Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash.
This Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash is the perfect cozy cocktail. Homemade spiced cinnamon maple syrup with a pinch of cayenne for a spicy holiday kick. Mixed with warming bourbon, lemon, and grapefruit, then topped off with bubbly ginger beer to add a dash of sparkle. Perfect for the cold nights ahead and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Mix up one or two, make a mocktail, or create a large batch to serve to family and friends over the holidays, either way is so easy!
Now that we’re into November the days have become so short (don’t forget to turn your clocks back tonight!). But there isn’t anything I love more than sharing these warming holiday cocktails. I just love making these fun holiday cocktails and making them cozy.
The month of November always inspires me to create more with spices, to use bourbon, and maybe even some vanilla. All really warming flavors, because you all, it’s cold outside! Cozy season is definitely here!
Excited to share this yummy, spicy bourbon apple smash. It’s so good!
here are the details
Step 1: make the spicy cinnamon syrup
This drink uses a homemade simple syrup. I do a mix of sweet maple, cinnamon, and ginger, and then I add a few pinches of cayenne. The cayenne gives the drink a nice kick, which pairs nicely with the warming bourbon, apple, and cinnamon.
It’s also a nice bit of spice to balance the sweetness.
The syrup makes enough for about 6 drinks. You can keep it in the fridge for easy cocktail mixing, or make this into a punch.
Step 2: mix the cocktail
In a cocktail shaker, shake or stir up the spicy cinnamon syrup, bourbon, lemon or grapefruit juice, apple butter, and orange bitters.
Pour this over ice, then top each drink off with ginger beer. You can use seltzer too, but using ginger beer creates the most special holiday drink. I somehow find ways to add it to most of my cocktails!
SIMPLE but SO GOOD!
Step 3: the garnishes
If you want to make this smash even more special, add the garnishes.
I do a few thin slices of Honeycrisp apple, a handful of pomegranate arils, and most importantly – a smoking cinnamon stick. It’s fun, adds smokiness, smells incredible, and you really just need to do it.
Serve this up tonight, tomorrow, or include it in your Thanksgiving menu.
Lastly, if you make this Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Tags: Thanksgiving cocktails
