Next Post
2021 Holiday Gift Guide: Hostess Gifts
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
This Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz is the perfect cozy cocktail. Homemade spiced maple syrup, mixed with warming bourbon, lemon, and orange, then topped off with bubbly champagne for that special November touch. Perfect for the cold nights ahead and upcoming Thanksgiving. Make a large batch to serve to family and friends over the holidays, this is so easy to create.
Once November rolls around, I want nothing more than all things cozy, even my cocktails. To me, November drinks should have warm, spicy flavors. I love notes of bourbon and cinnamon, and then just a touch of sweetness.
Kind of like a warm November hug. So cheesy, I know, but it’s the time of year when my cheesiest self comes out.
I can’t help it, you know I love the holidays.
The simple details
This one is different, because for once, I’m focusing more on spices and much less on the fruit. I’m a fruity cocktail kind of person, but I’m switching things up. The key to this drink lies within the spiced maple syrup. It’s a mix of sweet maple and warming spices…cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. All simmered together and then finished off with a fresh zest of orange.
When shaken up with bourbon, a squeeze of lemon, and topped off with festive bubbly champagne, it’s sweet, spicy, and so delicious.
I gave you recipes for both a single drink and the punch version. So if you’re serving guests this Thanksgiving, this is the perfect warming cocktail to serve up!
The syrup is the heart of the cocktail, and were a lot of the flavor comes from. The flavors go so well. And as I said, it’s the perfect warming drink for cold nights. I highly suggest making a batch of the spiced syrup this weekend. Then when friends and family randomly show up at your door you can whip up delicious cocktails. Which happens for me quite often.
Nothing is more welcoming than a cozy cocktail. Well, maybe a roaring fire, but that can sometimes be hard to come by. That said, if you can mix up this fun and festive fizz, and stoke up a fire, that’s definitely ideal.
And that’s pretty much it. It’s a classic, but with a seasonal twist, and bubbly champagne makes it even better. This one is perfect for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Enjoy guys!!
Looking for other easy Thanksgiving cocktails?? Here are my favorites:
Lastly, if you make this Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz
Servings: 1 drink
Calories Per Serving: 1457 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
Spiced Maple Syrup
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon cardamon pods
- 1 star anise
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
- zest of 1 orange
Maple Fizz
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) bourbon
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) lemon juice
- 1-2 dashes orange bitters
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) spiced maple syrup
- champagne, for topping
Instructions
- 1. To make the spiced maple syrup. In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the maple, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, and ginger to a boil over high heat. Boil 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the orange zest. Let cool, then strain the syrup into a glass jar. This syrup makes enough for about 6 drinks.2. In a cocktail shaker, combine 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, the bourbon, lemon juice, and orange bitters. Add ice and shake. Strain into a glass. Top off with champagne. Garnish with an orange slice and star anise, if desired.
Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz Punch
Servings: 8
Calories Per Serving: 332 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon cardamon pods
- 1 star anise
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
- zest of 1 orange
- 1 1/2 cups bourbon
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) lemon juice
- 3-4 dashes orange bitters
- 3-4 ounces (1/4 – 1/2 cup) spiced maple syrup
- 1 bottle (750ml) champagne, chilled
Instructions
- 1. To make the spiced maple syrup. In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the maple syrup, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, and ginger to a boil over high heat. Boil 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the orange zest. Let cool, then strain the syrup into a glass jar. This syrup makes enough for about 6 drinks.2. In a punch bowl, combine the spiced maple syrup, the bourbon, lemon juice, and orange bitters. Stir to combine, chill until ready to serve. Before serving, add ice, then pour the champagne over.
This one is a a must! Having the syrup ready to go is ideal for making a top notch cocktail anytime. I just made my second batch of syrup today and can’t wait to make a third batch to share with my family at thanksgiving.
