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–+ servings
bourbon smash in a glass with crush ice and fresh herbs

Maple Bourbon Smash Recipe

5 from 1 vote
This easy and delicious maple bourbon smash is made with fresh muddled oranges and herbs, bourbon, and a splash of ginger beer. It takes 10 minutes to make and is easy to prep!
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Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail (see notes for large batch)
Author: Molly Thompson

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

  • 1 orange wheel
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary extra for serving
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 2 Tablespoons spiced maple simple syrup recipe above
  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 5 drops 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, and star anise 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.
    1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 1/2 cup water, 2-3 cinnamon sticks, 1- inch fresh ginger, 1-2 star anise
  • 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).Pour in the bourbon and orange bitters, and shake well to combine.
    1 orange wheel, 1 sprig fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, 2 Tablespoons spiced maple simple syrup, 2 ounces bourbon, 5 drops orange bitters
  • 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.
    Ginger beer or soda water

Recipe Equipment

Cocktail shaker
Bar spoon and muddler
Cocktail glasses

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 | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 9mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 30.4g | Vitamin A: 1.1IU | Vitamin C: 11.2mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @What_mollymade or tag #WhatMollyMade so I can see it and feature you!