Fall Perfection Bourbon Smash – Cozy Autumn Cocktail

Introduction

The Fall Perfection Bourbon Smash is the cocktail that defines autumn—rich, cozy, and perfectly balanced between bold bourbon warmth and the comforting flavors of seasonal fruit and spices. This drink delivers a blend of fresh apple or pear, warming cinnamon, and a hint of citrus, making it the ultimate fireside sipper or a crowd-pleasing signature for your harvest gatherings.

Why This Bourbon Smash Defines Fall Flavors

Unlike your typical bourbon cocktails, this smash elevates classic whiskey notes with muddled fruit, natural sweetness, and a seasonal twist of spice. Fresh muddled apple or pear infuses the drink with a crisp orchard vibe, while maple syrup gently sweetens and the lemon juice keeps everything bright. Add a dash of cinnamon, and every sip tastes like a golden, crunchy autumn afternoon.

Crafting a Cozy, Flavorful Cocktail Base

The key to this cocktail’s cozy appeal lies in the muddling step: combine fresh apple or pear slices with lemon and maple syrup, pressing gently to release bright, juicy flavors. This approach keeps the drink lively and layered, balancing the richness of bourbon with fruit and spice notes. Shake with ice until perfectly chilled, then strain over fresh ice for ultimate refreshment.

Serving Your Fall Perfection Bourbon Smash

Pour your bourbon smash into a lowball glass filled with cubed or crushed ice, then garnish with a cinnamon stick, extra fruit slices, or even a star anise pod for dramatic flair. It’s a cocktail that’s as inviting to look at as it is to taste—serve for a festive happy hour, Thanksgiving toast, or any evening wrapped in a blanket.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 1 and contains approximately 180 calories per serving (depending on precise fruit and syrup quantities). It’s meant to be sipped and savored—perfect for celebrating fall with moderation and style.

Fall Perfection Bourbon Smash (Recap)

This cozy autumn cocktail masterfully blends bourbon, fresh seasonal fruit, warming spice, and citrus for a drink that tastes like fall in a glass. Its simplicity, flavor, and versatility make it a go-to for entertaining or relaxing.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this cocktail recipe to generate a shopping list that organizes ingredients by store section—perfect for planning your next seasonal gathering or cozy night in.

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, add the apple or pear slices, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Muddle gently until the fruit releases its juices and is slightly broken down.
2. Pour in the bourbon and add a dash of cinnamon (or shake with a cinnamon stick).
3. Add plenty of ice. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds to chill and combine flavors.
4. Strain into a lowball glass filled with fresh ice. For a lighter drink, top with a splash of club soda.
5. Garnish with additional fruit slices, a cinnamon stick, or your choice of fresh herbs. Serve immediately.

Weekly Meal Planning

Looking to level up your autumn entertaining or holiday meal prep? Save and schedule this cocktail recipe along with your favorite fall dishes for seamless weekly planning. CookifyAI automatically combines ingredients across all your recipes, sorts your list by store section, and helps you buy exactly what you need—no extras, no forgotten mixers.

Planning Benefits:

– Tally up total ingredients for all planned drinks & meals
– Enjoy organized shopping with sections for produce, spirits, and garnish
– Minimize extra trips and make prepping for gatherings effortless

Pro tip: When you schedule your cocktail and dinner recipes for the week, let CookifyAI handle the math—if you’re using lemon, apple, or herbs in more than one recipe, your shopping list adapts accordingly.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Mix Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes

Enjoy the cozy comforts of autumn with every sip of your Fall Perfection Bourbon Smash!