The Vanilla Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe – Please note: Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners, who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about, as well as where and how they appear on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.
As the crisp fall air rolls in, it’s time to embrace the warm, spiced comforts of the season—especially when it comes to cocktails. Enter the Vanilla Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour, a soul-soothing twist on the beloved classic. By swapping in maple syrup for simple syrup and infusing the mix with rich vanilla and warm cinnamon, this drink captures the essence of autumn in every sip. It’s smooth, subtly sweet, and perfectly balanced with that signature whiskey sour tang.
Whether you’re curling up with a good book, entertaining guests, or mixing something special for your holiday dinner party, this cocktail is the ideal companion. Ready to shake up a new seasonal favorite? Let’s dive in.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: Serves 1
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice (about ½ a lemon)
- ¾ oz pure maple syrup
- ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon (plus more for garnish)
- Ice
- Lemon wheel or cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Chill your glass.
Place your cocktail glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while you prepare the drink. - Shake the cocktail.
In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. - Add ice and shake.
Fill the shaker with ice, seal tightly, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled. - Strain and serve.
Dump the ice water from your glass (if using), then strain the cocktail into the chilled glass over fresh ice. - Garnish.
Garnish with a dusting of ground cinnamon, a lemon wheel, or a cinnamon stick for extra flair.
Cocktail Tips
- Use real maple syrup – Not pancake syrup! Pure maple syrup gives the drink deep, complex sweetness that complements the whiskey beautifully.
- Choose a bourbon with warm vanilla notes – Something like Bulleit, Woodford Reserve, or Elijah Craig works well. Avoid anything too smoky or peaty.
- Balance is key – Feel free to adjust the maple syrup or lemon juice slightly to suit your taste. If you like it a bit more tart, add a dash more lemon.
- Add egg white for a frothy twist – If you’re feeling fancy, shake the drink with a fresh egg white (do a dry shake first without ice, then shake with ice). It gives the drink that beautiful silky foam you often see in craft cocktail bars.
- Make it a pitcher cocktail – Hosting a fall dinner party? Multiply the recipe by 4 or 8, mix everything in a shaker, then store in a pitcher in the fridge. Serve over ice with garnishes when guests arrive.
The Perfect Fall Cocktail Moment
This Vanilla Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour is the kind of drink that transforms the atmosphere. With each sip, the combination of bold whiskey, tart citrus, rich maple, and aromatic spices feels like a cozy blanket for your palate. It pairs beautifully with charcuterie boards, baked brie, or even a simple slice of apple pie.
Whether you’re celebrating the season or simply winding down, this cocktail is fall in a glass.
