This Maple Bourbon Smash is a fresh take on an old-fashioned—cozy and fireside-worthy yet bright and lively. It’s a simple cocktail with just a few ingredients so the bourbon can stand center stage without being overwhelmed.
The bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes pair beautifully with fresh orange and lemon. Pure maple syrup adds rounded sweetness and depth, while a splash of chilled seltzer lightens the drink and makes it refreshingly effervescent. Finish with an expressed orange peel for aroma and a touch of elegance.
🥃 You Gotta Try This Maple Bourbon Smash
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: Smooth bourbon meets maple sweetness and bright citrus.
- Refreshing: Chilled seltzer adds a light, fizzy finish ideal for patio sipping or after-dinner drinks.
- Seasonal Vibes: Warm maple notes make this great for fall and winter gatherings, while citrus keeps it lively.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes with minimal effort.
- Versatile Pairing: Works with grilled meats, salty snacks, and a wide range of barbecue fare.
🗒️ Ingredients for the Perfect Cocktail
- Bourbon: The backbone—pick a bottle you enjoy.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed for bright sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy lift to balance the sweetness.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple for natural sweetness with caramel notes.
- Angostura Bitters: A few dashes for spice and depth.
- Ice: Keeps the drink chilled and brings flavors together.
- Seltzer Water: Chilled, for a crisp, fizzy finish.
- Orange Peel: A twist to release fragrant citrus oils.
😎 How to Make a Maple Bourbon Smash
- Mix: In a glass, combine bourbon, orange juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters. Stir to combine.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice nearly to the rim.
- Top with Seltzer: Pour chilled seltzer over the ice and give a gentle stir.
- Garnish: Twist an orange peel over the drink to express oils, then drop it in.
- Sip and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy.
😉 Tips for a Refreshing Cocktail
- Choose Quality Bourbon: Since bourbon is the star, use one you enjoy neat or on the rocks.
- Use Fresh Juice: Freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice brighten the drink—avoid overly sweet bottled juices.
- Cut a Clean Twist: Use a peeler or sharp knife for an even orange peel and trim edges for a tidy presentation.
- Express the Oils: Twist the peel over the glass with the shiny side down to release flavorful citrus oils.
- Chill the Glass: A cold glass keeps the cocktail colder longer and improves the experience.
- Use Large, Clear Ice: Bigger cubes or a single sphere melt slower and keep the drink from diluting too quickly.
📖 Bourbon Whiskey History
Bourbon is America’s most popular whiskey and is strongly associated with Kentucky. Legally, bourbon must be made from a mash containing at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels. The charred oak aging lends flavors of vanilla, spice, wood, and gentle smokiness, while the grain bill and aging process provide a natural sweetness that makes bourbon approachable in cocktails.
The aging and barrel treatment create the signature profile that pairs so well with maple syrup and citrus in this cocktail.
🥂 Delicious Food to Pair
This cocktail pairs wonderfully with smoky, savory dishes. Grilled or barbecue flavors complement the bourbon’s caramel and char notes, while salty snacks provide a pleasing contrast to the maple sweetness.
Consider serving with grilled bacon-wrapped scallops for a rich, smoky-sweet match, or classic wings for a casual, fun pairing. Both choices hold up nicely next to the cocktail’s flavorful profile.
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Maple Bourbon Smash
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Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1½ ounces orange juice
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- 1 ounce maple syrup
- 3-5 dashes Angostura bitters
- ice
- 1½ ounces seltzer water chilled
- 1 orange, peel
Instructions
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Combine bourbon, orange juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, and bitters in a glass and stir.
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Fill the glass with ice almost to the rim.
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Top with chilled seltzer and stir lightly.
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Cut a long strip of orange peel, trim to clean edges, and hold it over the glass. Twist to express the oils into the drink.
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Drop the twist into the glass and enjoy.
Video
Notes
After rolling the curl, twist and rub it on the glass rim for extra citrus aroma.
Try flavored seltzer, like grapefruit, for a subtle variation—experiment to find your favorite twist.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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