Maple-Apple Bourbon Smash
A refreshing, seasonal cocktail featuring muddled apple and maple syrup, balanced by bold bourbon and a hint of mint. This general-inspired cocktails & beverages ready in about 7 minutes brings together bourbon, apple juice, maple syrup for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1/2 oz maple syrup
- 4 fresh mint leaves
- 1 apple slice
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, place 4 fresh mint leaves and gently muddle until fragrant but not bruised. Add 1/2 cup apple juice, 1/2 oz maple syrup, and 1/2 cup ice cubes.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon and muddle again for 10 seconds to fully incorporate the apple juice and syrup with the mint. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Step 3: Strain into a rocks glass filled with 1/2 cup ice cubes. Top with a thin apple slice and a single mint sprig for garnish, pressing it slightly into the drink.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Apple Bourbon Smash take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Maple-Apple Bourbon Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover maple-apple bourbon smash in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Apple Bourbon Smash?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Maple-Apple Bourbon Smash for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Maple-Apple Bourbon Smash?
General cocktails & beverages like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family loved this recipe. The homemade version was so much better than store-bought.
- ★★★★★
This cocktail was a hit at my dinner party! The maple and apple balanced perfectly with the bourbon.
- ★★★★☆
Great drink for fall gatherings. Easy to make and refreshing.
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