1 Perfect Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash Recipe in 5 Minutes

Name: 1 Perfect Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash Recipe in 5 Minutes
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon; 1 oz fresh apple juice; 1/2 oz maple syrup; 1/2 oz lemon juice; 2 dashes cinnamon bitters; Ice cubes; Cinnamon stick and apple slice for garnish

Author: lia

Published: August 26, 2025

Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash with Maple Syrup

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something magical about curling up with a cocktail that tastes like autumn in a glass—warm spices, crisp apples, and that cozy bourbon hug. My Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash with Maple Syrup is my go-to when I want a drink that feels festive but couldn’t be simpler to make. It all started when I accidentally swapped maple syrup for simple syrup in a bourbon sour one chilly evening. The result? A smoky-sweet masterpiece with just enough zing from lemon and cinnamon to keep things interesting. Trust me, the way the maple syrup caramelizes the bourbon’s edges while the apple juice keeps it fresh is pure alchemy. This isn’t just a cocktail; it’s a mood—one you’ll want to revisit all season long.

Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash with Maple Syrup - detail 1

Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash with Maple Syrup

Let’s gather all the goodies that make this drink shine! Every ingredient plays a special role here, so don’t skip a thing. I’m a stickler for fresh, quality stuff—it makes all the difference between “meh” and “wow.”

2 oz bourbon (I use Buffalo Trace, but your favorite mid-shelf bottle works great)
1 oz fresh apple juice (not from concentrate—I press mine, but store-bought cold-pressed is fine)
½ oz pure maple syrup (the darker, the better—Grade A Dark Amber gives that rich caramel note)
½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice (bottled just won’t give the same bright pop)
2 dashes cinnamon bitters (Fee Brothers is my go-to—it’s got that warm spice without being overpowering)
Ice cubes (big, solid ones that won’t water things down too fast)
Garnishes: 1 thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick (go for crisp Honeycrisp apples—they look pretty and stay firm)

See? Nothing too fancy—just honest ingredients that sing together. Pro tip: measure everything before you start shaking! It’s a game-changer for smooth cocktail-making.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash with Maple Syrup

Alright, let’s get shaking! This cocktail comes together in minutes, but a few key techniques will take it from good to “can I have another?” Here’s exactly how I make mine—follow these steps and you’ll be sipping perfection.

Mixing the Cocktail

First things first: grab your trusty cocktail shaker. Add all your liquid ingredients before ice—this helps everything blend smoothly. I always go in this order:

Pour in the bourbon (ahh, that lovely caramel aroma)
Add the apple juice (listen for that fresh, crisp sound as it hits the bourbon)
Squeeze in the lemon juice (fresh is non-negotiable here!)
Drizzle the maple syrup (watch how it ribbons through the other liquids)
Finish with those 2 dashes of cinnamon bitters (the spice that ties it all together)

Now fill the shaker halfway with ice—big cubes work best. Seal it tight and shake like you mean it for a full 10-15 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the outside frosts over.

Garnishing and Serving

Strain your masterpiece into a glass filled with fresh ice (I like a rustic rocks glass). For the garnish:

Slide that apple slice onto the rim—let it peek out invitingly
Give the cinnamon stick a little snap to release its aroma before resting it across the top

Serve immediately while it’s frosty cold! The first sip is magical—you’ll get the maple warmth, then the apple freshness, with that cinnamon spice dancing on your tongue. Pro tip: give the drink a gentle stir with the cinnamon stick between sips to keep the flavors mingling beautifully.

Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash with Maple Syrup - detail 2

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

This isn’t just another cocktail—it’s your new favorite autumnal escape in a glass. Here’s why it keeps me (and my friends) coming back for more:

Instant cozy vibes: That cinnamon-maple-bourbon combo is like a warm hug on chilly evenings
Perfectly balanced: Not too sweet, not too strong—just the right dance of spicy, tart, and smoky flavors
5-minute magic: From shaker to sip faster than you can say “apple orchard”
Endlessly adaptable: Swap honey for maple, add ginger if you’re feeling feisty, or go heavy on the bitters
Impressive but approachable: Fancy enough for guests, easy enough for weeknight cravings

Seriously—one taste of that caramel-kissed bourbon mingling with crisp apple, and you’ll understand why this smash became my signature sip. For more delicious recipes, check out our recent posts!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Life happens—sometimes you’re out of maple syrup or forgot to grab fresh apples. No sweat! Here’s how to pivot without losing that signature flavor:

Maple syrup swap: Honey works beautifully (use ¾ oz since it’s sweeter), or try brown sugar simple syrup for deeper molasses notes
Apple juice alternative: Fresh is best, but good-quality store-bought works—just avoid anything labeled “juice cocktail” with added sugars
Bourbon backup: A rye whiskey adds spicy complexity, while dark rum brings caramel richness (adjust sweetness accordingly)
No cinnamon bitters? A pinch of ground cinnamon shaken with the liquids does the trick (plus an extra cinnamon stick garnish)
For teetotalers: Skip the bourbon and double the apple juice—add a dash of vanilla extract to mimic that warm depth

See? Flexibility is the name of the game. Just promise me one thing—never use bottled lemon juice. Fresh citrus is the hill I’ll die on!

Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

Want to take your smash from good to “where has this been all my life?” level? These little tricks make all the difference:

Chill your glass first—pop it in the freezer for 5 minutes so your drink stays frosty longer
Taste before shaking—dip a spoon in the mix to check sweetness (add more lemon for tartness or maple for richness)
Shake hard! Those vigorous 15 seconds aerate the drink, giving it that perfect frothy texture
Fresh garnishes matter—a crisp apple slice won’t brown as fast, and a fresh cinnamon stick smells infinitely better than pre-ground
Don’t over-dilute—use one big ice cube in the glass instead of small ones that melt too quickly

Watch out for these pitfalls: skipping the bitters (they’re the secret spice!), using warm ingredients, or letting it sit too long before sipping. Now go forth and smash!

Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

This cocktail was made for sharing alongside cozy bites! I love serving mine with a rustic charcuterie board—sharp cheddar and spiced nuts play off the drink’s warmth perfectly. For dessert? Try it with warm apple crisp or cinnamon-dusted shortbread cookies. Bonus points if you’ve got a crackling fireplace nearby!

Storing and Reheating

Honestly? This cocktail shines when enjoyed fresh—that frosty first sip is everything! If you must prep ahead, mix everything except the ice and store it chilled for up to 2 hours. Just shake with ice when ready to serve. Cheers!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know what you’re sipping on, here’s the lowdown! (Remember: these are estimates—your exact numbers will vary based on brands and ingredient sizes.) One Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash clocks in at about 180 calories, with 12g sugar and 15g carbs. The maple syrup and apple juice bring the sweetness, while that bourbon keeps things spirited. Drink up—you earned it!

FAQ About Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the things people ask me most about this cocktail—along with my tried-and-true fixes:

Can I use whiskey instead of bourbon? Absolutely! Rye whiskey adds a spicy kick, while Irish whiskey brings smoother notes. Just avoid anything too peaty—save the Scotch for another drink.
How can I make it less sweet? Easy! Cut the maple syrup to ¼ oz and add an extra dash of lemon juice. The tartness balances everything out beautifully.
What if I don’t have cinnamon bitters? No panic! A tiny pinch of ground cinnamon (about ⅛ tsp) shaken in works, or muddle a cinnamon stick with the liquids before shaking.
Can I batch-make this for parties? You bet! Mix everything except ice in a pitcher (scale up carefully!). When guests arrive, pour 4 oz portions into shakers with ice—they’ll think you’re a cocktail wizard.
Is there a non-alcoholic version? Totally! Replace bourbon with 2 oz cold-brew apple cinnamon tea or ginger beer. Still deliciously festive!

See? No question’s too silly—I’ve probably wondered it myself mid-shaker at some point!

Ready to Try This Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash?

Don’t just take my word for it—shake one up and taste the magic yourself! I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Snap a pic, leave a comment, or tag me when you make it. Happy sipping!