When the weather outside turns soggy and you’re craving comfort without reaching for your ski boots, it’s the perfect time to retreat indoors and mix up something cozy and classic. Enter the Maple Old Fashioned from the Ski Moms Après Ski Cocktail Book—a delicious twist on a beloved cocktail that brings a little mountain magic to your rainy weekend plans.
A Brief History of the Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is one of the most enduring cocktails in American mixology. Its origins date back to the early 19th century, when it was simply referred to as a “cocktail”—a combination of spirit, sugar, water, and bitters. As more complex drinks gained popularity, the term “Old Fashioned” came to describe this pared-down, no-nonsense drink that whiskey purists continued to favor.
Traditionally made with bourbon or rye, a sugar cube, a few dashes of Angostura bitters, and a splash of water, the Old Fashioned is stirred (never shaken) and served over a large ice cube with a citrus twist. It’s a cocktail that’s easy to make and even easier to love.
Video Tutorial Mad River Maple Old Fashioned
Join us as we mix up this timeless cocktail.
Why Maple Syrup?
In the Ski Moms Après Ski Cocktail Book, we took this timeless recipe and gave it a Vermont-inspired upgrade by swapping out the sugar for pure maple syrup. This small change adds a richer depth of flavor and gives the cocktail a smooth, subtly sweet profile that plays beautifully with bourbon.
Maple syrup has a complexity that plain white sugar just can’t match. It adds hints of caramel, vanilla, and smoke, depending on the grade used. Plus, it blends effortlessly into cold cocktails—no muddling or dissolving required. For busy moms who want big flavor with minimal fuss, that’s a win.
The Perfect Rainy Weekend Ritual
We named this the Mad River Maple Old Fashioned because it reminded us of the iconic Vermont ski resort, Mad River Glen (MRG has remained a fiercely independent ski area in a time of consolidation). Since New England has such a rainy spring, we decided to lean in. There’s something undeniably satisfying about leaning into the weather instead of fighting it. Rainy weekends invite us to slow down, stay inside, and embrace small indulgences. Mixing up a Maple Old Fashioned feels like an act of self-care: a grown-up moment that requires just enough intention to be meaningful, but not so much effort that it’s stressful.
Light a candle, put on a playlist, and savor the stillness as you stir. Whether you’re enjoying a solo sip on the porch with a book or mixing a batch to share with your partner after the kids are in bed, this cocktail sets the mood for a quiet, comforting evening.
Make It Your Own
Cocktail Pro Tip: If you want your Maple Old Fashioned to be smooth and cozy, go with bourbon. If you prefer a spicier, more assertive cocktail, try it with rye.
Add an orange peel or a cherry garnish to dial up the flavor and visual appeal. I suggest you don’t go cheap with this cocktail. For an ultra-local twist, try using a craft maple syrup from a New England farm—it’s a small detail that can make your rainy weekend feel like a staycation in the mountains. A few of our friends actually tap their trees and gift us honest-to-goodness Vermont syrup to savor. This is a great way to make use of the “good stuff.”
So next time the skies open up and your outdoor plans are canceled, take it as a cue to slow down and sip something special. The Maple Old Fashioned is more than a cocktail—it’s a moment worth savoring.
Looking for more après inspiration? Grab your copy of the Ski Moms Après Ski Cocktail Book and discover creative cocktails and cozy vibes to enjoy all year long.
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