Maple Bourbon Espresso is a smooth coffee cocktail with bourbon, espresso cold brew, coffee liqueur, and pure maple syrup. The coffee is bold, the maple adds just enough sweetness, and the bourbon comes through without overpowering the drink. A maple, brown sugar, and flaky sea salt rim adds the perfect sweet-and-salty finish. So good!
For another cozy drink with maple and bourbon, try my Maple Bourbon Apple Cider. It has warm apple cider, maple syrup, and bourbon for an easy drink to enjoy on a chilly day.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Rim: Maple syrup helps the brown sugar and sea salt stick to the glass. The brown sugar adds a sweet, caramel-like finish, while the sea salt balances the sweetness. Turbinado sugar or maple sugar can be used in place of brown sugar, and kosher salt can be used instead of flaky sea salt. Honey can also be used in place of maple syrup, although it will slightly change the flavor. A pinch of sea salt is used for the rim, with more available for garnish.
- Bourbon: Choose a bourbon you enjoy drinking. The bourbon is a big part of the flavor, but there is no need to use the most expensive bottle (unless you want to, of course!); just pick one you like.
- Coffee liqueur: Kahlúa works well, but your favorite coffee liqueur can be used.
- Espresso cold brew: Use chilled espresso cold brew or cold brew concentrate for the best coffee flavor. Regular iced coffee can be used, but the drink may have a lighter coffee flavor.
- Pure maple syrup: Adds sweetness and maple flavor. Pure maple syrup is recommended rather than pancake syrup.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a little warm spice. Use a small pinch so it does not overpower the coffee and bourbon.
- Ice: Use ice for shaking the cocktail. The drink is strained directly into the prepared glass and served without ice.
FAQs
Can I taste the bourbon?
Yes, but it isn’t overpowering. The espresso cold brew is the strongest flavor, with bourbon, coffee liqueur, and maple rounding it out. If you prefer a stronger bourbon flavor, you can increase the bourbon slightly to taste. (Most versions of this drink have double the amount of bourbon. This version is my preference.)
Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?
Yes! For a non-alcoholic version, leave out the bourbon and coffee liqueur. Add a little extra chilled espresso cold brew or a splash of your favorite non-alcoholic coffee liqueur to keep the drink full of coffee flavor. You can also add a little more maple syrup to taste.
Can I use regular cold brew instead of espresso cold brew?
Yes. Regular cold brew can be used, but the coffee flavor will be a little lighter. Cold brew concentrate is another good option.
Can I use brewed espresso?
Yes. Brewed espresso can be used as long as it is completely chilled before adding it to the cocktail. Leftover espresso that has been refrigerated works, too.
Can I make the Maple Bourbon Espresso sweeter?
Yes. Add a little more maple syrup to taste. Add it in small amounts so the maple flavor does not overpower the coffee and bourbon.
Can I skip the sugared rim?
Absolutely. The rim is optional, but the brown sugar and sea salt add a nice sweet-and-salty finish to the drink.
Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
Yes. You can mix the cocktail a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Shake or stir it well before serving, then strain into the prepared glass. For the best texture, add the rim just before serving.
How To Store Maple Bourbon Espresso
Make Ahead: The cocktail can be mixed a few hours ahead of time and kept covered in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir or shake before serving, then strain into a prepared glass.
Rim: The brown sugar and sea salt rim is best added just before serving so it stays dry and crunchy.
Maple Bourbon Espresso
Ingredients
Rim
- Maple syrup, for the rim
- Brown sugar
- Pinch of flaky sea salt, plus more for garnish, optional
Cocktail
- 1 ounce bourbon
- ½ ounce coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa
- 2 ounces espresso cold brew, chilled
- ½ ounce pure maple syrup
- Pinch of ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish, optional
- Ice, for shaking and serving, if desired
Instructions
- Lightly coat the rim of a rocks glass with maple syrup. Dip the rim into the brown sugar mixed with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Set aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the bourbon, coffee liqueur, espresso cold brew, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, or until very cold.
- Strain into the prepared glass, with or without fresh ice, depending on your preference.
- Garnish with a tiny pinch of cinnamon and a few flakes of sea salt, if desired.
Did you make this recipe?
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