Name: Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash
Total time: 15 minutes total (10 minutes prep, 5 minutes cook), as stated on Bobbie's card; syrup method calls for 10–15 minutes simmering
Yield: Makes 1 drink (or a pitcher for 8)
Ingredients: 1 cup apple cider (240 ml); ½ cup pure maple syrup (120 ml); 2 cinnamon sticks; 4 whole cloves; 1 star anise (optional); 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced; 1 orange peel strip; 2 oz bourbon (60 ml); 2 oz fresh apple cider (60 ml); 1 oz cinnamon apple syrup (30 ml); ¾ oz fresh lemon juice (22 ml); 2–3 thin apple slices; Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish; Ice; Cinnamon sugar for rim (optional); 16 oz bourbon (480 ml); 16 oz apple cider (480 ml); 8 oz cinnamon apple syrup (240 ml); 6 oz fresh lemon juice (180 ml)

Fresh apple, bourbon and warm cinnamon syrup, with a sparkling alcohol-free variation.

Contains alcohol — adults only. The card's 5-minute cook heading conflicts with its 10–15-minute syrup method; both are preserved rather than guessed. Pitcher: combine the pitcher ingredients, chill for at least 1 hour, then serve over ice with apple slices, cinnamon sticks and herbs. Tips: use a crisp, tart apple such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith or Fuji; muddle well; adjust syrup sweetness; for stronger cinnamon, let the syrup cool with spices before straining; a large ice cube avoids quick dilution. Variations: top with 2–3 oz ginger beer or sparkling apple cider; use smoked bourbon; add Angostura bitters or cayenne. Mocktail: omit bourbon and add sparkling apple cider or ginger beer. Storage: syrup airtight in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks; mixed cocktail is best fresh, but bourbon, cider, syrup and lemon juice can be mixed up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerated and shaken with ice before serving. Pair with roasted turkey, charcuterie, spiced nuts, pumpkin appetizers and Thanksgiving desserts.

Method

1
Make the cinnamon apple syrup: in a small saucepan, combine apple cider, maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise (if using), ginger and orange peel. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until slightly thickened and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain and store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
2
Prepare the glass (optional): mix 1 tbsp brown sugar with ½ tsp cinnamon on a small plate. Rub the rim of a rocks glass with a lemon wedge and dip into the cinnamon sugar.
3
Make the cocktail: in a cocktail shaker, muddle 2–3 apple slices. Add bourbon, apple cider, cinnamon apple syrup, lemon juice and a handful of ice. Shake well for 15–20 seconds.
4
Serve: fill the prepared glass with ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with apple slices and a sprig of thyme or rosemary. Add a cinnamon stick for a festive finish.

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From Bobbie's “Bobbie's Recipe Card 85”. Written up by Bobbie's Kitchen · Updated 26 October 2026

Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

Ingredients

Cinnamon apple syrup (about 1 cup, enough for 8 drinks)

Cocktail (1 drink)

Pitcher (8 servings)

Method