This apple bourbon smash is crisp, refreshing, and naturally sweet. With freshly muddled apple and lemon, bourbon, maple syrup, and a cinnamon sugar rim. It’s the perfect bourbon cocktail for cooler autumn days. It’s easy to mix up, and it’s ready in under 10 minutes!
When fall rolls around, this apple bourbon smash is the drink I reach for first. It’s cozy, simple to make, and full of seasonal flavor without feeling heavy or overdone. It’s the kind of cocktail that fits just as easily into a quiet night at home as it does a casual get-together with friends.
I sweeten this one with maple syrup instead of sugar or simple syrup, which adds a deeper, warmer note that pairs beautifully with bourbon. Fresh apple and lemon juice are muddled right into the glass, giving the drink a bright, juicy base, and a cinnamon sugar rim adds just the right touch of spice for cooler weather.
A smash is all about highlighting what’s in season, and this version couldn’t be more flexible or forgiving. Everything gets muddled, shaken with ice until cold, then strained into a rocks glass. It’s fresh, festive, and easy to love—one of those fall cocktails I come back to year after year.
Can I prepare it in advance?
You can muddle the apple and lemon ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 2-3 hours. Because it’s shaken with ice, the rest should be made in the moment.
Can I use simple syrup instead of maple syrup?
In a pinch! Simple syrup will add sweetness, but the drink will be missing the rich maple flavor. You could also use 1-2 tablespoons of cane sugar.
Can I use apple cider instead of muddling fresh apples?
Using apple cider will change the taste and feel of the drink. It won’t be a smash, but it will still be delicious.
Can I use rye whiskey instead of bourbon?
Yes! Rye whiskey tends to be a bit bolder and spicier, and if that’s your thing (or it’s what you have on hand), go for it!
Apple Bourbon Smash with Maple Syrup
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Ingredients
- ▢ ½ medium apple (chopped)
- ▢ ½ lemon (sliced)
- ▢ 2 ounces bourbon (¼ cup)
- ▢ 1 ounce maple syrup (2 tablespoons)
Cinnamon Sugar
- ▢ 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ▢ 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ▢ ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Mix the cinnamon sugar ingredients in a small, wide dish. 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- Run a cut lemon around the rim of a glass then dip the wet rim into the cinnamon sugar. Then fill the glass with ice.
- Put the chopped apple and lemon slice in a cocktail shaker and muddle well. ½ medium apple, ½ lemon
- Fill the shaker with ice then add the bourbon and maple syrup and shake until it’s cold. Strain into the glass and garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick. 2 ounces bourbon, 1 ounce maple syrup
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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Apple Bourbon Smash with Maple Syrup
Ingredients
- ½ medium apple , chopped
- ½ lemon , sliced
- 2 ounces bourbon , ¼ cup
- 1 ounce maple syrup , 2 tablespoons
Cinnamon Sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Mix the cinnamon sugar ingredients in a small, wide dish. 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- Run a cut lemon around the rim of a glass then dip the wet rim into the cinnamon sugar. Then fill the glass with ice.
- Put the chopped apple and lemon slice in a cocktail shaker and muddle well. ½ medium apple, ½ lemon
- Fill the shaker with ice then add the bourbon and maple syrup and shake until it’s cold. Strain into the glass and garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick. 2 ounces bourbon, 1 ounce maple syrup
