Maple Bourbon Smash Recipe

This bourbon-rich, sage-infused, and maple-drizzled smash is all that stands between you and relaxing on the porch this season. This smash takes a traditional liquorbourbonand gives it a fresh flavor by complementing its robust notes with earthy sage, sweet maple syrup, and fresh lemon. These ingredients are among those that work with bourbon to bring out its flavor palette, rather than challenge it. Like when infusing bourbon, you need to heed the rich, warm flavor of the southern spirit when selecting accompanying ingredients. Traditionally, smashes are cocktails formed with a liquor base and mixed with fresh, seasonal fruits, all smashed together over ice. The general rule of thumb to making an official smash cocktail is to always use crushed ice. If youve ever had a mint julep, one of the souths most popular beverages, particularly during kentucky derby season, then youve already experienced the taste of a smash. These maple bourbon smashes are so refreshing that theyre bound to be a hit at the fall cookout (it is still hot down here after all) or your big tailgate. If youre making these for a crowd, dont worry about using your very best bourbon. When it comes to mixing cocktails, its not necessary. The other ingredientsin this case, sage and maplethat help create the signature flavor of your drink, can slightly mask the nuances of a top-shelf bourbon. You can switch up the smash by trading sage for thyme, or maple syrup for honey. Anyway you mix it, its going to be phenomenal.