Hey Erika,
Fantastic!! 🍁🍂 I am delighted to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks so much for making it and sharing your review! xT
Sounds delicious. Does a teaspoon of whole cardamom sound equivalent to a tablespoon of cardamom pod? Thank you.
Hey Kim,
Yes, that should work well for you! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
Have you (or anyone) ever tried replacing the Prosecco with hard cider? I’m tempted to try it for a full autumnal flavor explosion…
Hey Molly,
I’ve not tried this! Let me know how it turns out! xT
Hi, this looks like a great recipe. My questions are: how many pods in a Tbsp? If I use pods, do I have to split them and “bruise” the seeds? Can I just buy seeds instead (then how much do I use)? And last, green or black cardamom? Your picture show green.
Sorry for all the questions but I want to get it right the first time 🙂
Hi! I would say it is about 12-14 pods depending on the size. For best flavor, give them a light smash down before using. I use green pods. Hope you love the drink!
This is so good. Took the punch version to a dinner party and the bourbon drinkers were fans. The combination of the spiced maple syrup and champagne on top really makes it. Used ground cardamom, I think a teaspoon was just right.
Hey Amy,
Fantastic! Love hearing that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a try! xTieghan
How long can you store the syrup and does it need to be refrigerated? Looking forward to making this!
Hi Kyla,
The syrup is good for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xTieghan
Had this for Thanksgiving, and planning to have for Christmas! If I don’t have cardamon pods, could I sub some amount of ground cardamon? Previously we just omitted but I love the flavor of cardamon. Thanks!
Hi Jesse,
Thank you so very much for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Another reader tried this and said the ground cardamon was too much, so I might skip that. Happy Holidays!??
Is the punch version of the recipe supposed to say 1 table spoon of cardamom PODS like the cocktail version?
I used 1 table spoon cardamom powder in the punch since it didn’t say PODS and it turned out waaaay to cardamom heavy and most people dumped out their drink 🙁
Hi Eileen,
So sorry to hear this, you should have use 1 tablespoon of cardamon pods. I hope this helps for next time! xTieghan
I have been making a non-alcoholic version of this (using Lyre’s non-Alc bourbon and prosecco), and it has become my absolute favourite cocktail ever!! I’ve made it for three events so far, and planning it for another 3 this week – everyone has been amazed with it!
Hey Steph,
Awesome! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it. Happy Holidays!❄️ xT
I made this punch for a friends November birthday party and it was such a hit everyone at the party ended up telling me they made it for their Thanksgiving celebrations! Everyone I make it for falls in love and tells me it’s the best drink they’ve ever had! Thank you!
Hey Marie,
Awesome! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it. Happy Holidays!❄️ xT
Any way to use a cherry bitter…?
Hey Julia,
Sure, you could use that in place of the orange bitters. I hope you love the recipe, cheers! xTieghan
If using cardamom pods do you have to break them open or do you leave them whole? Thank you!
Hey Allyson,
Yes, you will break open and use 1 tablespoon of the pod. I hope you love the recipe, cheers! xTieghan
A friend of mine sent me this recipe because I love making cocktails! This drink is amazing it’s the perfect fall cocktail so delicious and easy to make that I have made it several times already ?
Hi Tania,
Fantastic! I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a try! Have the best week:) xTieghan
Loved serving this at Thanksgiving! My guests were asking for the recipe! Just wondering how long the syrup can be stored in the fridge?
Hey Holly,
Wonderful! Love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks for making it! You can keep the syrup in the fridge for 2 weeks. Have the best week:) xTieghan
If I just wanted to make 2 drinks what would you think the proportions would be?
Looks delicious, can’t wait to make it!
Hi Elise,
Just adjust the serving size to 2 and the measurements will adjust for you on the ingredient list:) I hope you love the recipe, cheers! xTieghan
Thanksgiving win! Thank you! We had both champagne and ginger beer on hand for guests to choose from. We will definitely be making this delicious cocktail again soon.
Hi Colleen,
Wonderful!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! Have a great weekend! xTieghan