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+ servings
bourbon smash in a glass with crush ice and fresh herbs
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5 from 1 vote

Maple Bourbon Smash

This easy and delicious maple bourbon smash is made with fresh muddled fruit and herbs, bourbon, and a splash of ginger beer.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Cocktail, Drink
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Fat
Keyword: cocktail, thanksgiving drink
Servings: 1 cocktail (see notes for large batch)

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Bar spoon and muddler
  • Cocktail glasses

Ingredients

Spiced Maple Simple Syrup (makes 6 servings)

  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2-3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1-2 star anise
  • 1- inch fresh ginger

Bourbon Smash (makes 1 serving)

  • 1 orange wheel
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary plus a sprig for serving
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 5 drops of orange bitters
  • Ginger beer or soda water for topping

Instructions

  • To make the maple simple syrup, pour the water, and maple syrup in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat then add the cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, star anise, and rosemary and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to medium low and simmer for 2-3. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly while you make the rest of the drink.
  • To make the cocktail, add the orange wheel, fresh rosemary, lemon juice, and orange juice in a cocktail shaker or glass jar. Muddle the ingredients together using a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the juices. Pour in 2 tablespoons of the spiced maple syrup then store the remaining simple syrup in a glass jar with a lid in the fridge for up to 1 week (see notes to use it for a large batch). Next, pour in the bourbon and orange bitters, and shake well to combine.
  • Add crushed ice to a glass then strain the drink over the ice. Top with ginger beer, ginger ale, or soda water. Gently stir and garnish with fresh fruit and rosemary.

Video

Notes

Make-ahead: Follow the instructions to make the simple syrup, muddle the fruit and mix in the bourbon. Remove the fresh fruit and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Serve over crushed ice and top with your choice of bubbly drink before serving. You can also make just the simple syrup up to a week in advance.
Storage: Follow these same instructions with any leftover cocktails (without the ginger beer).
Big batch (6 servings): Follow the same instructions to make the maple simple syrup (it makes 6 servings). Muddle 6-8 orange wheels with fresh rosemary, 1/2 cup lemon juice, and 1/2 cup orange juice in a large measuring cup or pitcher. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of bourbon, 10-12 dashes of orange bitters, and all of the simple syrup. Strain into a large pitcher or punch bowl. Serve over crushed ice and top with ginger beer.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 33.9g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 9mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 30.4g | Vitamin A: 1.1IU | Vitamin C: 11.2mg