Name: Amazing Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash: 5 Minutes
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon; 1 oz Apple Cider; 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice; 0.5 oz Cinnamon Simple Syrup; 2 dashes Angostura Bitters; Garnish: Apple slice and cinnamon stick

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Okay, let’s talk about the drink that’s basically autumn in a glass: the Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash! Honestly, I stumbled upon this gem when I was trying to figure out what to do with a bottle of really good bourbon and a ton of apples from my neighbor’s tree. I wanted something warm and cozy, but still refreshing, you know? This smash delivers. It’s got that comforting apple and cinnamon vibe, but the bourbon and a little zing of lemon keep it from being too sweet. It’s become my go-to for chilly evenings and is always a hit when I have friends over.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

Seriously, this drink is a winner for so many reasons. It hits all the right notes – that cozy warmth from the cinnamon and bourbon, the sweet-tartness of apple and lemon, all perfectly balanced. It’s not just a cocktail; it’s an experience! Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a festive gathering.

Incredible Flavor Combination: The blend of bourbon, apple cider, and warm cinnamon is pure magic.
Super Easy to Make: You can whip this up in minutes, no fancy bar skills needed!
Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels special without being complicated.

Perfect for Fall Gatherings

When the leaves start changing and there’s a crispness in the air, this is THE drink. It just screams cozy autumn vibes and makes any fall get-together feel extra special and festive.

Quick and Easy to Make

You won’t spend all night in the kitchen with this one! Seriously, from gathering your ingredients to taking that first sip, it takes about five minutes. It’s perfect for when you want a delicious cocktail without a lot of fuss.

Gathering Your Ingredients for the Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

Alright, to make this amazing Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash, you’ll need a few key players. Don’t worry, it’s not a huge shopping list, and most of these things you might even have on hand! Having everything ready to go makes the whole process super smooth, trust me.

Essential Spirits and Mixers for Your Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

First up, the star: 2 ounces of Bourbon. I love using a decent mid-range bourbon – nothing too smoky, just something smooth that lets the apple and cinnamon shine. Then, you’ll need 1 ounce of Apple Cider. Make sure it’s good quality, not too sweet if you can find it, as we’re adding sweetness elsewhere. And super important: 0.5 ounce of Fresh Lemon Juice. Please, please use fresh lemon juice! It makes a world of difference compared to the bottled stuff. It adds that bright, zesty kick that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

Crafting Your Own Cinnamon Simple Syrup

This is where the magic really happens! You only need 0.5 ounce of Cinnamon Simple Syrup for the drink, but you’ll want to make a little extra because it’s so good. It’s ridiculously easy: just combine equal parts granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan. Toss in a cinnamon stick (or two if you’re feeling ambitious!). Heat it gently, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Don’t boil it! Once it’s clear, take it off the heat and let that cinnamon stick hang out and infuse for at least 15-20 minutes, or even longer for a stronger flavor. Let it cool before you use it.

The Finishing Touches for the Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

Almost there! We need just a couple of dashes of Angostura Bitters. This isn’t for flavor as much as it is for complexity – it just rounds out all the other tastes. And for the garnish? So pretty! You’ll want a nice apple slice and a cinnamon stick. Just slice a thin piece of apple and pop it into the glass, and maybe give the cinnamon stick a little swirl in the drink before you serve it. It smells amazing and looks super inviting!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Perfect Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

Alright, let’s get this drink made! It’s honestly so simple, you’ll be a pro in no time. The key is just to have everything ready to go before you start mixing.

Combining the Flavors for Your Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

First things first, grab your cocktail shaker. Fill it up pretty generously with ice – we want this drink nice and cold! Now, pour in your 2 ounces of bourbon, followed by the 1 ounce of apple cider. Next up is that bright, fresh 0.5 ounce of lemon juice, and then the star of the show, 0.5 ounce of your homemade cinnamon simple syrup. Finish it off with just 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Don’t skip the bitters; they really tie everything together!

Achieving the Perfect Chill

Now for the fun part – shaking! Close that shaker up tight and give it a good, vigorous shake. You want to shake it for a good 15-20 seconds. Seriously, put some muscle into it! You’ll feel the outside of the shaker get nice and frosty. This is super important because it not only chills the drink but also dilutes it just the right amount and really melds all those flavors together. A weak shake means a weak drink, so don’t be shy!

Serving Your Refreshing Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

Once it’s perfectly chilled, grab your serving glass – a nice rocks glass is perfect. Fill it with fresh ice. We don’t want to use the ice from the shaker, as it’s already watered down. Now, use your cocktail strainer to pour the delicious mixture from the shaker into your prepared glass over the fresh ice. It should look beautiful and amber-colored. For the final flourish, add your apple slice and a cinnamon stick as your garnish. Give that cinnamon stick a little swirl to release more aroma. And there you have it – your perfect Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash!

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

Making a truly fantastic Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash is all about a few little tricks and paying attention to the details. It’s not complicated, but these tips will really elevate your drink from good to absolutely *amazing*. Think of it as giving your smash that extra special touch that makes people say, “Wow, what’s in this?!”

Customizing Your Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

The beauty of this smash is how easy it is to tweak! If you find you like things a little sweeter, don’t be shy about adding a touch more cinnamon simple syrup. Or, if you prefer it a bit more tart, a little extra fresh lemon juice will do the trick. It’s all about your personal taste! As for the bourbon, while I love a good smooth bourbon, feel free to experiment. A rye whiskey can add a spicier kick, or a slightly sweeter bourbon might bring out even more of those apple notes. Just find what sings to you!

The Role of Ice in Your Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

Okay, ice might seem like just… ice. But trust me, it’s a crucial player here! You want to use plenty of good, solid ice when you shake the drink. This gets it perfectly chilled and diluted just right. Then, and this is important, use *fresh* ice in your serving glass. The ice you shake with is already getting watery, so pouring your beautiful smash over fresh ice keeps it colder for longer and tastes so much better. It really makes a difference in the overall experience!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

Q1. Can I make the cinnamon simple syrup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cinnamon simple syrup is a lifesaver for making these drinks quickly. You can easily make it a week in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for having on hand whenever a craving strikes!

Q2. What kind of apple cider is best for this bourbon cocktail?
For the best flavor in your Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash, I really recommend using a good quality, unfiltered apple cider. It has a richer, more authentic apple taste than clear apple juice. If you can find one that’s not too sweet, even better, as it lets the other flavors shine through!

Q3. I don’t have Angostura bitters, can I skip them?
While Angostura bitters are great for adding complexity, you can technically skip them if you don’t have any on hand. However, the drink might taste a little less balanced. If you have other aromatic bitters, a dash might work, but Angostura is usually the go-to for this type of fall cocktail.

Q4. Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this apple cider cocktail?
You sure can! To make a mocktail version, skip the bourbon and bitters. You can increase the apple cider slightly and maybe add a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale for a bit of fizz. The cinnamon simple syrup and lemon juice will still give it that lovely flavor profile!

Estimated Nutritional Information for a Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

Just so you know, the nutritional info for cocktails can really vary depending on the exact brands you use and how you mix them. But, for a standard Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash made with the ingredients and measurements listed, here’s a pretty good estimate:

Serving Size: 1 cocktail
Calories: Around 250
Sugar: Roughly 15g (this can change a lot based on your cider and syrup sweetness!)
Sodium: Very low, usually around 5mg
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 18g

Remember, these are just estimates! Enjoy your delicious drink responsibly!