Cranberry Bourbon Smash
The cranberry bourbon smash tastes like fall in a cocktail glass. Adding the cinnamon simple syrup gives a sweetness and spice that makes this drink memorable.
Learn the history of what a smash is. Basically, a smash is a type of julep. When I think of a julep, I automatically think Kentucky Derby. A julep is mint, sugar and bourbon where a smash is a spirit, sugar, fruit and herb. I have made several smashes now and they were all good.
The fun part of the smash is smashing better known as muddling. Don’t worry if you don’t have a muddler use a wooden spoon. A little secret is I don’t have a muddler but I’m hoping the one will show up in my Christmas stocking.
What I like about this cocktail is you can make a single or a batch. I have become a lover of bourbon especially when pairing it with cinnamon.
I have found that smash cocktails are the perfect use for all the herbs I am growing in my garden. Smashes use a spirit, sweetener, herb and seasonal fruit-I posted the video of how to make a simple syrup below. The nice thing is I can drink this all year long enjoying what is fresh for the season.
Cranberry Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 tsp vanilla
Cocktail
- 2 oz cinnamon syrup
- 4 oz cranberry juice
- 2 oz bourbon
- 2 oz club soda
- cinnamon stick-garnish
- sugared cranberries-garnish
Instructions
Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- Heat the water, sugar and cinnamon over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer and then turn off the heat.
- Let it cool completely and then stir in vanilla. If you have any left store in the fridge. You can make a double batch if you are making several cocktails.
Cocktail
- Fill a high ball glass with ice. In a shaker add the syrup, cranberry juice and bourbon. Shake for about 15 seconds to mis and pour over ice.
- Top glass with seltzer and garnish with cinnamon stick and cranberries.