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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!

Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash | halfbakedharvest.com

Now that we’re into November the days have become so short (don’t forget to turn your clocks back tonight!). But there isn’t 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, it’s cold outside! Cozy season is definitely here!

Excited to share this yummy, spicy bourbon apple smash. It’s 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.

Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash | halfbakedharvest.com

It’s 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.

Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash | halfbakedharvest.com

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!

Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash | halfbakedharvest.com

Step 3: the garnishes

If you want to make this smash even more special, add the garnishes.

Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash | halfbakedharvest.com

I do a few thin slices of Honeycrisp apple, a handful of pomegranate arils, and most importantly – a smoking cinnamon stick. It’s 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.

Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash | halfbakedharvest.com

Looking for other easy Thanksgiving cocktails?? Here are my favorites: 

Spiced Cranberry Punch

Cranberry Bourbon Sour

Creamy Coconut White Russian

Vanilla Espresso Martini

Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned

Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz

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, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Calories Per Serving: 476 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

Spicy Cinnamon Syrup

Apple Smash

Instructions

  • 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: omit the bourbon and use 1/4 cup apple cider with 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. 
View Recipe Comments

Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash Punch

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 476 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • 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. To Make a Mocktail: omit the bourbon and use 1 1/2 cups apple cider with 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract. 
View Recipe Comments
Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash | halfbakedharvest.com
5 from 26 votes (22 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    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?

    I’d like to gift it in a pretty bottle with glasses. Instruction to keep in refrigerator until ready to drink of course. Thanks!

  2. 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.

  3. 5 stars
    Loved this cocktail! Made a few times already and it’s delish each time. A really good kick from the cayenne and ginger but not spicy, sharp indeed though!

  4. 5 stars
    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

    1. Hey Ivanna,
      Happy Monday!! Love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks for trying and your feedback! xT

  5. 5 stars
    This is really good and so smooth going down, it could easily be dangerous. I’m 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, it’s perfect for fall/winter! Love your recipes Tieghan!

    1. Hey Sarah,
      Happy Sunday!!🍂 Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and your review, so glad it was enjoyed:) xx