Maple Bourbon Aperol – Great Happy Hour Cocktail Recipe

Jump to Recipe

It is time for fall cocktails in our backyard pub, The Grain Shed.  As the cool days leave, I like to switch away from refreshing cocktails like Ranch Water and switch to a delicious cocktail that is nice to enjoy as we transition into fall.  Bourbon cocktails hit that spot.

Pin it

You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for a deliciously not-too-sweet drink!

The maple Aperol bourbon cocktail is the perfect blend of maple syrup’s earthy sweetness and Aperol’s bitter-sweetness. This cocktail is sure to delight your taste buds. And let’s not forget about the smooth and warm depth of bourbon that ties everything nicely together. So, please sit back, relax, and let’s dive into this heavenly drink.

The first thing you’ll want when making this cocktail is quality ingredients to make it correctly. You’ll need pure maple syrup, Aperol, bourbon, prosecco, and fresh orange juice. You can use any bourbon you like, but using one that is at least 80-proof is a good idea. For the maple syrup, try to use a pure, grade B one, as it has a more intense flavor that mixes well with the other ingredients. I love vanilla bean-infused organic maple syrup by Wild Four Maple from Vermont.  I purchase this at Costco when available, but it can also be purchased directly from Wild Four. Any good quality maple syrup will taste great in this all aperitif.

The bourbon Aperol cocktail is an excellent cocktail for any season.  Switching simple syrup to maple syrup adds a warm sweetness, perfect for fall and winter. The Aperol has a light and refreshing flavor, great for warm spring and summer days. The bourbon creates a depth of flavor that pairs well with the maple and Aperol, making this cocktail a perfect fit for happy hour any time of the year.

If you’re looking for a twist on this classic cocktail, try adding a splash of soda water instead of prosecco. The bubbles will give the delicious cocktail a bit of a lift and will make it even more refreshing. Additionally, adding a sprig of rosemary to the cocktail will give it an earthy, herbal flavor that perfectly complements this drink’s sweet and acidic flavors.

👉 Looking for a cozy pitcher drink? Try my Apple Cider Fall Sangria with Red Wine & Cinnamon — perfect for Halloween, Friendsgiving, or Thanksgiving gatherings.

Here are the ingredients for Maple Bourbon Aperol Cocktail

Pin it

Bourbon

Use your favorite bourbon. I like to use Buffalo Trace.

Aperol

Italian history with bitter Aperol, the botanical liqueur that’s been enticing tastebuds for over a century.

Invented by Luigi and Silvio Barbieri back in 1919, this vibrant orange botanical liqueur originated in Padua, Italy. It’s not just any liqueur.  Aperol falls into the amaro (bittersweet liquor commonly drank as an after-dinner digestif) family, known for its delicious bitterness. Aperol is usually used in the cocktail world to make the popular Aperol Spitz.

Maple Syrup

Use good quality real maple syrup in this great cocktail, but simple syrup can be substituted.

Prosecco

Use your favorite Prosecco.  If you don’t have prosecco or sparkling wine, use club soda.

Tip: If making only one or two drinks, buy the mini bottle of Prosecco.

Orange

The orange will be used for a good squeeze of juice and an orange peel garnish.

Orange Bitters – optional

Orange bitters adds a spicy, bitter finish to the cocktail…just a dash with do.

Here is the cocktail recipe

1 1/2 oz bourbon

1 oz Aperol

1/2 oz maple syrup

3 oz prosecco

Dash of orange bitters – optional

Orange wedge

Orange peel garnish

To make the cocktail, put all the ingredients except orange into a cocktail glass filled with ice or one large ice cube. Cut a wedge of orange and squeeze it into the drink, and then gently stir. Garnish with a fresh orange slice, an orange peel twist, or a sprig of rosemary to add even more flavor.

This  Maple Bourbon Aperol Spritz is a drink anyone can appreciate as we transition from summer to fall. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a sweet drink but not too sweet. So, try this drink next time you’re in the mood for something special! You won’t regret it. Remember to use quality ingredients, stir it well, and garnish it nicely. You will love its vibrant colors.

Comment at the bottom of this page with your favorite Aperol cocktail or if you try this recipe.

Cheers!

More Cocktail Recipes You Might Enjoy!

• Honey Rosemary Bourbon Cocktail
• Fall and Winter Mojito Cocktail Recipes
• White Lady Cocktail Recipe
• Irish Coffee – Authentic Recipe

Most of my cocktail creations are mixed and tested in The Grain Shed, our rustic backyard pub — the heart of our homestead gatherings.

Pin and Save for Later!