Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash Recipe

I absolutely love how cozy and refreshing the Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash Recipe turns out—it’s like autumn in a glass! When I first tried this cocktail, it instantly became my go-to for chilly nights or when I just want to impress friends with something that tastes like you spent hours crafting it, but actually takes just minutes to whip up.

You’ll find that the unique blend of spicy cinnamon syrup, tart apple butter, and warming bourbon creates a beautiful harmony that’s both comforting and lively. Whether you’re winding down by the fire or hosting a festive gathering, this drink hits all the right notes and makes you feel right at home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients blend in a way that’s both familiar and exciting, capturing that crunchy-apple warmth mixed with the sweet heat of cinnamon and spice. When shopping, look for fresh ginger and quality bourbon to really make the flavors pop.

• Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for natural sweetness and depth.
• Cinnamon Sticks: Fresh sticks release better aroma than powdered cinnamon here.
• Fresh Ginger: Adds the perfect zing to balance sweetness and spice.
• Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch gives it an exciting kick—don’t skip it!
• Bourbon: A good bottle elevates this cocktail with smooth, warming notes.
• Lemon or Grapefruit Juice: Freshly squeezed is best to bring brightness.
• Apple Butter: Adds rich apple flavor and a velvety texture to the drink.
• Orange Bitters: These tiny dashes boost complexity and balance out sweetness.
• Ginger Beer: Used for topping—adds effervescent spice that lifts the whole drink.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash Recipe to suit every mood and occasion—sometimes I dial up the spice, other times I turn it into a refreshing mocktail. Feel free to play around with citrus types or even swap bourbon for rye if you want a different twist.

• Mocktail Version: I swap bourbon for apple cider with a splash of vanilla extract—trust me, it’s just as delicious and great for all ages.
• Extra Spicy: Adding a little more cayenne or muddling fresh jalapeño works wonders for a bold kick.
• Seasonal Citrus: Using grapefruit juice instead of lemon adds a beautiful floral note that brightens the drink.
• Smoky Finish: I sometimes light the cinnamon stick on fire for a smoky aroma that’s sure to impress your guests.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash Recipe

Step 1: Make the Spicy Cinnamon Syrup

Start by bringing your water, maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, and sliced fresh ginger to a boil over high heat—just 2-3 minutes is enough to let the flavors infuse beautifully. Then, remove from heat and stir in the cayenne pepper. Let it cool fully before straining out the solids. Pro tip: Making this syrup ahead saves you time later and you’ll have enough for about six drinks, so keep it handy in the fridge.

Step 2: Combine the Cocktail Ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of your spicy cinnamon syrup (adjust to taste), the bourbon, fresh lemon or grapefruit juice, apple butter, and a couple dashes of orange bitters. Add a good amount of ice, then shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to blend and chill it perfectly. I prefer shaking to dissolve the apple butter smoothly throughout the drink.

Step 3: Serve and Garnish

Strain the shaken mixture into your favorite glass filled with fresh ice. Top off with a splash of spicy ginger beer for that fizzy, spicy lift. Finally, garnish with thin apple slices, vibrant pomegranate arils, and a cinnamon stick. Here’s a fun trick I discovered: lighting the cinnamon stick briefly gives a warm, smoky aroma that really enhances the drinking experience.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash Recipe

Garnishes

My favorite garnishes for this drink are crisp apple slices and cinnamon sticks—both add a rustic and aromatic touch. Pomegranate arils bring a pop of color and subtle tartness that pairs so well. If I’m feeling fancy, I love lighting the cinnamon stick briefly for a cozy smoky scent that fills the room.

Side Dishes

When serving the Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash Recipe, I usually pair it with cozy snacks like spiced nuts, sharp cheddar with crackers, or even a warm apple crisp on the side. It’s a wonderful combo that’s perfect for casual sipping or a light dessert pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like to serve this cocktail in rustic mason jars with cinnamon sugar rims and festive apple slices on top. Another fun idea is setting up a small DIY garnish bar so guests can personalize their drinks with extra spices, citrus twists, or pomegranate seeds. It’s these little touches that turn a simple drink into an experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover spicy cinnamon syrup, just store it in a sealed jar in your fridge—it keeps wonderfully for about two weeks. I like having it ready so I can whip up a quick Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash whenever the mood strikes, no fuss.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the complete cocktail because of the apple butter and carbonation, but the syrup freezes well in an ice cube tray. When you want a quick cocktail boost, just thaw a syrup cube, and you’re good to go.

Reheating

For the syrup, warming it gently on the stove or in the microwave works perfectly if it thickens too much in the fridge. Just don’t boil it again—gentle warming will keep all those great flavors intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash Recipe is one of those rare finds that’s both simple to make and truly memorable to drink. I love sharing it with friends because it sparks conversation and warmth, literally making moments feel special. I hope you’ll give it a try—you might just find it becoming your next favorite cozy cocktail or mocktail to enjoy anytime.

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