Description
The Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash is a cozy, flavorful cocktail that blends the warmth of cinnamon and ginger with the smoothness of bourbon and the brightness of fresh citrus. This drink features a homemade spicy cinnamon syrup with maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, and a hint of cayenne, shaken together with apple butter, lemon or grapefruit juice, and orange bitters, then topped with crisp ginger beer. Perfect for fall or winter gatherings, it can also be easily adapted into a delicious mocktail.
Ingredients
Scale
Spicy Cinnamon Syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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
- Garnishes: apple slices, pomegranate arils, cinnamon sticks
Mocktail Variation
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Spicy Cinnamon Syrup: In a medium pot, combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 2 cinnamon sticks, and sliced fresh ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat and let it boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Allow the syrup to cool completely, then strain out the solids and store the syrup in a glass jar. This syrup yields enough for about six cocktails.
- Prepare the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 to 2 tablespoons of the spicy cinnamon syrup, 1 1/2 ounces bourbon, 1 ounce lemon or grapefruit juice, 1 tablespoon apple butter, and 1 to 2 dashes of orange bitters. Add ice to fill the shaker and shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Finish the Drink: Top the strained cocktail with ginger beer to add fizz and brightness. Garnish with apple slices, pomegranate arils, and a cinnamon stick. For an extra sensory experience, carefully light the cinnamon stick on fire to produce a smoky aroma before serving.
- Make the Mocktail (Optional): To create a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon. Instead, combine 1/4 cup apple cider with 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract along with the cinnamon syrup, apple butter, juice, and bitters in the shaker. Shake with ice, strain, and top with ginger beer as usual.
Notes
- The spicy cinnamon syrup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the syrup to increase or decrease the spiciness according to your taste.
- Lighting the cinnamon stick is optional but adds a beautiful smoky aroma and visual effect.
- For a sweeter cocktail, add more maple syrup or apple butter as desired.
- Use fresh lemon or grapefruit juice for the best flavor; bottled juices may alter the taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash, Spicy Cinnamon Syrup, Autumn Cocktail, Fall Drinks, Bourbon Cocktail, Apple Butter Cocktail, Ginger Beer Cocktail
