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Smoked Maple Orange Old Fashioned

Smoky. Rich. Sweet. Fresh.
This Smoked Maple Orange Old Fashioned mocktail has it allllll. It’s the perfect holiday drink — with notes of rich maple, smoky cinnamon and bright, zesty orange, all rounded out with a little black tea for that gorgeous hint of bitterness.

Not to mention, it’s a total cinch to make whether you’re mixing it up for family, a crowd, or just a cheeky little treat for yourself.

Making it smokey…

We’re bringing in the smoke and a little drama — by literally setting a cinnamon stick on fire and trapping all that gorgeous cinnamon smoke under your glass.

Be careful (obviously), but once you pull it off, it’ll impress everyone… including yourself. I promise, this drink will have you feeling like a mixologist. 

Tea in a mocktail?

Yesss! Because this is a mocktail, we’re switching it up and using strong-brewed black tea instead of whiskey. I love Assam tea here — it gives the same smooth richness you’d usually get from whiskey, just without the buzz. But honestly, any strong black tea will work well!

We’re also adding a splash of whiskey alternative for extra depth and warmth, this is totally optional, but highly recommended. 

Ingredient Notes – Smoked Maple Orange Old Fashioned

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and why they matter:

• Cinnamon Stick – Which will be set on fire and smoked under the glass, creating sooo much flavour and *a little drama*
  
• Ice – Of course! To make our old fashioned cold and fresh.
  
• Maple Syrup – Adds sweetness, flavour and depth.
  
• Black Tea – Balances the sweetness and brings out richness. Assam tea is the best here, but any black tea will work well!
  
• Taylor & Colledge’s Natural Orange Extract  – Just a couple drops adds a ton of flavour and freshness, with no zesting, juicing or mess!
  
• Whiskey Alternative (optional, but recommended) – Adds a little boost of richness and body, especially if you want that classic old fashioned feel.

Recipe Instructions: Smoked Maple Orange Old Fashioned

1. Grab your glass of choice.
   
2. Carefully break a cinnamon stick, light one end, blow it out, and place it underneath the glass. Let the smoke fill the glass completely.
   
3. Once smoked, fill the glass with ice.
   
4. Pour in the maple syrup, cooled brewed black tea, and whiskey alternative (if using).
   
5. Add a couple drops of orange extract, then stir well.
   
6. Garnish with an extra cinnamon stick and a slice of orange.
   
7. And then? Slowly sip and enjoy!!

Best tips and tricks: Smoked Maple Orange Old Fashioned

• Use room temperature tea – It helps everything stay cool and stops the ice from melting.
  
• Add bitters – A couple splashes of bitters gives even more depth and balances sweetness.

• The recipe video is on my TikTok and IG – please tag me @aceofspoons if you make this recipe!