Some drinks are made for late nights. Others are better for slow, easy mornings. This one leans into the second camp. Maple Bourbon Iced Coffee is bold and smooth with just enough sweetness to feel like a treat without being over the top.
It’s not dessert, but it’s also not your breakfast either. It’s the kind of cocktail you’ll want to reach for when the morning sun hits just right and you’ve got nowhere to be.
Why You’ll Like It
- Easy to throw together with things you probably have on hand
- Works great for brunch or weekend afternoons
- Smooth balance of coffee, maple, and bourbon
- Cream swirl makes it look as good as it tastes
- Served iced or hot
Maple Bourbon Iced Coffee
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- 4 oz old brew iced coffee
- 0.75 oz real maple syrup
- 1 oz heavy cream of half-and-half
- ice
- dash of cinnamon or nutmeg optional
- Maple sugar rim or coffee beans (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add bourbon, cold brew, and maple syrup.
- Stir to combine.
- Pour in cream slowly. Stir gently if desired.
- Garnish with a dash of spice or coffee beans if using. Serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
- Vegan version: Use oat milk or coconut cream
- Brunch batch: Mix the bourbon, coffee, and maple in a pitcher and pour cream into each glass as you serve
- Hot version: Skip the ice and use regular hot coffee, then top with steamed milk
- Spiced up: A little cinnamon or clove in the syrup brings out deeper notes
Best Bourbons to Use
You don’t need to use the top-shelf bottle here, but pick something that plays nice with the coffee. These all work well:
- Elijah Craig Small Batch – rich with some oak
- Larceny Bourbon – softer and wheated
- Old Forester 86 Proof – holds up to bold coffee
Final Sip
This isn’t your regular iced coffee. It’s smoother, stronger, and more satisfying. A good pour of bourbon gives it just the right edge, and the maple syrup keeps it grounded. It’s a perfect cocktail for a lazy Sunday or an early start with a little attitude.
