The Brown Sugar Bourbon Smash combines rich brown sugar syrup, quality bourbon, spicy ginger beer, crisp apple slices and a cinnamon stick for a cozy, fall-inspired cocktail.
Hello Friday eve—you deserve a cocktail.
Fall cocktail season is my favorite. Between apple cider and warm spices, the flavor combinations are unbeatable. If you love autumn drinks, this bourbon smash ranks right up there: sweet, spicy and refreshing at the same time.
The star here is brown sugar syrup—think the same idea as the shaken brown sugar espresso syrup—used in place of plain simple syrup to add deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
I’ve used brown sugar syrup in coffee and in punch recipes for years because it’s versatile and lasts in the fridge for several days. Make a batch and keep it on hand to sweeten cocktails, coffee or mocktails all week.
Brown sugar simple syrup is just sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves then cooled. Using brown sugar gives the syrup molasses notes that pair beautifully with bourbon.
How the Brown Sugar Bourbon Smash comes together
Brown sugar syrup: for balanced sweetness and depth.
Bourbon: pick a bottle you enjoy. A spicy, oaky bourbon works especially well here.
Ginger beer: adds a lively fizz and warming spice—more character than plain soda water.
Apple slices and a cinnamon stick: fresh apple adds brightness while the cinnamon stick brings seasonal aroma. Optional ground cinnamon or a cinnamon-sugar rim amps up the fall vibe.
This cocktail is a great alternative to sangria or spritzes made with apple cider. It feels a bit more refined, yet cozy—perfect by a bonfire in October or curled up by the fireplace in February.
It’s also easy to make a single serving, so whip one up for happy hour and save the brown sugar syrup for coffee or another cocktail the next day.
Brown Sugar Bourbon Smash
Brown Sugar Bourbon Smash
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review »
Ingredients
Bourbon Smash
- 1 ounce brown sugar simple syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 2 ounces ginger beer
- sliced apples, for garnish
- cinnamon stick, for garnish
Brown Sugar Syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup water
Instructions
-
If you want a cinnamon-sugar rim, rub an orange wedge around the rim, then dip it into a mixture of coarse sugar and ground cinnamon.
-
Fill a glass with crushed ice. Add the brown sugar syrup and the bourbon, then stir to combine. Top with ginger beer, add apple slices and a cinnamon stick, and serve immediately.
Brown Sugar Syrup
-
Combine the brown sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag your photos with the hashtag #howsweeteats and share your results. I appreciate you so much!
Double cheers!