor. Everyone came back for more. ;)
Kate
Thanks for your comment, Patti!
Jeremiah
Amazing & simple new classic cocktail. It was a smashing success this Thanksgiving at small family gathering. Used High West Prairie Bourbon, no ground cinnamon but garnished with cinnamon bark and it was amazing. Making again for big Christmas party.
★★★★★
Kate
Looks great, gonna try. Also always go for whiskey on a cocktail menu :) I love those glasses that you photographed this drink here in, where can I find those??
Kate
Hey Kate! The glasses are from IKEA!
Tim Johns
Great recipe! Nice balance of tart with sweet and cinnamon adds some depth.
★★★★★
Rebecca Swanner | Let's Eat Cake
This is fantastic! A friend recommended it to me, and I just made it with 2-3 pinches of cinnamon and it might be my new favorite fall cocktail. (That I’m drinking in April.)
★★★★★
Alanna Taylor
Love it! My boyfriend loves bourbon/rye so I used Dillon’s. Turned out great for a birthday cocktail. I’m not a huge spirit-forward gal when it comes to bourbon, so I added a little ginger beer, and WOW. Would definitely recommend!
★★★★★
Kate
This drink is delicious! The recipe is crystal clear, but also flexible. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Hadassah
I just found this recipe. I am not a Bourbon drinker, but it sounded so delicious I had to try. I am now a Bourbon woman, but only for this! It was fantastic. I loved it so much, and so did my family.
★★★★★
Al
Made this without cinnamon. Perfect, and so easy!
★★★★★
Maureen
Made it for our “Fun New Drink Night”. Wonderful = a delight! We used our small-batch homemade maple syrup. Yum.
★★★★★
Melissa
I’m not much on just sipping on some whiskey, and I’ve tried plenty of my boyfriend’s cocktails when we’ve gone out to eat, but this one was really tasty! It definitely reminds me of fall, with the maple and cinnamon, but since it’s chilled it goes down mighty nice in the summer too. I only used two teaspoons of the maple syrup, and thought it tasted just fine. Thanks for a great recipe!
★★★★★
Megan Yamagata
This cocktail is SO good. I add an egg white to make the consistency more smooth and creamy. Thank you, Kate for yet another fabulous recipe!!!
★★★★★
Kate
That sounds creative! Thank you for sharing, Megan. I appreciate your review.
SS
This drink is so yummy! Perfect fall cocktail :)
★★★★★
Kendra Son
I am doing a website for a local pure maple syrup company and was wondering if I could use your recipe on their website, along with your image? I will of course cite and link to this page? Please let me know :)
★★★★★
Kate
Hi Kendra! Thank you for asking. However, all my content is copyrighted and I ask that the recipe not to be shared outside of my blog. More on my sharing policy.
Yovanna Bieberich
Sooo good!!!
★★★★★
Christopher
Great combination. Maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon, I use maple whiskey also and egg white for that frothy creamy mouthfeel, garnish with an orange peal. Great fall and winter drink, gives one a super chill relaxed feeling.
★★★★★
Theresa
Sounds like a tasty holiday beverage! Cheers
Bonnie
Thanks for introducing me to whiskey sours! Though this is dangerously delicious…
Also you should give Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon a try since you like those flavors together. It’s very sweet/drinkable.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you liked it, Bonnie!
Shoshana
Well I can relate! I’m a total whiskey girl myself! Made this cocktail tonight and couldn’t love it more! It’s so good! Thank you so much for all of your delicious recipes!
★★★★★
Summer Johnson
So good! The Maple Syrup is so different in the best way.
★★★★★
Kjersti
This is so delicious!
★★★★★
Jennifer
Thanks for the amazing recipe!! It’s the first time I substituted maple syrup for simple syrup, it was delicious!!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Jennifer! Thank you for your review.
Kim
I made a cinnamon maple syrup by heating maple syrup and steeping cinnamon sticks in it for an hour. Works great for your recipe. Also garnished it with cranberries for a festive holiday touch. I’m not on Instagram, so no photo. But it as pretty as it was delicious. Oh, and because I love rimmed drinks, I rimmed the glass with cinnamon sugar after dipping it in maple syrup.
★★★★★
Kate
Kim, love all of your adjustments! Will you make me one of yours? :)
Steve Schmitt
I love this idea. I think I am going to rim the glass with cinnamon sugar instead of putting a pinch of cinnamon on top.
AK
Just came across this recipe today while searching for whiskey cocktail recipes for the wife. Happened to have fresh lemons that I picked up the day before with no specific use in mind. The finished product was excellent and was a perfect start to a Sunday dinner in December. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, AK! I am glad you loved it.
Monique
We absolutely love it!!! The Cinnamon… thank you!
★★★★★
Christine
This is my favorite cocktail to make at home. No special ingredients needed and super delicious. Thank you!
★★★★★
BREE
OMG this has made my long dark winter not as long and not as dark! Made these the other day as written for sitting outside at night after work at our firepit table. The next night I didn’t have lemons so I used fresh limes – just as good if not better, which was unexpected! Just letting you know in case you run out of lemons and need to have one of these!
★★★★★
Barbara
Absolutely delicious! I was looking for a simple bourbon cocktail for a freezing cold night and came across this recipe. Exactly what I was looking for. I made w/ 3 tspn maple syrup which seems like just the right sweetness. And for me, cinnamon a must, not optional. Thank you for sharing this!
★★★★★
Keelykeely
Ummm this is really good!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m happy you love it! Thank you for your review.
Jayne
Wow! I just made this and followed your recipe to a T. Used Markers Mark.
It’s sensational!
Next, I’ll try it with Agave as I just used up my maple syrup. (Cant have just one).
No pancakes tomorrow!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Jayne! I’m happy you enjoyed it.
Barbara
Kaye, We made your Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour drink for a drink competition birthday party! It took first place hands down. It was by far the best drink in the competition!!! Nothing was changed in your recipe! It was truly as good as drinks we ordered from a drink connoisseur.
Bravo to you!!
★★★★★
Kate
Hooray! That’s great. Thank you for trying it and sharing.