Maple Leaf recipe
A rich bourbon sour sweetened with pure maple syrup and balanced by fresh lemon juice.
Method: Shaken ·
Glass: Coupe glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: The Sidecar Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon whiskey
- 0.5 oz Pure maple syrup
- 0.5 oz Fresh lemon juice
How to make a Maple Leaf
- Add bourbon whiskey, pure maple syrup, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for ten to fifteen seconds until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass or over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel or a cinnamon stick.
Garnish
Lemon wheel or cinnamon stick
Pro tip
Use dark amber maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-forward profile that stands up well against high-proof bourbon.
History of the Maple Leaf
The Maple Leaf first gained prominence in mid-20th-century cocktail guides, bridging the gap between traditional whiskey sours and Canadian-inspired ingredients. By swapping simple syrup for pure maple syrup, bartenders created a richer, seasonal variation that remains a favorite in autumn and winter menus.
Flavour profile
Sweet, Tart, Rich, Warm
Variations
- Maple Gold Rush — Serve on the rocks with an orange twist instead of lemon.
- Spiced Maple Leaf — Add a dash of aromatic bitters and garnish with grated nutmeg.
Practise making the Maple Leaf in the free Virtual Bar game.