Apple Cider Bourbon Smash

$- 2 cups freshly pressed apple cider - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup - 2 cups ice cubes - Fresh apple slices, for garnish - Cinnamon sticks, for garnish - Fresh mint leaves, for garnish - 1 cup = 8 ounces - 1/2 cup = 4 ounces - 1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters - 1/4 teaspoon = 1.25 milliliters Choose the best ingredients for a great drink. Use freshly pressed apple cider for rich flavor. Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice to avoid the bitter taste of bottled juice. When picking honey or syrup, go for pure options to enhance the drink's sweetness. Quality spices, like ground cinnamon and nutmeg, add depth. Fresh garnishes like mint leaves and apple slices make the drink pop visually and flavor-wise. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by taking a large pitcher. Add 2 cups of fresh apple cider. Next, squeeze in 1/2 cup of lemon juice. This gives a nice tang. Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. These spices add warmth and depth. For sweetness, mix in 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup. Stir this mixture well. Make sure the sweetener dissolves completely. This step is key to a balanced flavor. Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice cubes. Pour in 1 cup of the apple cider mixture you just made. Close the shaker tightly. Now shake it hard for 15 to 20 seconds. This chills the drink and blends the flavors. Fill your glasses with ice cubes. Strain the chilled mixture into each glass, filling them two-thirds full. For a fizzy touch, add a splash of still or sparkling water. This makes the drink even more refreshing! To garnish, place fresh apple slices on the rim of each glass. Add a cinnamon stick for extra flavor. Finish with a sprig of mint for a pop of color and scent. Enjoy this wonderful drink with friends! To get the best flavor from your Apple Cider Bourbon Smash, use fresh ingredients. Freshly pressed apple cider adds a sweet and crisp taste. Choose a good quality bourbon; this makes a big difference in flavor. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice for a perfect balance. The acidity brightens the drink and brings out the apple's sweetness. Ground spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the warmth and depth. Adjust the honey or maple syrup to match your taste. One common mistake is rushing the mixing process. Make sure to mix well so that honey or syrup dissolves fully. If you skip shaking the drink, it won't chill properly. Always shake the mixture for at least 15-20 seconds. This step blends the flavors and cools the drink. Another mistake is using too much ice. Fill your glasses just enough to chill without diluting the flavor too much. Serve your Apple Cider Bourbon Smash cold. Use clear glasses to show off its beautiful golden color. Fill each glass about two-thirds full with the drink. Add ice cubes before pouring for extra chill. For a fun touch, use decorative straws or garnishes. Fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and mint leaves make your drink look great and smell amazing. Enjoy your drink with friends or family for the best experience! Pro Tips Chill Your Ingredients: For an even more refreshing drink, chill your apple cider and lemon juice in the refrigerator before mixing. This will enhance the overall coolness of your smash. Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup based on your taste preference. Start with less and add more until it reaches your desired sweetness. Garnish for Impact: Use a combination of garnishes like apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and mint leaves. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes for a stunning presentation. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices such as ginger or allspice to create a unique twist on your Apple Cider Bourbon Smash. {{image_4}} You can change the sweetener in this recipe. Honey and maple syrup work well. Agave syrup is another option that gives a nice flavor. You can also try brown sugar. It adds a deeper taste. Remember to adjust the amount based on your taste. Fall is the perfect time to play with flavors. Try adding a splash of orange juice for a zesty kick. You can also mix in some cranberries for a tart note. A dash of ginger adds warmth, too. Consider using fresh herbs like rosemary for an earthy twist. Each of these options brings a unique touch to your drink. You can easily make a non-alcoholic version. Just skip the bourbon and enjoy it as a mocktail. Use extra apple cider instead. You can add a splash of soda for fizz. This way, everyone can enjoy the fresh taste of fall. It's a fun drink for kids and adults alike. If you have leftover apple cider mixture, store it in a sealed jar or pitcher. Keep it in the fridge. Make sure to use it within three days for best taste. If you notice any change in smell or color, it’s best to toss it. Freshly pressed apple cider lasts about a week in the fridge. Lemon juice should stay fresh for about a week too. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg can last for months if stored in a cool, dark place. You can use this mixture in other drinks too! Just mix it with sodas or sparkling water. You can also add it to smoothies for a fall twist. Just remember to adjust sweetness if needed. Enjoy experimenting! An Apple Cider Bourbon Smash is a fun fall drink. It mixes apple cider and bourbon. I add lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg for flavor. This drink is tasty and refreshing. It’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights. Yes, you can use store-bought apple cider. It saves time and is easy to find. Just choose a brand you like. Fresh cider is great too, but store-bought works well. Look for options with no added sugar for a better taste. If you want a substitute for bourbon, try whiskey or rye. Both give a similar taste. You can also use apple brandy for a fruity twist. If you prefer no alcohol, try sparkling apple cider. It still keeps the flavor fun. To make one serving, use these amounts: - 1/2 cup apple cider - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - A pinch of cinnamon - A pinch of nutmeg - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup ice cubes Mix these in a shaker. Shake well and pour over ice in a glass. Add a splash of water for fizz. Garnish with an apple slice and mint. Enjoy your drink! We covered the key parts of making a great Apple Cider Bourbon Smash. We explored ingredients, helped you with step-by-step instructions, and shared tips to avoid mistakes. You learned about variations to try and how to store leftovers for later. My final thought is to enjoy the process and get creative with your drink. Have fun experimenting with flavors and share your creations with friends!$

Apple Cider Bourbon Smash

A refreshing cocktail made with apple cider, bourbon, and spices, perfect for fall gatherings.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups freshly pressed apple cider
0.5 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
0.5 cup honey or pure maple syrup
2 cups ice cubes
to taste fresh apple slices for garnish
to taste cinnamon sticks for garnish
to taste fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a spacious pitcher, thoroughly combine the apple cider, freshly squeezed lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and honey or maple syrup. Stir the mixture vigorously until the honey or syrup is fully integrated and dissolved.
Take a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice cubes. Pour in 1 cup of the apple cider mixture, ensuring you have enough room for shaking.
Securely close the lid of the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This step will chill the mixture and blend the flavors beautifully.
Prepare your glasses by filling them with ice cubes. Strain the chilled apple cider mixture directly into each glass, filling them about two-thirds full.
For a refreshing twist, top each glass with a splash of still or sparkling water, which adds a delightful fizz to the drink.
To elevate the presentation, garnish each glass with fresh apple slices delicately resting on the rim, a cinnamon stick, and a vibrant sprig of mint for a refreshing aroma.

Notes

Use clear glasses to beautifully display the rich golden hue of the drink. Position a few fresh apple slices on the rim and consider adding a decorative straw for an inviting touch.

Keyword apple cider, bourbon, cocktail, fall drink