Bourbon Maple Smash (Bourbon Smash Recipe)

Bourbon Maple Smash (Bourbon Smash Recipe)

This bourbon smash is the cozy, cold-weather version of a bartender classic: fresh mint and lemon muddled with bourbon and real maple syrup, shaken and poured over a mound of crushed ice. The maple gives it a warm, caramel sweetness that plays perfectly against the bright citrus and herbal mint. It takes one shaker and about three minutes, and clapping the mint before you garnish releases a burst of aroma.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon. A smooth, medium bodied bourbon is ideal. For a dessert-leaning twist, use Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey.
  • 1/2 oz pure maple syrup. Grade A dark for the deepest flavor.
  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice.
  • 6 to 8 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig to garnish.
  • Crushed ice.

How to Prepare

  1. In a shaker, gently muddle the mint leaves with the lemon juice, just enough to bruise them.
  2. Add the bourbon, maple syrup, and ice.
  3. Shake well for about 10 seconds.
  4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
  5. Clap a mint sprig between your palms and lay it on top to garnish. Serve.

Style of Glass to use

Rock Glass

Color of Drink

Amber

Cocktail Flavor Profile

Sweet, herbal, and smooth

Skill Level

Intermediate Level

What is a whiskey smash?

A smash is an old family of cocktails built by muddling fresh herbs or fruit with citrus and a sweetener, then adding a spirit and serving over crushed ice. A bourbon smash simply uses bourbon. It is closely related to the mint julep and the mojito, and it is endlessly adaptable by season.

How to muddle mint the right way

Press the mint gently just to bruise and release its oils, do not grind it. Over-muddling shreds the leaves and turns the drink bitter. A few firm presses is all you need. The lemon juice in the shaker helps extract the aroma.

Best bourbon for a smash (and the maple angle)

Reach for a smooth, approachable bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes, they harmonize with maple. Higher-proof bourbons stand up well to the ice and citrus. If you want extra dessert character, the Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey doubles down on the caramel-maple direction.

Seasonal variations

Muddle in fresh blackberries for a blackberry bourbon smash, or peach slices in summer for a peach smash. Swap maple for honey syrup in warmer months, or add a dash of Angostura bitters for more spice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bourbon smash?

A muddled cocktail of bourbon, fresh mint, citrus, and a sweetener served over crushed ice. This version uses maple syrup for a cozy, caramel-forward twist.

What is the difference between a bourbon smash and a whiskey smash?

They are essentially the same drink. A whiskey smash can use any whiskey, while a bourbon smash specifically uses bourbon.

What bourbon is best for a smash?

A smooth, caramel-and-vanilla-forward bourbon. Slightly higher proof holds up well against the ice and citrus.

Can I use maple syrup instead of simple syrup?

Yes, that is the signature of this recipe. Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup.

How do I keep the mint from turning bitter?

Muddle gently to bruise, not grind, the leaves.

What glass should I use?

A rocks glass filled with crushed ice.

Is it a strong cocktail?

Yes, at 2 oz of bourbon with only a little dilution it is spirit-forward, though the citrus keeps it refreshing.

Bourbon Maple
Smash (Bourbon Pro Tips

Clap the mint before garnishing to release aromatic oils.

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