From pancakes, waffles, and french toast to sausage and bacon, is there anything maple syrup doesn't taste good on? While the sweet, amber topping might be most famous for its breakfast appearances [1], who says we can't whip it out for some nighttime use, too? We've been loving cocktails that use maple as the star ingredient, especially as the weather gets cooler. Throw in a few other seasonal favorites [2] like cranberries, pumpkin, or spiced apples, and these drinks will quickly become fall staples. From classics like Manhattans and margaritas to spiked apple cider, the maple twist in these drinks will keep your taste buds happy. Pure maple syrup, besides being delicious, can be a great alternative to sugar [3] that's often present in mixed drinks. I'm loving these recipes so much, I'm starting to wonder if I need to keep a bottle of syrup in my pantry and on my bar cart! Read on for a full list.
Spiked Hot Maple Cider
Nothing says "fall evening" better than apple cider. This spiked version uses maple whiskey.
Get the recipe: spiked hot maple cider [4]
Maple Honeycrisp Margarita
This apple twist on a classic margarita uses apple cider in place of lime juice, and maple syrup instead of simple.
Get the recipe: maple Honeycrisp margarita [5]
Ginger Maple Bourbon Cocktail
Try this bourbon cocktail that uses maple syrup and ginger if you love dark liquors.
Get the recipe: ginger maple bourbon cocktail [6]
Maple Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
This delicious mixed drink gets its maple flavor from simmering cranberries in maple syrup. Perfect for anyone who likes a tart-sweet combination.
Get the recipe: maple cranberry bourbon cocktail [7]
Maple Manhattan
A maple Manhattan tastes delicious and is really easy to make. A great choice for a busy and chilly evening.
Get the recipe: maple Manhattan [8]
Cider and Maple Old-Fashioned
This old-fashioned is made by shaking bourbon, maple syrup, apple cider, and orange bitters. A cinnamon stick to garnish completes this cozy and delicious beverage.
Get the recipe: cider and maple old-fashioned [9]
Smoked Old-Fashioned
If you've got a couple extra tools and you're up for a more challenging recipe, give this smoked old-fashioned a try. The drink is made with bourbon, maple syrup, and walnut bitters, then it gets smoked with a smoking gun.
Get the recipe: smoked old-fashioned [10]
Apple Cinnamon Hot Toddy
This hot toddy recipe is made with apple juice, cinnamon tea, and any dark liquor of your choosing. Stirring in a spoonful of maple syrup isn't required — but it's definitely recommended!
Get the recipe: apple cinnamon hot toddy [11]
Cinnamon Bourbon Old-Fashioned With Brûléed Oranges
Everything about this recipe screams comfort. The cocktail is made with a cinnamon syrup — basically maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary boiled with water.
Get the recipe: cinnamon bourbon old-fashioned with brûléed oranges [12]
Cranberry Bourbon Sour
This is a great festive spin on a classic drink. The cranberry-orange syrup is made with maple syrup, fresh cranberries, and orange zest.
Get the recipe: cranberry bourbon sour [13]
Golden Snitch Cocktail
Calling all Potterheads, this one's for you. Great for Halloween [14], or whenever you feel like getting into the magical spirit. It's made with bourbon or whiskey, elderflower liqueur, apple cider, and maple syrup.
Get the recipe: Golden Snitch cocktail [15]
Pumpkin Old-Fashioned
Basically the evening version of a PSL, this drink is a great way to finish the day. It's made with maple syrup, pumpkin puree, and bourbon.
Get the recipe: pumpkin old-fashioned [16]
Irish Coffee
If you're not quite ready to break up maple syrup and breakfast classics, try this Irish coffee recipe. It's as easy as mixing your favorite coffee, Irish whiskey, and maple syrup together and topping it with some whipped cream.
Get the recipe: Irish coffee [17]
Vanilla Chai Old-Fashioned
This drink isn't too sweet or too heavy on the bourbon, just the perfect combination of comfort and spice. Maple syrup is used to create a healthier chai simple syrup.
Get the recipe: vanilla chai old-fashioned [18]
Nondairy White Russian
The maple syrup in this recipe is actually used to make a nondairy cashew cream. Mix it with whiskey and coffee liqueur for the perfect vegan alternative to a classic cocktail.
Get the recipe: nondairy White Russian [19]