Swap Simple Syrup With This Breakfast Pantry Staple For A Fun Twist On A Whiskey Sour

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Who doesn't enjoy a classic whiskey sour? The combination of bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, and (optional) pasteurized egg white is a time-honored one, but there's still room for improvisation. Whether you've run out of simple syrup, don't feel like hitting the store (or making more), or are craving something a little different, your pantry probably holds the answer. Pull out a bottle of maple syrup and use it for a more complex-tasting whiskey sour. 

Though simple syrup is easy to make, sometimes you're seeking some novelty. When swapping out simple syrup in your whiskey sour for maple syrup, you can use the same ratio: 1 part maple syrup to 4 parts bourbon whiskey, though you may want to start with a little less. Maple syrup, made from maple sap that has been concentrated through evaporation, is not neutral in taste. Its deeper flavor and viscous texture are more interesting than simple syrup's mix of cane sugar and water due to its unique chemical and mineral components. Used thoughtfully, it can become the whiskey sour ingredient you didn't know you needed. 

Maple syrup plays well with the quintessential elements that make up the whiskey sour. The sharp herbal notes of Angostura bitters and the tartness of lemon juice and orange peel garnish provide a nice contrast to its abject sweetness. The syrup's sweet yet earthy notes also find harmony with the bourbon and cherry, while its body counterbalances the frothy egg white. If you need to pick up whiskey, consider Four Roses bourbon, the affordable whiskey brand experts consistently recommend. 

Once you've gathered all of the ingredients, you're ready to make the drink. Mashed contributor and recipe developer Michelle McGlinn adds ½ ounce of simple syrup and 2 ounces of bourbon to a shaker for her traditional whiskey sour recipe — but incorporate the maple slowly and taste to keep the drink in balance. Pour in ½ ounce of lemon juice, 1 egg white, and a few dashes of bitters, then shake (once without ice and a second time with), strain, and garnish. 

After trying a maple whiskey sour, you may decide to experiment further with maple beverages. For an upgrade, the Runamok brand offers glittery maple syrup specifically intended for cocktails. You could garnish your maple whiskey sour with the expected cherry or orange peel, but to lean into the maple character, consider some grated nutmeg, add a pinch of cinnamon, a photogenic cinnamon stick, or star anise. How will you enjoy yours?