Maple Orange Bourbon Cocktail
Note: This post was originally published on my old lifestyle blog, monicadutia.com.
It's been a bit since my last cocktail recipe but I'm back with a good one! This maple orange bourbon cocktail is simultaneously cozy and refreshing and feels perfect for this time of year. You can adjust the proportions depending on your preferences–if you're big on bourbon, consider adding an extra half ounce in place of some of the orange juice. If strong bourbon drinks aren't normally your thing, the juice + lemon cuts it nicely. Cheers!
Maple Orange Bourbon Cocktail
5 oz bourbon or maple bourbon (I used Knob Creek's Maple Bourbon but if you use a non-maple variety, see the syrup note below)
3 oz orange juice (Ideally freshly squeezed, but any will do)
Juice of half a lemon
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 oz maple syrup (see note) (Only add this if you use regular, non-maple bourbon)
Ground cinnamon (For glass rims and garnish)
Cinnamon sticks (optional)
Pour a generous amount of cinnamon (roughly a teaspoon) into a plate. Coat the rims of two glasses with lemon juice and turn them upside down into the cinnamon and roll until the rims are covered.
After coating the rims, fill both glasses halfway with ice cubes and set aside.
Fill a cocktail shaker two thirds of the way with ice and add the bourbon, orange juice, lemon juice, bitters, and maple syrup (if using). Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
Strain cocktail into the cinnamon-rimmed glasses and garnish with a shake of cinnamon and a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.
