This Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour is one of those cozy drinks that just feels like fall in a glass.
It’s smooth, not too sweet, and has the perfect balance of warm spice and tangy lemon.
I make this every year as soon as the air turns crisp, and it’s always a hit with friends at gatherings—or just as a relaxing evening sip on the couch.
What You’ll Need
- 2 oz whiskey (bourbon works best)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
- ¾ oz pure maple syrup
- ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
- Ice cubes
- Optional: lemon twist or cinnamon stick for garnish
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice—bottled won’t give you that crisp brightness.
- Shake it longer than you think! That cinnamon needs to blend fully.
- Chill your glass ahead of time for a frosty finish.
- Use large ice cubes in the glass—they melt slower and look fancy.
- A lemon twist or cinnamon stick makes it extra special for serving.
Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer
- Fine mesh strainer (optional for smoother texture)
- Short cocktail glass
- Spoon or cocktail stirrer
Substitutions and Variations
- Use rye whiskey for a spicier twist
- Sub honey or agave syrup if you’re out of maple
- Add a dash of orange bitters for more depth
- Garnish with an orange slice instead of lemon
Make Ahead Tips
- Mix the whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon in a jar and store in the fridge up to 1 day ahead—just shake with ice before serving
Instructions
Step 1: Squeeze the lemon
Squeeze 1 oz of fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon) into a small bowl using a citrus juicer.
Step 2: Measure and add ingredients to shaker
In a cocktail shaker, pour in 2 oz whiskey, 1 oz lemon juice, ¾ oz maple syrup, and ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon.
Step 3: Shake it up
Add a handful of ice to the shaker. Seal it and shake hard for about 15 seconds.
Step 4: Strain and serve
Strain the mixture into a short cocktail glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist or cinnamon stick if desired.
Leftovers and Storage
This is best fresh, but you can mix the base (everything except the ice) and store in the fridge up to 24 hours. Shake again with fresh ice before serving.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this cocktail on a chilly October night with friends around the fire pit. That mix of maple and cinnamon just hits differently—warm, cozy, and a little nostalgic. It’s been a favorite ever since.
- The cinnamon makes it taste like fall
- Maple syrup adds sweetness and depth
- Fresh lemon keeps it balanced and fresh
- It’s easy to make, but feels fancy
Makes
1 cocktail
Time
5 minutes
Macros (Per Drink – Approximate)
- Calories: 190
- Carbs: 12g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Alcohol: ~14% ABV
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The acid in lemon juice balances the strong flavors in whiskey. Maple syrup brings in both sweetness and complexity thanks to its natural sugars and caramelized notes. Cinnamon adds a warm aroma and ties everything together. Shaking with ice chills the drink and helps mix the cinnamon evenly, since ground spices don’t dissolve easily.
Common Mistakes
- Using bottled lemon juice—it tastes flat
- Not shaking enough—cinnamon needs help to mix in
- Skipping the garnish—it adds aroma and elevates the look
- Using cheap syrup—real maple makes a big difference
What to Serve With
- A cheese board with aged cheddar and nuts
- Warm apple crisp
- Roasted pecans or spiced nuts
- Charcuterie with dried fruit
FAQ
Can I batch this for a group?
Yes! Just multiply the ingredients by how many servings you need and mix in a pitcher. Shake each serving with ice before pouring.
Can I make it without cinnamon?
Totally—skip it for a classic maple whiskey sour.
What kind of whiskey should I use?
Bourbon is best for a smooth, slightly sweet flavor. Rye works too if you want more spice.
Can I use cinnamon syrup instead of ground cinnamon?
Yes! Replace the maple and cinnamon with ¾ oz cinnamon syrup.
Now You Try
Go ahead and make yourself one of these cozy Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sours. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for sipping slow. Let me know how yours turns out in the comments—and if you try a twist on it, I’d love to hear!
