Maple Bourbon Smash
Smooth bourbon meets crisp apple and maple for a cozy, lightly spiced sip that’s both refreshing and warm. Perfect for slow evenings and fall gatherings.
Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.
Ingredients
2 ounces bourbon
¾ ounce lemon juice
½ ounce maple syrup
2 thin apple slices (for muddling)
2–3 dashes Angostura or orange bitters (optional)
Club soda or sparkling water, to top
Garnish: apple slice, rosemary, sage, or star anise
Instructions
In a shaker, muddle apple slices with maple syrup and lemon juice.
Add bourbon and bitters (if using), then fill with ice and shake briefly to chill.
Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed or cubed ice.
Top with a splash of club soda and gently stir.
Garnish with an apple slice, rosemary, sage, or star anise.
Notes from the Bar
Bitters (Optional)
A few dashes of Angostura or orange bitters add depth and spice without overpowering the maple.
Maple Syrup
Use pure maple syrup—Grade A dark gives the richest flavor.
Apples
Choose a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
Glassware
A short rocks glass or lowball showcases the drink’s golden color and crushed ice texture beautifully.
Seasonal Tip
Ideal for fall through early winter, but equally good as a transitional cocktail when the nights start to cool.
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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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