Maple-Bourbon Smash Recipe

If you’re hunting for a cocktail that balances a little sweet, a little citrusy, and a whole lot of soul, then this Maple-Bourbon Smash recipe is exactly what you need to try next. It’s one of those drinks that I find myself making a little more often when the days get cooler — that lovely maple syrup adds such a warming, cozy vibe without overpowering the bourbon. Trust me, it’s the kind of drink that sneaks up on you with its layers of flavor and leaves you wanting more.

What really makes this Maple-Bourbon Smash recipe stand out, in my opinion, is how approachable it is—no crazy techniques or ingredients that require a special trip to some distant store. Whether you’re unwinding after work, hosting friends, or looking for a fresh cocktail to impress, this smash delivers every time. Plus, it’s incredibly refreshing thanks to the fizz from the seltzer and the brightness from fresh citrus juice, which perfectly complement that deep bourbon warmth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays its part to create a wonderfully balanced drink. When you select your ingredients thoughtfully, the results are unbeatable, so here are a few tips to help you shop and prep smartly.

• Pure maple syrup: I always recommend Grade A dark amber for that rich, robust flavor that pairs beautifully with bourbon.
• Fresh orange juice: Freshly squeezed is key here; it adds a bright, natural sweetness that bottled just can’t match.
• Fresh lemon juice: Balances the sweetness with a zesty punch. I find that using fresh juice makes all the difference.
• Angostura bitters: These little dashes add complexity—if you don’t have them, the cocktail will be missing some of its character.
• Orange wheel: For muddling and garnish, which enhances the citrus flavor and looks great in the glass.
• Bourbon: Go for a good quality bourbon that you enjoy sipping neat; it’s the star of the show.
• Ice: Plenty of it to keep everything chilled and nicely diluted.
• Chilled seltzer: Adds the perfect fizzy lift to finish the drink—make sure it’s well chilled for the best experience.

Variations

This Maple-Bourbon Smash recipe is like a blank canvas—feel free to tweak it to suit your mood or what you have on hand. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch things up.

• Herbal twist: Sometimes I throw in a few fresh mint leaves or a sprig of rosemary to give it a lovely aroma and extra freshness.
• Spiced version: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can transform the drink into a fall or winter warmer.
• Sugar substitute: If you want to cut down on sweetness, swap out maple syrup with a little honey or agave nectar—though I personally love that maple flavor.
• Non-alcoholic: For a mocktail version, just skip the bourbon and add a splash of extra seltzer and maybe a little smoked tea for depth.

How to Make Maple-Bourbon Smash Recipe

Step 1: Muddle the Orange Wheel and Bitters

Start by placing half an orange wheel right into your shaker or mixing glass. Add the 4 dashes of Angostura bitters on top. Use a muddler to gently press and twist the orange wheel—don’t pulverize it, just enough to release the juice and oils along with the bitters. This step really builds the foundation of vibrant citrus aroma you’ll notice right away.

Step 2: Add the Liquids

Next, pour in the 1/2 ounce pure maple syrup, 1/2 ounce fresh orange juice, 1/4 ounce fresh lemon juice, and 2 ounces of your favorite bourbon. I like to pause here and give everything a good stir or light shake just to combine—this helps those flavors marry beautifully before we add ice.

Step 3: Shake It Up

Add a handful of ice to your shaker, then give it a vigorous shake for about 10 seconds. You want the mix to chill nicely and get a little diluted, which tempers the bourbon and extracts even more flavor from the muddled orange and bitters.

Step 4: Strain and Top with Seltzer

Use a strainer to pour your cocktail into a glass filled with fresh ice. Finally, top it off with 1 1/2 ounces of chilled seltzer. The fizz from the seltzer transforms the drink into a refreshing delight that still feels indulgent. Give it just a gentle stir to combine all the layers.

How to Serve Maple-Bourbon Smash Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish this Maple-Bourbon Smash with a fresh orange wheel or a twist of orange peel perched on the rim for a pop of color and aroma. Sometimes I add a sprig of fresh mint when I want a green, herbal note that lightens the drink further — it’s simple but totally elevates the experience.

Side Dishes

This cocktail pairs wonderfully with foods that have some rich or smoky notes. I often serve it alongside hearty cheese plates, smoked nuts, or even a platter of charcuterie. For something more casual, it’s great with BBQ or spiced roasted veggies—the sweetness and citrus cut right through.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special night, I like to serve the Maple-Bourbon Smash in vintage-style rocks glasses with large, clear ice cubes. Adding a cinnamon stick or star anise as a swizzle stick not only looks charming but subtly boosts the aroma as you sip. Little touches like these make guests feel like they’re getting something really thoughtful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Since this is a cocktail best enjoyed fresh, I don’t recommend storing mixed drinks with ice or seltzer. However, if you prepare the maple, citrus, bourbon, and bitters mix ahead of time (without seltzer), you can keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add ice and seltzer when you’re ready to serve.

Freezing

I haven’t found freezing to work well with this cocktail due to the carbonation and fresh citrus, which lose their punch when thawed. I’d recommend sticking to fresh when it comes to making your Maple-Bourbon Smash.

Reheating

This recipe really isn’t suited to reheating since it’s designed for cold enjoyment. If you want a warm bourbon sip, consider a hot toddy style drink instead. For fresh cocktails like this, icy and immediately served is the way to go!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

After making and sharing this Maple-Bourbon Smash recipe with friends more times than I can count, I can confidently say it’s become a go-to cocktail whenever I want something both comforting and refreshing. It hits that sweet spot between simplicity and sophistication, and you’ll love how easy it is to make with just a few ingredients. Give it a try next time you want to impress without the fuss—I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorites, too.

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