Maple-Smoked Bourbon Cocktail

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smooth, smoky bourbon drink with natural maple sweetness and subtle wood notes, stirred to perfection. This recipe, ready in about 7 minutes, brings together bourbon, pure maple syrup, Angostura bitters 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 165 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.

Prep: 7 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 165 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a rocks glass, then dip into smoked salt to coat the rim evenly.
  2. Step 2: Place 1 clear ice sphere in the glass, then add 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz pure maple syrup, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, and 1 dash liquid smoke.
  3. Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until the glass is chilled and ingredients are fully combined.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with an expressed orange peel twist, rotating to release oils, and rest it on the rim.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Smoked Bourbon Cocktail 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-Smoked Bourbon Cocktail?

Refrigerate any leftover maple-smoked bourbon cocktail 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-Smoked Bourbon Cocktail?

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-Smoked Bourbon Cocktail 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-Smoked Bourbon Cocktail?

Cocktails cocktails & drinks 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.

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