Maple Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe: A Cozy & Flavorful Drink

Looking for a smooth, cozy, and flavorful cocktail? This Maple Bourbon Smash combines rich bourbon, pure maple syrup, fresh citrus, and a hint of herbs, creating a perfect balance of warmth and freshness. Whether you’re enjoying it by the fire, at a holiday gathering, or for a weekend treat, this drink is guaranteed to impress.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make a Maple Bourbon Smash step by step, including the best bourbon choices, mixing techniques, and garnish ideas. Whether you prefer it on the rocks or slightly spiced with cinnamon, this cocktail will be a new favorite. Let’s mix it up!

1. Why You’ll Love This Maple Bourbon Smash

✔ Perfectly Balanced – Sweet maple, tangy citrus, and smooth bourbon.
✔ Easy to Make – No complicated ingredients or techniques.
✔ Festive & Cozy – Ideal for Thanksgiving and fall.
✔ Make It Fancy – Garnish with herbs, citrus, or cinnamon.
✔ Batch-Friendly – Easily doubles for a crowd!

The Secret to the Best Maple Bourbon Smash

1. Use real maple syrup – Skip the artificial stuff for authentic sweetness.
2. Fresh lemon juice – Brightens up the drink and balances the flavors.
3. Muddle fresh herbs – Mint or rosemary adds depth.
4. Use quality bourbon – A smooth bourbon enhances the richness.
5. Serve over crushed ice – Gives it a true “smash” feel.

2. Ingredients for a Maple Bourbon Smash

For One Cocktail:

• 2 oz bourbon 🥃
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice 🍋
• ½ oz pure maple syrup 🍁
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 4-5 fresh mint or rosemary leaves 🌿
• Crushed ice 🧊

For Garnish:

• Lemon wedge or peel
• Fresh rosemary or mint sprig
• Cinnamon stick (optional for extra warmth)

3. How to Make a Maple Bourbon Smash

Step 1: Muddle the Herbs & Maple Syrup

1. In a cocktail shaker, add mint (or rosemary) and maple syrup.
2. Gently muddle with a spoon or muddler to release the flavors.

Step 2: Shake It Up

1. Add bourbon, lemon juice, bitters, and ice to the shaker.
2. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.

Step 3: Strain & Serve

1. Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice.
2. Strain the cocktail over the ice.
3. Garnish with a rosemary sprig, lemon wedge, or cinnamon stick.

4. Pro Tips for the Best Maple Bourbon Smash

🔥 Use fresh lemon juice – Bottled juice won’t have the same brightness.
🔥 For a smokier flavor – Torch the rosemary sprig before garnishing.
🔥 Use a rich bourbon – Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, or Bulleit work great.
🔥 For extra spice – Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick garnish.
🔥 Make it bubbly – Top with club soda for a lighter version.

5. Variations & Customizations

Make It Spicier

🌶️ Add a pinch of cayenne or muddle a slice of ginger.

Make It More Citrus-Forward

🍊 Swap lemon juice for orange juice for a slightly sweeter taste.

Make It Extra Smoky

🔥 Use smoked maple syrup or add a splash of mezcal.

Make It Sweeter

🍯 Use honey syrup instead of maple syrup.

Make It Non-Alcoholic

🥤 Replace bourbon with apple cider or ginger beer for a fall mocktail.

6. How to Make This Cocktail Ahead of Time

✔ Pre-mix everything except ice – Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
✔ Shake fresh before serving – Ensures a well-balanced cocktail.
✔ Batch for a crowd – Multiply ingredients and serve in a pitcher.

7. Best Thanksgiving Pairings for a Maple Bourbon Smash

🧀 Brie & Cranberry Crostini – Sweet and savory contrast.
🥓 Candied Bacon Bites – Smoky, crispy, and perfect with bourbon.
🥜 Spiced Nuts – Crunchy and lightly sweetened with maple.
🥧 Pumpkin Pie – The ultimate bourbon and spice pairing.

8. Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

❌ Too sweet? – Add more lemon juice or a splash of club soda.
❌ Too strong? – Shake longer with ice to dilute slightly.
❌ Bitters overpowering? – Reduce to one dash.
❌ Drink is flat? – Try adding a splash of ginger ale or club soda.

9. Leftover Ideas for Bourbon & Maple Syrup

🥃 Bourbon Hot Toddy – Mix with hot water, honey, and lemon.
🥞 Maple Bourbon Syrup – Drizzle over pancakes or waffles.
🍗 Maple Bourbon Glazed Turkey – Brush over turkey for a sweet-salty glaze.

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FAQs

1. Can I use a different whiskey instead of bourbon?

Yes! Rye whiskey will give it a spicier kick, and Scotch will add a smoky depth.

2. What’s the best bourbon for this cocktail?

✔ Buffalo Trace – Smooth & balanced.
✔ Woodford Reserve – Rich caramel notes.
✔ Knob Creek – Bolder, spicier flavor.

3. Can I make this without bitters?

Yes! Bitters add complexity, but you can skip them or replace them with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.

4. Can I make this drink bubbly?

Absolutely! Top with club soda or ginger beer for a sparkling version.

5. How do I make this cocktail stronger?

Increase bourbon to 2.5 oz and use less ice when shaking.

6. Can I serve this drink warm?

Yes! Heat bourbon, maple syrup, and lemon juice in a saucepan and serve warm in a mug.

7. What’s the best way to garnish this cocktail?

✔ Fresh rosemary or mint sprig – Adds aroma.
✔ Lemon peel twist – Enhances citrus notes.
✔ Cinnamon stick – Gives extra fall spice.

8. Can I use artificial maple syrup?

It’s not recommended—real maple syrup has a deeper, richer flavor.

9. How do I batch this cocktail for a party?

✔ Mix bourbon, lemon juice, and maple syrup in a pitcher.
✔ Chill until ready to serve, then shake over ice for each drink.

10. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes! Honey will add a floral sweetness, but the flavor will be slightly different.

This Maple Bourbon Smash is smooth, refreshing, and packed with warm fall flavors—perfect for Thanksgiving!