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Maple-Bourbon Smash Recipe

4.9 from 113 reviews

The Maple-Bourbon Smash is a delightful cocktail that balances the rich, warm flavors of bourbon with the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup and the fresh citrusy notes of orange and lemon juice. Enhanced with bitters and refreshing seltzer, this drink is perfect for savoring during cozy evenings or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Liquids

  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 1/2 ounce pure maple syrup (preferably Grade A dark amber)
  • 1/2 ounce fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 ounces chilled seltzer

Other

  • 4 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • 1/2 orange wheel
  • Ice (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the glass: Fill a rocks or old-fashioned glass with ice to chill it while you prepare the cocktail ingredients.
  2. Muddle the orange wheel: Place the 1/2 orange wheel into a mixing glass or shaker and gently muddle to release the citrus oils and juice, imparting vibrant orange flavor to the drink.
  3. Add liquids and bitters: Pour in the 2 ounces bourbon, 1/2 ounce pure maple syrup, 1/2 ounce fresh orange juice, 1/4 ounce fresh lemon juice, and add 4 dashes of Angostura bitters into the mixing glass with the muddled orange.
  4. Mix the cocktail: Add ice to the mixing glass and stir gently but thoroughly to combine and chill the ingredients without diluting them too much.
  5. Strain and serve: Discard the ice from the chilled serving glass and strain the cocktail mixture into the glass over fresh ice.
  6. Top with seltzer: Carefully add 1 1/2 ounces of chilled seltzer to the glass to give the drink a light and bubbly finish.
  7. Garnish and enjoy: Optionally garnish with an additional orange wheel or twist, then serve immediately and savor the balanced maple and bourbon flavors.

Notes

  • Using Grade A dark amber maple syrup adds a deeper, richer flavor that complements the bourbon well.
  • Freshly squeezed citrus juice is crucial for brightness and freshness in the cocktail.
  • Adjust the amount of seltzer to taste, depending on how strong or diluted you prefer the drink.
  • If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, increase the maple syrup slightly.
  • Stirring rather than shaking preserves the carbonation when adding seltzer.

Keywords: Maple Bourbon Cocktail, Bourbon Smash, Maple Syrup Drink, Citrus Bourbon Cocktail, Autumn Cocktail