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This Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash is the perfect cozy cocktail. Homemade spiced cinnamon maple syrup with a pinch of cayenne for a spicy holiday kick. Mixed with warming bourbon, lemon, and grapefruit, then topped off with bubbly ginger beer to add a dash of sparkle. Perfect for the cold nights ahead and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Mix up one or two, make a mocktail, or create a large batch to serve to family and friends over the holidays, either way is so easy!
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Now that weโre into November the days have become so short (donโt forget to turn your clocks back tonight!). But there isnโt anything I love more than sharing these warming holiday cocktails. I just love making these fun holiday cocktails and making them cozy.
The month of November always inspires me to create more with spices, to use bourbon, and maybe even some vanilla. All really warming flavors, because you all, itโs cold outside! Cozy season is definitely here!
Excited to share this yummy, spicy bourbon apple smash. Itโs so good!
Here are the details
Step 1: make the spicy cinnamon syrup
This drink uses a homemade simple syrup. I do a mix of sweet maple, cinnamon, and ginger, and then I add a few pinches of cayenne. The cayenne gives the drink a nice kick, which pairs nicely with the warming bourbon, apple, and cinnamon.
Itโs also a nice bit of spice to balance the sweetness.
The syrup makes enough for about 6 drinks. You can keep it in the fridge for easy cocktail mixing, or make this into a punch.
Step 2: mix the cocktail
In a cocktail shaker, shake or stir up the spicy cinnamon syrup, bourbon, lemon or grapefruit juice, apple butter, and orange bitters.
Pour this over ice, then top each drink off with ginger beer. You can use seltzer too, but using ginger beer creates the most special holiday drink. I somehow find ways to add it to most of my cocktails!
SIMPLE but SO GOOD!
Step 3: the garnishes
If you want to make this smash even more special, add the garnishes.
I do a few thin slices of Honeycrisp apple, a handful of pomegranate arils, and most importantly โ a smoking cinnamon stick. Itโs fun, adds smokiness, smells incredible, and you really just need to do it.
Serve this up tonight, tomorrow, or include it in your Thanksgiving menu.
Looking for other easy Thanksgiving cocktails?? Here are my favorites:ย
Lastly, if you make this Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, donโt forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash
Ingredientsย
Spicy Cinnamon Syrup
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 inch fresh ginger sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Apple Smash
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) the 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
Instructionsย
- 1. To make the Spicy Cinnamon Syrup. In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the maple, cinnamon, and ginger to a boil over high heat. Boil 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the cayenne. Let cool, then strain the syrup into a glass jar. This syrup makes enough for about 6 drinks.2. In a cocktail shaker, combine 1-2 tablespoons of the cinnamon syrup, bourbon, lemon/grapefruit juice, apple butter, and orange bitters. Add ice and shake. Strain into a glass. Top off with ginger beer. Garnish with apple slices, pomegranate arils, and cinnamon sticks. If desired light the cinnamon stick on fire for a smoky effect.3. To Make a Mocktail:ย omit the bourbon and use 1/4 cup apple cider with 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract.ย
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash Punch
Ingredientsย
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 cups bourbon
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 3-4 dashes orange bitters
- 4-5 bottles or cans (12 ounces) ginger beer
Instructionsย
- 1. To make the Spicy Cinnamon Syrup. In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the maple, cinnamon, and ginger to a boil over high heat. Boil 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the cayenne. Let cool, then strain the syrup into a glass jar. This syrup makes enough for about 6 drinks.2. In a punch bowl, combine the spiced cinnamon syrup, bourbon, lemon juice, apple butter, and bitters. Stir to combine, chill until ready to serve. Before serving, add ice, then pour in the ginger beer.3.ย To Make a Mocktail:ย omit the bourbon and use 1 1/2 cups apple cider with 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract.ย
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
This is tasty but far too sweet for my liking. I think cutting back significantly on the apple butter is in order. 1/2 oz syrup 1/2 oz butter or 3/4 and 1/4 even is where I’ll start with the next one.
Hi John,
Thanks for trying this recipe and sharing your feedback, so sorry about the sweetness.
I hope you will make it again! Have a great weekend!
Can I make this up a day ahead and just add ginger beer before serving
Hey Julie,
You bet, that will work nicely for you! I hope you love this recipe! cheers!
Love the cocktail. Wish you had specified how much ginger beer to add as it changes the nature of the drink significantly if you add a little or a lot. Thanks
Thanks so much, Bob! I typically just use a splash of ginger beer. Cheers!
I would like to give this as a gift. If I combined everything except the ginger beer (the recipient would add that when ready to drink), would it compromise the flavor in any way?
Iโd like to gift it in a pretty bottle with glasses. Instruction to keep in refrigerator until ready to drink of course. Thanks!
Hi Sara,
I think that sounds like a great idea!! xx
We made this without the cayenne (and subbed spices apple cider instead of the apple butter) and it was delicious! Definitely a keeper for Thanksgiving.
Hey Han,
Wonderful!! I am so glad that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks for giving it a go! xx
Loved this cocktail! Made a few times already and itโs delish each time. A really good kick from the cayenne and ginger but not spicy, sharp indeed though!
Hi Jennifer,
Wonderful!! I am so glad that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks for giving it a go! xx
Great cocktail! i’ll adjust the pepper to 1/4 tsp next time, also added a splash of apple cider on top of apple butter! great fall flavor
Hey Ivanna,
Happy Monday!! Love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks for trying and your feedback! xT
This is really good and so smooth going down, it could easily be dangerous. Iโm not a normal bourbon/whiskey drinker and I loved it. I made a couple of adjustments: used whiskey as the bourbon we had was apparently $70/bottle. I also subbed apple cider spread for the apple butter (I thought it said apple butter but my memory failed me). Lastly I scored some maple syrup that was aged in whiskey barrels so that was what I used for the maple syrup. I 100% recommend this, itโs perfect for fall/winter! Love your recipes Tieghan!
Hey Sarah,
Happy Sunday!!๐ Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and your review, so glad it was enjoyed:) xx