Take your favorite breakfast to the next level with this homemade bourbon maple syrup recipe. You only need 3 ingredients and few minutes to make this versatile syrup that will amp up the flavor of your pancakes, coffee, cocktails and more!
One of my favorite things is bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup but sadly, it is incredibly expensive. So, I decided to make my own (without the bourbon barrels, of course) for a fraction of the cost!
This bourbon maple syrup is quick & easy to make and will truly elevate anything you put it on or in. Whether it's buttermilk pancakes (or oat flour pancakes), matcha lattes, or a cocktail, you'll be glad you have this on hand!
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Quick & easy to make: you only need 3 simple ingredients and 1 pot to make this maple syrup.
- Versatile: this bourbon infused maple syrup can be used in a variety of ways to add flavor to your favorite breakfast dishes, cocktails, coffee and more.
- Cheaper alternative to buying store-bought bourbon maple syrup! It also makes the perfect gift.
Equipment
- Saucepan: a small saucepan to make the syrup in.
- Sealable container: sealable glass bottles or any container with a lid to store the bourbon maple syrup in. I recommend using a glass container over a plastic container because plastic "breathes" and shouldn't be kept for more than 18 months.
- Funnel: to safely transfer the syrup from the saucepan to a container. If you're buying glass bottles, a lot of them often come with a funnel!
Ingredients
- Maple Syrup: For the best flavor, I recommend using 100% pure maple syrup rather than the artificial maple syrup. You can use amber color or dark color, and grade A or grade B. Use what you think is the best maple syrup - I always love a pure Vermont maple syrup!
- Bourbon: You can use whatever bourbon you like, I like Maker's Mark! We only need a little bit, so if you don't want to add an entire bottle of bourbon to your liquor cabinet, feel free to buy a small bottle (like a single 50ml shooter)!
- Vanilla Extract: this is an optional ingredient, but highly recommended! You'll get yummy subtle hints of vanilla in every bite.
- Salt: another optional ingredient! Not necessary, but just a pinch will help balance out the sweetness.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions & Variations
- Make it spicy by adding a ¼ teaspoon (or more) of cayenne pepper.
- Add a tablespoon of butter to add even more rich flavor. Be sure to whisk quickly so it doesn't separate!
- Use a flavored maple syrup for a flavorful twist! Vanilla maple syrup, cinnamon maple syrup, cardamom maple syrup or salted caramel maple syrup would all be fantastic to use.
- No bourbon? You can use whiskey, whisky, Scotch, or even a light rum and get delicious results!
This recipe has not been tested with any other substitutions or variations than the ones listed above. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the bourbon, maple syrup and vanilla and bring to a boil for 1 minute. Lower the heat and allow to simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before serving or transferring to an airtight container for storage.
How to Use
This bourbon maple syrup can be used in a variety of ways, here are some of my favorites:
Expert Tips
- If you're cooking on a gas stove, be sure to add the bourbon to the pot before turning the stove on as a safety precaution! Bourbon is extremely flammable.
- Use a bourbon that you would drink! The flavor really comes through, so make sure you use a bourbon that's well liked.
Storage
Room Temperature: You can store this maple syrup at room temperature in a glass container in your pantry for up to 5 days. After that, I recommend moving it to the refrigerator.
Refrigerator: Store in a glass airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Freezer: Store in a glass airtight container in the freezer for years. Because of the alcohol, it won't fully freeze so just allow the syrup to come to room temperature before use.
FAQ
Bourbon maple syrup has a sweet and smooth flavor with a hint of warmth from the bourbon. This one has an optional splash of vanilla, so you'll get subtle hints of vanilla as well.
Bourbon maple syrup contains a negligible amount of alcohol (less than 1-2%), as the alcohol is cooked off (similar to a vodka pasta sauce). Ultimately, it is completely up to you and what you're comfortable with!
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📖 Recipe
Homemade Bourbon Maple Syrup Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- pinch of kosher salt optional
Instructions
- Add the bourbon, maple syrup, vanilla and salt to a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 1 minute then reduce to low heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes.1 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons bourbon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of kosher salt
- Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving or transferring to a glass sealable container.
Pamela says
Yum ! 😋
Jenn says
This was so easy to make and so delicious! I’ve been putting it on my pancakes and in my coffee as a sweetener, thanks so much for this yummy recipe
Lauren Casolaro says
Hi Jenn, thanks so much for your review! Isn't it the best?!