This maple bourbon smash is really a slight variation to an old fashioned. It is a very simple cocktail with only a few ingredients so that the bourbon can shine and not be overpowered. I used a bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup which complemented the Woodinville Whiskey Co. straight bourbon and added just a touch of sweetness. The citrus brought just a bit of tang and sourness to the party and the bubbly seltzer water topped it off and gave it the crisp refreshing kick I needed! I love this maple bourbon smash and I hope you do too!

I prefer to use fresh citrus, the flavors are always way more bright. Plus the satisfaction of enjoying a tasty cocktail that you built from scratch is way more pleasing. The citrus complements the sweet nature of the bourbon very well. Since bourbon is a little sweet on its own, it makes a delightful entry point for those who are new to whiskey or who typically need very sweet cocktails to mask the flavor of their chosen spirit.

I love bourbon because it has a very complex flavor. I enjoy the smokiness from the barrel aging process and the vanilla, caramel flavors that tend to jump onto your palette. Keep reading below to get the recipe for this cocktail and take a shallow dive into the delicious background of bourbon whiskey!

What are the different types of whiskey?

• American
  • Bourbon Whiskey
  • Rye Whiskey
  • Tennessee Whiskey
  • Wheat Whiskey
  • Corn Whiskey
  • Blended Whiskey
• Scotch
  • Malt
  • Grain
• Irish
  • Malt
  • Grain
• Canadian
• Japanese

Bourbon Whiskey

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 some 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!

What is a smash cocktail?

A smash cocktail is a concoction of spirits, sugar, and herbs or fruit. Generally, you will “smash” the herbs or fruit by muddling them together. The great thing about a smash is that you can explore with ingredients and make some crazy and fresh drinks based on your inspirations. There is no true-to-style rule, just combine your favorite liquor, add some syrup or sugars, and then some herbs or fruits, muddle and then enjoy!

What is good to mix with bourbon?

• Orange juice
• Lemon juice
• Sour mix
• Soda water
• Cola
• Bitters
• Ginger ale or ginger beer
• Or keep it simple with an ice cube or two

Delicious food to go along with your cocktail!

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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Did you make this recipe? Tell us about it in the comments below!