Cocktail Hour: Rosemary Maple Bourbon Smash

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, our taste buds start craving those warm, comforting flavors that perfectly capture the essence of autumn. And what better way to welcome the new season than with a cocktail that blends the rich, oaky notes of bourbon with the earthy sweetness of maple and the fragrant herbal notes of rosemary?

Introducing the Rosemary Maple Bourbon Smash - a delightful cocktail that will have you feeling merry and bright, no matter the weather outside.

I recently discovered this delightful concoction thanks to a new friend on Bluesky who shared the recipe with me; I was hooked instantly. The combination of ingredients is simply perfection, creating a balance of flavors that's both refined and utterly irresistible.

Let's dive into the details, shall we?

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon ( I used Jim Beam Winter Reserve.)

• 1 oz Lemon Juice

• 1/2 oz Maple Syrup

• 1 Sprig Fresh Rosemary (reserve the top-of-sprig as a garnish)

To craft this autumnal masterpiece, remove the top of the Rosemary sprig, then simply combine the bourbon, lemon juice, and maple syrup in a cocktail shaker and drop the rest of the sprig in. Muddle the sprig into the liquid for about 45 seconds. Add ice to the shaker and give it a vigorous shake until well-chilled. Double strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Finally, garnish with the top of the rosemary sprig for a fragrant and visually stunning finishing touch.

The result? A cocktail that's equal parts sophisticated and cozy, with the bourbon providing a warm, oaky backbone, the lemon juice adding a bright, tangy edge, and the maple syrup and rosemary lending layers of earthy sweetness and herbaceous complexity.

It's the perfect companion for crisp fall evenings, whether you're gathered around a firepit, curled up with a good book, or entertaining guests. And the best part? This cocktail is surprisingly easy to make, so you can whip up batch after batch to share with friends and loved ones.

So what are you waiting for? Embrace the flavors of the season with the Rosemary Maple Bourbon Smash - my new fall cocktail obsession.

Cheers! 🥃