Description
The Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash is a warming, flavorful cocktail combining a spicy cinnamon syrup with bourbon, fresh citrus juice, apple butter, and a splash of ginger beer. This drink balances sweet maple syrup, spicy cinnamon, and a hint of cayenne with the rich depth of bourbon and bright acidity from lemon or grapefruit juice. Perfect for fall or winter sipping, it can also be made as a sophisticated mocktail.
Ingredients
Scale
Spicy Cinnamon Syrup
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Apple Smash Cocktail
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) spicy cinnamon syrup
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) bourbon
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) lemon or grapefruit juice
- 1 tablespoon apple butter
- 1-2 dashes orange bitters
- Ginger beer, for topping
Garnish
- Apple slices
- Pomegranate arils
- Cinnamon sticks
Mocktail Version
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Spicy Cinnamon Syrup: In a medium pot, combine 1/2 cup maple syrup, 2 cinnamon sticks, sliced fresh ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper with 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat. Let the mixture cool before straining out the solids into a glass jar. This syrup yields enough for about six drinks.
- Prepare the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine 1-2 tablespoons of the prepared spicy cinnamon syrup, 1 1/2 ounces bourbon, 1 ounce lemon or grapefruit juice, 1 tablespoon apple butter, and 1-2 dashes orange bitters. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain the mixture into a serving glass.
- Finish and Garnish: Top off the glass with ginger beer to add fizz and a refreshing finish. Garnish with apple slices, pomegranate arils, and a cinnamon stick. For an added smoky aroma, optionally light the cinnamon stick on fire briefly before serving.
- Mocktail Option: To make a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and substitute with 1/4 cup apple cider and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Shake with the other ingredients and serve similarly topped with ginger beer and garnishes.
Notes
- The spicy cinnamon syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the syrup based on your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh lemon or grapefruit juice for the best bright citrus flavor.
- Lighting the cinnamon stick adds a beautiful smoky aroma but is optional and should be done carefully.
- Apple butter adds richness and apple flavor, but you can substitute with apple sauce if unavailable.
- To make multiple cocktails, multiply the syrup ingredients accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (approx. 8 ounces)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
