Apple Cider Bourbon Smash

A refreshing fall cocktail that blends bourbon with fresh apple cider, maple syrup, and a touch of spice. Balanced, warming, and perfect for crisp evenings.

Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.

Spiced apple cider bourbon smash in a rocks glass with ice, garnished with apple slices and a cinnamon stick on a marble surface.

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
1 oz lemon juice
¾ oz maple syrup
2 oz apple cider (or spiced apple juice if cider isn’t available yet)
2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
Apple slices + cinnamon stick, for garnish

Instructions

Fill a shaker with ice.
Add bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup, cider, and bitters.
Shake until well chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

Notes from the Bar

Fresh Apple Cider

Whenever possible, use fresh apple cider for the richest flavor. If it’s not available, you can simmer apple juice with a cinnamon stick and a few cloves for a quick spiced substitute.

Maple Depth

Maple syrup adds cozy fall character without making the drink overly sweet. A little goes a long way to round out the bourbon and cider.

Cinnamon Stick Garnish

A cinnamon stick isn’t just a garnish—it adds warm aroma with every sip and doubles as a natural stirrer.

Heads up: We may earn a small commission on products we’ve linked here. We only recommend the real-deal favorites from our kitchen.

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.

Take a Peek at a Date Nite Menu →

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Kevin & Kate

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