Maple Bourbon Smash with Fresh Lemon and Herbs

Maple Bourbon Smash

Bourbon, pure maple syrup, and fresh lemon juice make a short cocktail with a bright citrus edge and a noticeable maple finish. This version uses more lemon than maple to keep the bourbon prominent. A brief shake blends the syrup and chills the drink; fresh large cubes keep the serving ice distinct. Pour it into a rocks glass and finish with upright mint leaves and a small rosemary sprig, used as garnishes rather than muddled into the drink.

Ingredients for One Maple Bourbon Smash

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce pure maple syrup
• Ice to fill a cocktail shaker, plus 2 to 3 large cubes for serving
• 1 small sprig fresh mint, or 2 to 3 intact mint leaves
• 1 small sprig fresh rosemary

How to Make a Maple Bourbon Smash

1. Prepare the glass: Add 2 to 3 large ice cubes to a rocks glass. Rinse the mint and rosemary, then gently dry them.
2. Shake: Add the bourbon, lemon juice, and maple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice, secure the lid, and shake firmly for about 10 to 15 seconds, until the shaker feels cold and the syrup is fully mixed.
3. Strain: Strain the cocktail into the glass, leaving the shaker ice behind.
4. Garnish: Tuck the mint and small rosemary sprig together beside the ice so they stand above one edge of the rim. Serve immediately.

Adjusting the Maple and Lemon

The 1/2 ounce of maple syrup adds sweetness without covering up the bourbon, while 3/4 ounce of lemon keeps the drink bright. If the balance is too sweet, use slightly less maple or a little more lemon in the next glass. For a sweeter drink, increase the maple slightly. Squeeze the lemon shortly before mixing for a brighter citrus taste than bottled juice provides.

Why Shake and Serve Over Fresh Ice?

Shaking incorporates the dense maple syrup and chills the drink. Straining onto fresh large cubes leaves the smaller shaker ice behind and slows further dilution. Shake just before serving so the cocktail does not sit on melting ice.

Without a shaker, use a suitable leakproof vessel with a tight lid. For a clearer, less aerated drink, stir the liquids thoroughly with ice, then strain over fresh large cubes. For a spiced accent, add 1 to 2 dashes of aromatic bitters before shaking.

Make-Ahead Batch

For four drinks, combine 8 ounces bourbon, 3 ounces fresh lemon juice, and 2 ounces pure maple syrup. Refrigerate the mixture without ice. When ready to serve, shake individual portions with ice, strain over fresh large cubes, and garnish each glass with mint and rosemary. Do not hold the batch with ice; it will dilute as the ice melts.

For a savory meal with a complementary maple note, serve it alongside Maple Dijon Pork Loin.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per cocktail, excluding ice: 185 calories, 0g protein, 0g fat, and 15g carbohydrates. Per 100g of measured liquid before dilution: approximately 190 calories, 0g protein, 0g fat, and 15g carbohydrates. Values vary with bourbon strength, maple syrup, and dilution from shaking.