I can’t get over how this Apple Cider Bourbon Smash turns simple fall flavors into the cocktail everyone talks about first. It’s bold, crisp, and made for stealing the spotlight at Thanksgiving.

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I’m obsessed with this Apple Cider Bourbon Smash because it hits that sharp, bold autumn spot without tasting like a candle. I get the punch of bourbon, the crisp bite of fresh apple cider, and that clean, bright finish that keeps me coming back for another sip.

But it still feels party-ready, especially when Thanksgiving gets loud and the snacks start disappearing fast. And honestly, I love a cocktail that tastes strong, fresh, and a little dangerous in the best way.

Not fussy. Not precious.

Just a seriously good drink I want in my hand all season long.

Ingredients

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Bourbon brings that warm, cozy kick that makes this feel weekend-ready.
Fresh apple cider tastes crisp and sweet, like fall in a glass.
Lemon juice keeps it bright so the drink doesn’t get too heavy.
Maple syrup adds soft sweetness without making it taste like candy.
Mint makes everything feel fresh, cool, and a little unexpected.
Apple slices add crunch, fruitiness, and a pretty little garnish moment.
Ice chills it fast and makes each sip feel extra refreshing.
Cinnamon gives cozy spice, especially if you’re leaning into fall vibes.
Club soda lightens it up.
Plus, bubbles just make drinks more fun.
Basically, it’s sweet, tart, boozy, and fresh without trying too hard.

Ingredient Quantities

2 oz bourbon

3 oz fresh apple cider

1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

1/2 oz pure maple syrup

6-8 fresh mint leaves

2-3 thin apple slices (for muddling and garnish)

Ice (cubes or crushed)

1 small cinnamon stick or a pinch ground cinnamon (optional garnish)

Splash club soda or sparkling water (optional)

How to Make this

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1. In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, add 6 to 8 fresh mint leaves and 2 to 3 thin apple slices.

2. Add 1/2 ounce pure maple syrup and 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice over the mint and apple.

3. Gently muddle the mint and apple slices to release juices and aromas without tearing the mint into bits.

4. Pour in 2 ounces bourbon and 3 ounces fresh apple cider.

5. Fill the shaker with ice, then shake vigorously for about 10 to 15 seconds until well chilled.

6. Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes or crushed ice and strain the cocktail into the glass, leaving solids behind.

7. Top with a splash of club soda or sparkling water if desired, and gently stir once to combine.

8. Garnish with a thin apple slice, a small cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cinnamon, and a sprig of fresh mint. Serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

1. Sturdy cocktail shaker or mixing glass
2. Muddler (wood or silicone)
3. Jigger or measuring spoons (for 1/2 oz and 2 oz pours)
4. Hawthorne or fine mesh strainer
5. Bar spoon or long stirring spoon
6. Rocks glass (or short serving glass)
7. Citrus juicer or reamer
8. Sharp paring knife and small cutting board (for apple slices and garnish)
9. Ice scoop or tongs and a container for ice

FAQ

Can I use bottled apple cider instead of fresh? Yes. Use high quality unfiltered or filtered apple cider; flavor is best when fresh but bottled cider works well.

What bourbon should I use? Any midproof bourbon around 40 to 45 percent ABV works. Choose a brand you enjoy neat for best results.

How can I make this nonalcoholic? Replace bourbon with 2 oz strong brewed chai or a nonalcoholic whiskey alternative, and keep the cider, lemon, maple, mint and apple for similar warm spice notes.

How do I muddle the mint and apple without turning them bitter? Gently press and twist the mint and apple slices just enough to release oils and juice for 3 to 5 seconds. Avoid overmuddling the mint which can cause bitterness.

Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can mix the cider, lemon and maple syrup in advance and store chilled for up to 24 hours. Add bourbon, mint, muddled apple and ice just before serving.

Should I add the club soda and cinnamon? Both are optional. A splash of club soda adds brightness and effervescence. A small cinnamon stick or a light pinch of ground cinnamon adds warm spice; use sparingly to avoid overpowering the drink.

Apple Cider Bourbon Smash Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Bourbon: rye whiskey, dark rum, reposado tequila, nonalcoholic whiskey substitute
Fresh apple cider: apple juice, pear cider, diluted tart cranberry juice (1:1 with water)
Pure maple syrup: honey, agave nectar, simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
Fresh mint leaves: basil, lemon balm, mint extract (use sparingly)

Pro Tips

1. Muddle gently so the mint releases aroma without shredding it; aim for a light press and twist rather than pulverizing, and muddle the apple slices just enough to free their juice.

2. Use well chilled apple cider and pre-chilled bourbon if possible; colder ingredients mean shorter shake time and a brighter, less diluted finish.

3. Pick a medium-bodied bourbon with caramel and spice notes to complement the maple and apple. If you like it sweeter, choose a slightly lower proof; if you want more bite, pick a higher proof.

4. Pure maple syrup varies in intensity by grade. Start with 1/2 ounce, then taste and adjust next time if you prefer it more or less sweet. Warm the syrup a few seconds in your palms if it’s too viscous to measure cleanly.

5. For best texture, use large ice cubes in the serving glass or a mix of crushed ice and cubes. Add the sparkling water very gently and only when serving to keep the effervescence lively.

Apple Cider Bourbon Smash Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

I can’t get over how this Apple Cider Bourbon Smash turns simple fall flavors into the cocktail everyone talks about first. It’s bold, crisp, and made for stealing the spotlight at Thanksgiving.

Servings

servings

Calories

240

kcal

Equipment: 1. Sturdy cocktail shaker or mixing glass
2. Muddler (wood or silicone)
3. Jigger or measuring spoons (for 1/2 oz and 2 oz pours)
4. Hawthorne or fine mesh strainer
5. Bar spoon or long stirring spoon
6. Rocks glass (or short serving glass)
7. Citrus juicer or reamer
8. Sharp paring knife and small cutting board (for apple slices and garnish)
9. Ice scoop or tongs and a container for ice

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
3 oz fresh apple cider
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz pure maple syrup
6-8 fresh mint leaves
2-3 thin apple slices (for muddling and garnish)
Ice (cubes or crushed)
1 small cinnamon stick or a pinch ground cinnamon (optional garnish)
Splash club soda or sparkling water (optional)

Directions

In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, add 6 to 8 fresh mint leaves and 2 to 3 thin apple slices.
Add 1/2 ounce pure maple syrup and 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice over the mint and apple.
Gently muddle the mint and apple slices to release juices and aromas without tearing the mint into bits.
Pour in 2 ounces bourbon and 3 ounces fresh apple cider.
Fill the shaker with ice, then shake vigorously for about 10 to 15 seconds until well chilled.
Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes or crushed ice and strain the cocktail into the glass, leaving solids behind.
Top with a splash of club soda or sparkling water if desired, and gently stir once to combine.
Garnish with a thin apple slice, a small cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cinnamon, and a sprig of fresh mint. Serve immediately.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.