Orange Maple Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe

When I’m craving a cocktail that’s both cozy and a little refreshing, I usually mix up an Orange Maple Bourbon Smash. There’s just something about that combo—the rich warmth of bourbon, a hit of maple syrup, and the brightness of fresh orange.

It’s a drink that feels special, but honestly, it’s not complicated at all. You just get a nice balance, and it’s easy to pull together after a long day.

I love how the citrus sort of slices through the bourbon, and then the maple smooths it all out at the end. The flavors layer up in a way that makes every sip feel interesting, but not fussy.

This is one of those cocktails that works for a quiet night in, or when you’ve got friends over. It’s versatile, which is probably why I keep coming back to it.

You’ll see—just a handful of ingredients and some simple steps, and you’ve got a drink that feels a little bit classic, a little bit unique.

Orange Maple Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe

What I like about this drink is how it balances the deep, oaky flavor of bourbon with sweet maple and a pop of citrus. It’s simple enough to make at home, but honestly, it still tastes like something I’d order at a decent bar.

Equipment

I don’t need much to pull this off—just a few basic tools. The main thing is a solid cocktail shaker; it really chills everything down and helps the flavors come together.

A jigger is handy for measuring, so I don’t accidentally throw the whole thing off.

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or small measuring cup
• Muddler or even a wooden spoon
• Fine mesh strainer (if you want)
• Lowball glass or rocks glass
• Large ice cube or regular ice
• Bar spoon for stirring

Personally, I go for a lowball glass with one big ice cube. It keeps the drink cold but doesn’t water it down too fast, which is kind of the point.

A muddler’s great for the mint; it brings out the oils and makes everything smell fresh.

Ingredients

I keep the ingredient list short so the flavors don’t get muddled (no pun intended). Maple syrup gives it a natural sweetness, and the citrus just brightens everything up.

• 2 oz Kentucky bourbon
• 1 oz fresh orange juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 4–5 fresh mint leaves
• Large ice cube or regular ice
• Orange slice or mint sprig for garnish

I usually reach for Kentucky bourbon—it’s smooth and just a little sweet. Fresh-squeezed juice makes a huge difference, trust me.

And always real maple syrup, not the fake stuff. It’s worth it.

Instructions

The steps are pretty straightforward. Shaking with ice is key—it chills the cocktail fast and gets everything blended nicely.

• Pop the mint leaves in the shaker and give them a light muddle.
• Add bourbon, orange juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, and bitters.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake for about 15 seconds.
• Strain into a lowball glass over a big ice cube.
• Garnish with an orange slice or a fresh mint sprig.

I try not to go overboard muddling the mint. Too much and it gets bitter, which isn’t what you want.

A good, firm shake helps the citrus and maple syrup mix in with the bourbon.

Notes

I like tweaking the sweetness—sometimes I use a little less maple syrup if I want the bourbon to come through more. If I’m in the mood for something lighter, I just add a splash more orange juice.

A large ice cube really does slow down the dilution, so the drink stays balanced longer. If I don’t have one, I just toss in a few smaller cubes and drink it a bit quicker.

Fresh mint makes a big difference, especially in the aroma. I usually slap the mint sprig before I use it as a garnish—it releases more fragrance, and it only takes a second.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the bright citrus from the orange jumps out at me. It’s fresh, a little sweet, and somehow lifts the whole drink right off the bat.

The maple syrup sneaks in next, adding this gentle kind of richness. Not too heavy—just enough to give the cocktail a smooth, earthy sweetness that sticks around on my tongue.

I can definitely taste the bourbon—it’s there, but it doesn’t muscle out the other flavors. Instead, it brings this warm, oaky vibe that kind of pulls everything together.

There’s this balance: sweet, tart, bold. I have to say, the orange peel oils on top really do something special, giving the drink a bright, fragrant edge that keeps it feeling clean.

In the finish, there’s a soft warmth from the bourbon, plus a faint maple sweetness. Honestly, it leaves me with a smooth aftertaste that makes me want to go back for another sip.