Ohio Maple Bourbon Smash
A vibrant bourbon smash with fresh mint, lemon, and a hint of maple syrup, celebrating the warmth and charm of Ohio’s local flavors. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together bourbon, fresh lemon 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 185 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
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz maple syrup
- 8 leaves fresh mint leaves
- as needed crushed ice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, gently muddle 8 fresh mint leaves with 0.5 oz maple syrup and 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice to release aromas without tearing the leaves.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon and fill the mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 10 seconds until well chilled.
- Step 4: Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice and double strain the cocktail over the ice to keep out mint bits.
- Step 5: Slap a small mint sprig between your hands to release fragrance and place it as garnish on top of the crushed ice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ohio Maple Bourbon Smash take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Ohio Maple Bourbon Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover ohio maple 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 Ohio Maple 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 Ohio Maple 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 Ohio Maple Bourbon Smash?
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.
