INGREDIENTS:
- Mint leaves, plus more for garnishing
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ½ cup club soda
- Crushed ice
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In an old-fashioned glass, muddle the mint leaves and maple syrup together to release the mint’s aroma and flavor.
- Add the bourbon to the glass.
- Pour in the club soda and gently stir to combine the ingredients.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice.
- Garnish the drink with additional mint leaves for a fresh aroma.
VARIATIONS:
Honey Maple Bourbon Twist:
Substitute the maple syrup with honey for a slightly different sweetness profile. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel for an added citrusy note.
Ginger Mint Maple Bourbon Smash:
Add a splash of ginger beer to the mix to introduce a zesty kick. Garnish with a candied ginger slice and a sprig of mint.
Berry Maple Bourbon Smash:
Muddle a handful of fresh berries (such as raspberries or blackberries) along with the mint leaves and maple syrup. Strain the mixture before adding bourbon and club soda. Garnish with a berry skewer.
Smoky Maple Bourbon Smash:
Infuse a smoky flavor by using smoked maple syrup. You can also use a smoked bourbon for an even richer smokiness. Garnish with a smoked cinnamon stick.
Maple Apple Bourbon Smash:
Incorporate apple flavors by adding a splash of apple cider or apple juice to the mix. Garnish with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
Peach Mint Maple Bourbon Smash:
Swap the maple syrup for peach syrup or peach puree. Garnish with a mint sprig and a slice of fresh peach.
Spiced Maple Bourbon Smash:
Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the muddled mint and maple syrup for a warm and cozy twist. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Lemon Mint Maple Bourbon Smash:
Squeeze a wedge of fresh lemon into the glass before muddling. This adds a zesty brightness to the cocktail. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Coconut Maple Bourbon Smash:
Use coconut water instead of club soda for a tropical twist. Garnish with a toasted coconut rim and a mint sprig.
Chocolate Mint Maple Bourbon Smash:
Add a dash of chocolate bitters for a unique flavor combination. Garnish with a chocolate-dipped mint leaf.
Pineapple Mint Maple Bourbon Smash:
Add a splash of pineapple juice to the mix for a fruity twist. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a mint sprig.
Blackberry Sage Maple Bourbon Smash:
Muddle fresh blackberries and sage leaves along with the mint and maple syrup. Strain before adding bourbon and club soda. Garnish with a sage leaf and a blackberry.
Cherry Mint Maple Bourbon Smash:
Muddle fresh cherries with the mint and maple syrup. Strain the mixture before adding bourbon and club soda. Garnish with a cherry and a mint sprig.
Cucumber Mint Maple Bourbon Smash:
Muddle cucumber slices along with the mint and maple syrup for a refreshing twist. Garnish with a cucumber wheel and a mint sprig.
Raspberry Rose Maple Bourbon Smash:
Muddle fresh raspberries with a splash of rose water along with the mint and maple syrup. Strain before adding bourbon and club soda. Garnish with a rose petal and a raspberry.
