Maple Rooibos Old Fashioned Cocktail
A maple old fashioned with bourbon, bitters and a touch of rooibos tea, stirred over ice and finished with orange peel. Cozy, smooth and ready in 5 minutes.
This maple old fashioned is smooth, warm and a little sweet. A spoonful of rooibos tea adds a mellow, spiced edge that suits Christmas evenings by the fire.
Tips for Success
- Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. The flavor is far better.
- Cool the tea fully so it does not melt the ice too fast.
- A single large ice cube melts slowly, so the drink stays strong for longer.
- Always twist the peel over the glass. The oils on top are part of the aroma.
Make-Ahead and Storage
To serve a crowd, stir 1 cup bourbon, 1 ½ tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp bitters and ¼ cup cooled strong rooibos tea in a bottle. This makes about 6 drinks. Store in the freezer for up to 1 week, then pour 2 ½ oz over ice for each guest.
Variations
- Non-alcoholic swap: stir 3 oz strong cooled rooibos tea with 1 tsp maple syrup and 2 dashes of bitters, then pour over ice.
- Use dark rum in place of bourbon.
- Add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer.
Maple Rooibos Old Fashioned Cocktail
Ingredients
Instructions
- Steep 1 rooibos tea bag in ¼ cup just-boiled water for 5 minutes. Remove the bag and let the tea cool completely.
- Put the maple syrup, bitters and 1 tbsp of the cooled tea in a short glass (an old-fashioned or rocks glass).
- Stir with a long spoon for about 10 seconds until the syrup dissolves.
- Add the bourbon.
- Add the large ice cube, or fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Stir slowly for 20 seconds, until the outside of the glass feels cold.
- Cut a strip of orange peel with a vegetable peeler. Twist it over the drink to release its oils.
- Rub the peel around the rim, drop it in and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make an old fashioned with maple syrup?
Stir maple syrup with bitters, add bourbon and ice, then stir until cold. Maple replaces the sugar cube in the classic recipe.
What does rooibos add to a cocktail?
Rooibos is a caffeine-free red tea with a mild, slightly sweet, nutty taste. It softens the bourbon and adds a warm, spiced note.
Can I use another tea?
Yes. Chai or black tea works well. Brew it strong and let it cool before you add it to the glass.
