Apple Brandy Smash Cocktail
The Apple Brandy Smash is a refreshing, easy cocktail with sweet apple brandy, bright mint, citrusy lemon, and a hint of bitters. Simple to make, endlessly sippable, and perfect for happy hour or a party.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Strainer
- Jigger
- Highball or rocks glass
- Bar spoon
- Ice scoop or tongs
Ingredients
- 2 oz apple brandy
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- crushed ice
- apple slice for garnish
- mint sprig for garnish
- cinnamon stick optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Add mint leaves and simple syrup to a shaker and muddle gently.
- Add apple brandy, lemon juice, and bitters.
- Fill shaker with crushed ice and shake hard for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled glass packed with crushed ice.
- Garnish with an apple slice, mint sprig, and cinnamon stick if desired. Serve right away.
Notes
Don’t over-muddle the mint or it will turn bitter. Use fresh lemon juice and a decent apple brandy for best results. A cinnamon stick adds a nice fall touch, but the drink is great without it too. Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more or less simple syrup.