I love trying out different whiskey drinks, from a classic whiskey sour to a smooth manhattan. My Maple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash is a cozy twist on tradition that combines maple syrup, cinnamon, and bourbon for a drink that’s both warm and refreshing.
If you enjoy an old fashioned or maybe a hot toddy, this cocktail brings those comforting flavors but with a gentle sweetness.
Maple and cinnamon are a classic pair, and honestly, this cocktail works for both fall evenings and summer gatherings. It’s easy to make, and you don’t need any fancy skills or weird ingredients.
Even if you stick to vegan or dairy-free drinks, you can keep everything simple and plant-based. If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual Irish coffee or whiskey sour, give this Maple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash a try.
Maple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash Cocktail Recipe
I like making this cozy cocktail because it’s simple but packed with maple and cinnamon flavor. It uses maple syrup, fresh lemon, whiskey, and a hint of spice.
It all comes together right in a shaker and gets poured over crushed ice for a smooth finish.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker (for mixing everything together)
- Muddler (to press the lemon and mint)
- Jigger or shot glass (for measuring liquids)
- Fine strainer (to catch any pulp or bits)
- Rocks glass or old-fashioned glass (for serving)
- Spoon (for mixing or stirring if needed)
- Knife and small cutting board (to slice lemon)
- Ice crusher or mallet (for crushed ice, if you want a proper smash feel)
Ingredients
- 2 oz maple whiskey, bourbon, or cinnamon whiskey
- 0.75 oz maple syrup or maple simple syrup
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 lemon wedges
- 4 to 5 fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice (about 1 cup for serving)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (plus extra for garnish)
- Mint sprig, lemon slice, or cinnamon stick (garnish, optional)
I’ll sometimes swap maple whiskey for bourbon, cinnamon whiskey, or even mix them. The maple syrup brings in sweetness but feels less harsh than plain sugar.
If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll make maple simple syrup for a smoother blend.
Instructions
- Add lemon wedges and mint leaves to the shaker.
- Muddle gently until the lemon releases juice and the mint is fragrant.
- Pour in the maple whiskey (or bourbon) and maple syrup.
- Add freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Sprinkle in a pinch of ground cinnamon.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain over a glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig, lemon slice, or cinnamon stick if you want.
Shaking well really chills the drink and mixes everything together. I love extra crushed ice for a colder, more refreshing cocktail.
Notes
A Maple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash is super flexible. I use whatever whiskey I have—regular, cinnamon, or maple bourbon.
Maple syrup gives a natural sweetness and makes this drink stand out from the usual whiskey cocktails. Fresh lemon juice is a must; bottled just doesn’t cut it.
I always muddle the mint gently—if you press too hard, it gets bitter. Crushed ice chills the drink fast and gives it a nice texture.
Garnishing with mint, lemon, or cinnamon makes the drink look and feel special. If I want it sweeter, I just add a touch more maple syrup.
For a bolder cinnamon flavor, a cinnamon stick as garnish does wonders. This cocktail works great in the fall, but honestly, I’ll drink it any time of year.
Equipment
- Jigger or shot glass
- Fine strainer (optional)
- Rocks or old-fashioned glass
- Knife and cutting board
- Ice crusher or mallet (for crushed ice)
Ingredients
- 2 oz maple whiskey bourbon, or cinnamon whiskey
- 0.75 oz maple syrup or maple simple syrup
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 lemon wedges
- 4 –5 mint leaves
- Crushed ice about 1 cup
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Garnish: mint sprig lemon slice, or cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
- Add lemon wedges and mint leaves to a shaker.
- Muddle gently to release the lemon juice and mint aroma.
- Add whiskey, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig, lemon slice, or cinnamon stick.
- Serve immediately.
Tasting Notes
When I take a sip of the Maple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash, the first thing I notice is the gentle sweetness from the maple syrup. It’s not overly sugary, just enough to add warmth and depth.
Right after the sweetness, there’s a hint of spice from the cinnamon. It’s cozy and comforting, perfect for a chilly evening or a relaxed get-together.
The whiskey brings a little strength and a touch of oak, but it doesn’t steal the show.
Here’s what stands out to me:
- Sweet maple syrup makes each sip smooth.
- The cinnamon blends with the maple for a nice balance.
- An ice-cold finish keeps the drink refreshing even though it’s still cozy.
- It’s easy to drink, mellow, and has just a gentle warmth from the whiskey.
Each taste is simple but satisfying.
Must Have Ingredients
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Substitute
Sometimes I like to play around with flavors, just to see what happens. If I’m out of whiskey, I’ll grab bourbon—or, honestly, spiced rum if I’m feeling adventurous.
Here are some ingredient swaps I actually use:
- Maple syrup: Honey or agave syrup both do the trick, depending on what’s in the cupboard.
- Cinnamon: I’ll toss in a pinch of allspice or nutmeg instead.
- Lemon juice: Lime juice works fine, maybe even better some days.
- Bitters: I switch between orange bitters and angostura, depending on my mood.
If I’m skipping the booze, I just leave out the whiskey and pour in more apple cider, or maybe a splash of ginger ale. Suddenly it’s a fizzy, sweet mocktail.
Sometimes I’ll toss in a sprig of rosemary or a fresh orange slice for extra flavor. A dash of orange bitters gives it a nice citrusy kick.
When I don’t want it too sweet, I just ease up on the maple syrup and stick with club soda or sparkling water.
