Maple Bourbon Smash
on Jan 05, 2020, Updated Nov 16, 2024
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This Maple Bourbon Smash is really a slight variation of an old-fashioned. It’s got that cozy, fireside vibe with a playful twist of freshness, making it perfect for hanging out with friends or unwinding after a long week. It is a very simple cocktail with only a few ingredients so that the bourbon can shine and not be overpowered.
The rich, caramel notes of bourbon play off the brightness of orange and lemon, while maple syrup adds a sweet complexity that pairs perfectly. Top it off with some seltzer and an aromatic twist of orange peel, and you’ve got yourself a drink that’s equal parts comforting and vibrant.
🥃 You Gotta Try This Maple Bourbon Smash
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The rich, smooth bourbon pairs perfectly with the sweet maple syrup and bright citrus notes.
- Refreshing: The addition of chilled seltzer water gives this drink a light, fizzy finish that’s super refreshing, whether you’re by the grill or hanging out on the patio.
- Seasonal Vibes: With warm maple notes and fresh citrus, this cocktail is perfect for those cozy fall evenings or even as a winter warmer for outdoor gatherings.
- Quick and Easy to Make: You can mix this up in just a few minutes and it is sure to impress!
- Versatile Pairing: This drink pairs well with everything from grilled meats to salty snacks, making it the ultimate companion for your BBQ hangout.
🗒️ Ingredients for the Perfect Cocktail
- Bourbon: The backbone of this cocktail. Choose your favorite bourbon!
- Orange Juice: Fresh orange juice adds bright, citrusy sweetness, balancing out the bold flavors of the bourbon and maple.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice gives the drink a refreshing, tangy kick and enhances the overall complexity.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a smooth, natural sweetness with hints of caramel and woodsy flavor, making this cocktail feel cozy and unique.
- Angostura Bitters: Bitters provides a touch of spice and aromatic complexity, elevating the flavors and adding depth to every sip.
- Ice: Chills and slightly dilutes the drink to bring out all the special flavors.
- Seltzer Water: Chilled seltzer adds a crisp, effervescent finish that lightens the drink and makes it incredibly refreshing.
- Orange Peel: A twist of orange peel releases fragrant oils, adding a burst of citrus aroma and a touch of elegance.
😎 How to Make a Maple Bourbon Smash
- Mix: In your glass, combine the bourbon, orange juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters. Give it a good stir to blend the flavors.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice, almost to the rim, to keep your drink refreshingly chilled.
- Top with Seltzer: Pour the chilled seltzer water over the top and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish: Twist an orange peel over the drink to release the aromatic oils, then drop it into the glass as a garnish.
- Sip and Enjoy: Your maple bourbon smash is ready to sip!
😉 Tips for a Refreshing Cocktail
- Choose Quality Bourbon: The bourbon is the star of this cocktail, so choose one that you enjoy sipping on its own.
- Always Use Fresh Juice: Freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice make a huge difference in your cocktail’s flavor. Bottled juices can be overly sweet or lack the bright, natural tang you get from fresh citrus. Take the extra few minutes to juice your fruits for that legit flavor!
- Get it Twisted: When you cut your orange peel twist, use a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler to get a clean, uniform slice. Trim the edges if necessary to make it look uniform.
- Express the Orange Peel: Hold it over your cocktail with the shiny side facing the glass. Gently twist or bend the peel to release the citrus oils into the drink. This step adds an aromatic burst that enhances the cocktail.
- Chill Your Glass: If you have time, pop your glass into the freezer for a few minutes before making the cocktail. A chilled glass keeps your drink colder for longer and adds a touch of class.
- Use Quality Ice: Use large cocktail ice cubes or clear ice spheres for a sleek look and better temperature control.
📖 Bourbon Whiskey History
Bourbon is the most popular type of whiskey in America and has its roots in Kentucky all the way back in 1783. Although the exact date is sometimes disputed and the history is a bit hazy, maybe due to the symptoms of enjoying the spirit?! Bourbon must be made with at least 51% corn and the other 49% can come from a combination of other grains, which may be malted barley and rye or wheat.
Bourbon is always aged in new oak barrels that are charred to a particular level. This aging process imparts flavors of vanilla, spices, wood, and smokiness. The bourbon has a natural sweetness from the grains and the aging process which makes it a delicious entry point to those who are new to whiskey.
My favorite bourbon is actually by Woodinville Whiskey Co. straight bourbon and it is so delicious to sip on but is also great in cocktails. Check out their website and grab some for your next party!
🥂 Delicious Food to Pair
Sometimes a cocktail is good all on its own, but other times, you need some food to go along with it. Check out these delicious recipes on the blog to accompany your crafty drink.
These grilled bacon wrapped scallops pair nicely with a bourbon cocktail. The smokiness of the scallops and bacon on the grill pair nicely with the sweet and smokey bourbon. Scallops might be my favorite treat from the ocean, they are so tender! Plus wrapped in bacon and flavored from the smoke on the BBQ, YUM!
WINGS! Of course, messy fingers may hinder your ability to grip the glass, but if you don’t mind getting messy then these wings are out of this world! Try out these air fryer buffalo chicken wings – from frozen, or these air fryer honey mustard chicken wings.
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Maple Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1½ ounces orange juice
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- 1 ounce maple syrup
- 3-5 dashes Angostura bitters
- ice
- 1½ ounces seltzer water, chilled
- 1 orange, peel
Instructions
- In your glass, combine the bourbon, orange juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, bitters, and stir
- Top your glass off with ice, almost to the rim.
- Pour on the chilled seltzer water and give it a light stir.
- Take a long strip of the orange peel and trim it with a knife so it has straight edges. Hold the peel over the cocktail and twist it firmly to express the oils in to the glass.
- Add the twisted orange peel to the glass and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
