RECIPE: CRANBERRY MAPLE BOURBON SMASH COCKTAIL

Ahh, Fall. The season of pumpkin spice lattes, warm, hearty soups and- perhaps the most cozy environment-creating substance of all, bourbon.

Ryan and I will often make a big batch of something festive to serve as a signature cocktail of sorts when hosting during the holidays, and nine-out-of-ten times, said drink will include floating cranberries and a rosemary sprig garnish, for decoration.

This drink, by Platings and Pairings, shares the same aesthetic as ones we’ve made before, but unlike our others, uses bourbon for the main event (we’ve previously opted for gin or vodka). Mix in the maple syrup and you have autumn in New England served up smoothly in a nice, chilled glass!

It’s easy to make and (*pro tip) tastes even better when enjoyed by the fireplace.

INGREDIENTS

MAPLE CRANBERRY SIMPLE SYRUP:

• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ c water
• 1 cup frozen cranberries

COCKTAIL:

• 1 ounce maple cranberry syrup
• 1 ½ ounces bourbon (we love Makers Mark, 4 Roses, Woodford Reserve)
• 1 ounce unsweetened cranberry juice
• Ice
• Rosemary sprigs (to garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

MAPLE CRANBERRY SIMPLE SYRUP:

• In a small saucepan, bring water, maple syrup and cranberries to a simmer over medium-high heat until berries begin to burst, about 5 minutes. Strain and let cool. (Makes enough simple syrup for 6 cocktails.)

COCKTAIL:

• In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add maple-cranberry simple syrup, bourbon and cranberry juice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with rosemary sprigs. Enjoy!