Unlike white sugar, it brings complexity rather than just sweetness, making it especially suited to darker spirits like bourbon, rum, and brandy.
It also dissolves easily in cold drinks, which makes it far more cocktail-friendly than granulated sugar during the festive rush.
Maple Old Fashioned (A Christmas Classic)
A seasonal twist on a timeless favourite.
You’ll need:
50ml bourbon or rye whisky
1 tsp pure maple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel and cinnamon stick (to garnish)
How to make it:
Stir the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters with ice until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Express the orange peel over the glass and drop it in. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive aroma.
Why it works at Christmas:
Rich, warming, and quietly luxurious, perfect after a big festive meal.
Maple Spiced Rum Punch
Ideal for parties and easy to scale up.
You’ll need (per glass):
40ml dark spiced rum
15ml maple syrup
60ml cloudy apple juice
A squeeze of fresh lime
Grated nutmeg (to finish)
How to make it:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Dust lightly with nutmeg.
Festive tip:
Serve in a heat-resistant glass and gently warm it for a winter punch version.
Cranberry Maple Gin Fizz
Bright, festive, and not too sweet.
You’ll need:
40ml gin
20ml cranberry juice
10–15ml maple syrup
Soda water
Fresh cranberries and rosemary (to garnish)
How to make it:
Shake the gin, cranberry juice, and maple syrup with ice. Strain into a tall glass and top with soda. Garnish with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a Christmas look.
Why it’s great for Christmas:
The sharp cranberry balances the maple perfectly, making this ideal as a pre-dinner drink.
Maple Espresso Martini (Festive After-Dinner Treat)
A cosy Christmas dessert in a glass.
You’ll need:
40ml vodka
20ml freshly brewed espresso (cooled)
15ml coffee liqueur
10ml maple syrup
How to make it:
Shake everything hard with ice until frothy. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with coffee beans or a light dusting of cocoa.
Christmas pairing:
Perfect with mince pies, chocolate truffles, or a slice of Christmas cake.
Hot Maple Buttered Bourbon
For cold nights and quiet evenings.
You’ll need:
40ml bourbon
1 tsp maple syrup
Small knob of butter
Hot water
Pinch of cinnamon or mixed spice
How to make it:
Add bourbon, maple syrup, butter, and spice to a mug. Top with hot water and stir gently until melted.
Why you’ll love it:
Comforting, soothing, and wonderfully indulgent—this is Christmas in a mug.
Choosing the Right Maple Syrup
For cocktails, always use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. Grade A amber or dark maple syrup works best, as it has enough flavour to stand up to spirits and spices.
A small bottle goes a long way and makes a thoughtful Christmas pantry staple too.
A Final Festive Stir
Maple syrup brings warmth, richness, and a gentle sweetness that feels tailor-made for Christmas cocktails. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a festive date night, or simply enjoying a quiet drink after a long December day, these maple-based cocktails add something a little special to the season.
Pour carefully, sip slowly, and enjoy the glow of Christmas—one maple-sweetened cocktail at a time.
That's Christmas 365 would like to thank Maple From Canada for their incredible support in creating this feature. https://www.maplefromcanada.co.uk