History

Local distilleries (Mad River, Smugglers' Notch, Whistlepig in Shoreham) and bartenders folded maple into the canonical American cocktail through the 2000s; the Vermont Maple Old Fashioned is now the default cocktail on Burlington bar menus that lean into local product. The Whiskey Room and Juniper at Hotel Vermont both run versions.

Make it at home

Yield 1Hands-on 5 minTotal 5 minDifficulty Easy

Ingredients

  • 60ml bourbon (a 100-proof bottled-in-bond bourbon stands up to the maple) or rye whiskey
  • 1 teaspoon pure Vermont maple syrup (Grade A Amber Rich or Dark Robust)
  • 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
  • 1 dash orange bitters
  • 1 large ice cube (5cm square)
  • 1 strip orange peel (no pith)
  • 1 maple-soaked bing cherry, to garnish

Method

  1. Combine maple syrup, both bitters and a small splash of bourbon in a chilled mixing glass or rocks glass; stir to dissolve.
  2. Add the remaining bourbon and a few small ice cubes; stir 20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
  3. Strain into a chilled rocks glass over the large ice cube.
  4. Express the orange peel skin-down over the glass to release the oils, rub around the rim, and drop in.
  5. Garnish with the maple-soaked cherry.

Tip from the editors. Substitute Whistlepig 10-year rye for the canonical Vermont version; skip the orange bitters if you only stock Angostura, the maple carries the drink.

Where to eat vermont maple old fashioned

Vermont maple old fashioned in Burlington

Juniper at Hotel Vermont ★ 4.0

New AmericanChef Doug Paine$$$$$60-85 per head a la carteMon-Fri 07:00-11:00, Sat-Sun 07:00-13:00; Dinner Daily 17:00-21:30Book 2 weeks ahead

Hotel Vermont's local-ingredient flagship from Executive Chef Doug Paine. Wood-burning hearth in the dining room; outdoor terrace overlooks Lake Champlain.

41 Cherry St, Burlington, VT 05401

The Whiskey Room ★ 4.4

Cocktail barWhiskey bar$$$church-street-marketplaceDaily 17:00-late

Speakeasy-style whiskey bar inside the Ri Ra Irish Pub building; old-bank room with dark wood and a fireplace. Deep American and Scotch lists on the menu.

Signature drink: Whiskey flights from a 100-plus-bottle list

Food: Tapas menu, beer and cocktails on the side

123 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401

Devil Takes a Holiday ★ 4.8

Cocktail barCocktail lounge$$$church-street-marketplaceWed-Sat 17:00-00:00

Devil Takes a Holiday on St Paul Street across from City Hall Park, an upscale Burlington cocktail lounge with hand-crafted drinks and a chic vintage room.

Signature drink: Hand-crafted seasonal cocktails

Food: Gourmet small bites

111 St Paul Street, Burlington, VT 05401

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