Spiced Hibiscus Bourbon Smash
A cozy, ruby-hued cocktail that layers bourbon warmth with floral brightness.
Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.
Spiced Hibiscus Syrup
Ingredients
2 cups water
1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
2 cinnamon sticks
2 orange peels
1 cup sugar (or equal to the amount of brewed tea)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine water, hibiscus flowers, ginger, cinnamon sticks, and orange peels.
Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 3–4 minutes.
Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes.
Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing gently to extract the liquid (you should have about 1 cup).
Return the liquid to the saucepan and add sugar, stirring over low heat until fully dissolved.
Cool to room temperature, then transfer to a jar or bottle and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.
Spiced Hibiscus Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
2 oz bourbon
¾ oz spiced hibiscus syrup
½ oz lemon juice
2 dashes Angostura bitters
2-3 blackberries, fresh or frozen
Crushed ice
Garnish: basil sprig + cinnamon stick
Instructions
In a shaker glass, muddle the hibiscus syrup and blackberries.
Add bourbon, lemon juice, bitters and ice.
Shake until chilled and strain over crushed ice.
Garnish with fresh basil and a cinnamon stick.
Notes from the Bar
Flavor Profile
Warm, spiced hibiscus syrup brings a festive floral sweetness balanced by tart lemon and rich bourbon.
Seasonal Garnish
Fresh basil and star anise make this cocktail look as beautiful as it tastes, perfect for Christmas entertaining.
Batch It for Parties
To batch, combine 12 oz bourbon, 4½ oz hibiscus syrup, 3 oz lemon juice, and 12 dashes bitters in a pitcher; chill and pour over ice when ready to serve.
Serving Style
Serve over crushed ice in a rocks glass for the best texture and presentation.
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Make It a Date Nite
This cocktail is part of something bigger for us. It's a ritual we return to week after week.
Each week, we create a Date Nite designed around one drink, one thoughtful menu, and the feeling of slowing down together. The kind of night where the table is set with intention, the music hums softly in the background, and the evening unfolds without rushing.
For this Date Nite, we’ve paired a cocktail with a cozy, make-ahead-friendly menu, so you can enjoy the process without spending the whole night in the kitchen. We also include little touches we love like timing notes, a head start option, and a playlist to set the mood. Feel to pair the meal with any of our cocktails.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And turning an ordinary night at home into something that feels quietly special.
Each Date Nite includes a curated menu, cocktail pairing and a playlist, as well as another thoughtful extras like make-ahead tips, leftover ideas or table talk prompts to carry the night.
Kevin & Kate
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