Easy Cinnamon Maple Bourbon Sour Recipe

Picture this: autumn leaves crunching beneath your feet, a crackling fireplace warming your living room, and a perfectly balanced cocktail that captures the essence of fall in every sip. The Cinnamon Maple Bourbon Sour isn't just another whiskey cocktail—it's liquid comfort food that transforms the classic sour into something extraordinary.

This elevated take on the traditional whiskey sour swaps out simple syrup for rich, golden maple syrup and adds a warming hint of cinnamon that makes your taste buds dance. The result? A cocktail that's equally at home at a sophisticated dinner party or a cozy night in with your favorite book.

What makes this recipe special is its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spice. The bourbon provides a robust backbone, while fresh lemon juice adds bright acidity. The maple syrup contributes complex sweetness with subtle vanilla notes, and that pinch of cinnamon brings everything together with its warm, aromatic finish.

Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast or someone just discovering the world of whiskey cocktails, this recipe offers the perfect introduction to autumn-inspired mixology. Plus, it takes less than five minutes to make—because who has time for complicated cocktails when the leaves are calling?

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Prep Time 3 mins

Total Time 3 mins

Cooking Method: Shaken

Cuisine: American

Courses: Cocktails

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 1

Calories: 185

Best Season: Fall, Winter

Description

Discover the perfect Cinnamon Maple Bourbon Sour Recipe for cozy fall nights. This warming cocktail blends rich bourbon with maple syrup and cinnamon spice.

For the cocktail

2 oz bourbon whiskey (Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, or Bulleit work well)
1 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a medium lemon)
¾ oz pure maple syrup (Grade A or B for best flavor)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- - Ice (for shaking and serving)

For garnish

1 cinnamon stick
Lemon wheel or twist
2 maraschino cherries (optional)

Instructions

1
Prepare your glass: Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice. A large ice cube or sphere works best to minimize dilution while keeping the drink properly chilled.
2
Combine ingredients: Add bourbon, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon to a cocktail shaker.
3
Add ice and shake: Fill the shaker two-thirds full with ice. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. You should hear the ice rattling and feel the shaker getting cold in your hands.
4
Strain and serve: Using a fine-mesh strainer, pour the mixture over the ice in your prepared glass. The strainer will catch any cinnamon particles for a smooth drink.
5
Garnish: Drop in a cinnamon stick for stirring and aromatics. Add a lemon wheel on the rim or express a lemon twist over the drink and drop it in. If using cherries, spear them with a cocktail pick and rest on the rim.
6
Serve immediately: Present with a cocktail napkin and enjoy while cold.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 185kcal

% Daily Value *
Sodium 2mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 14g5%
Sugars 13g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Pro Tips:

Fresh is best: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled juice lacks the bright, tart flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Quality matters: Choose a bourbon you'd enjoy sipping neat. Mid-range bottles like Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, or Four Roses work beautifully without breaking the bank.
Maple syrup grades: Grade A maple syrup offers a lighter, more delicate flavor, while Grade B (now called Grade A Dark Robust) provides deeper, more complex notes. Both work well—choose based on your preference.
Cinnamon distribution: Ground cinnamon can clump, so whisk it into the maple syrup before adding to the shaker for better distribution.
Ice matters: Large ice cubes or spheres melt slowly, preventing over-dilution while keeping your drink cold.

Variations:

Spicier version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or substitute cinnamon whiskey for half the bourbon
Smoky twist: Use a mezcal-bourbon split (1 oz each) for complexity
Rye variation: Substitute rye whiskey for a spicier, more robust flavor profile
Batch version: Multiply recipe by 4-6 for parties, shake in batches, and serve in a pitcher

Make-ahead tips:

Pre-juice lemons and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Mix cinnamon into maple syrup ahead of time for smoother blending

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Keywords: Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour, whiskey sour recipe, bourbon cocktail, holiday cocktail