Jenna Haley
The Smoked Peach Maple Bourbon Smash is a warm, aromatic cocktail that blends sweet stone fruit, rich maple syrup, and the bold depth of bourbon. The drink’s signature touch comes from smoking grilled peach and fresh thyme directly into the glass, infusing each sip with a subtle, savory aroma. Muddled grilled peaches and thyme form the heart of the drink, layered with bitters, fresh lemon, and smoked maple bourbon. A splash of spicy ginger beer adds brightness and gentle heat, creating a drink that’s equal parts smooth, smoky, and refreshing. Ideal for late summer evenings or cozy autumn nights.
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Tasting Notes
The Smoked Peach Maple Bourbon Smash combines fruit-forward sweetness, aromatic herbs, and rich bourbon depth. Grilled peaches provide a caramelized, juicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the smooth warmth of smoked maple bourbon. Maple syrup enhances the drink’s richness without overwhelming it, while lemon juice brightens the profile. The dual bitters Angostura and peach add spice and layered complexity. Smoked thyme and peach infuse the glass with a gentle, savory aroma that lingers. Topped with spicy ginger beer, the cocktail gains a subtle heat and effervescence. Each sip is smoky, sweet, tangy, and slightly spiced, making it a truly multi-dimensional drinking experience.
Equipment and Glassware
To prepare this cocktail, you’ll need a cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling. A muddler is essential for crushing the grilled peach and thyme, releasing their flavors. A torch is required for smoking the peach and thyme before serving, along with a fire-safe surface for preparation. A double strainer ensures a smooth pour without pulp or herbs. A jigger helps maintain precise ingredient measurements, keeping the balance just right. Serve in a sturdy rocks glass to hold the large ice cube and garnishes. Tongs can be handy for placing the ice and garnishes without disturbing the drink’s presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 peach
- 1/4 oz maple syrup
- 2 oz smoked maple bourbon whiskey
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 2 oz non-alcoholic spicy ginger beer
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 3 dashes peach bitters
- Grilled peach slice for garnish
- Sprig of fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Take one peach slice and one sprig of thyme. Set it on a wooden cutting board or fire safe surface. Torch the peach slice and thyme until they release smoke, and place your rocks glass overtop. Let the peach and thyme smoke the glass while you prepare the rest of the cocktail.
- In a shaker, add 3 slices of grilled peaches, a sprig of thyme, 3 dashes of Angostura bitters, 3 dashes of peach bitters, .5 oz lemon juice, and 1/4 oz maple syrup. Muddle all of those ingredients together.
- Add 2 oz of bourbon (or smoked bourbon) to the shaker tin. Add ice and gently shake all ingredients
- Double strain the cocktail over fresh ice cubes (or use one large ice cube)
- Top with 2 oz of ginger beer and stir
- Garnish with a peach slice and thyme
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Use ripe peaches for better sweetness.
- Grill peaches to enhance caramelized flavor.
- Smoke the glass for 30–60 seconds for richer aroma.
- Use large ice cubes to slow dilution.
- Double strain for a smoother texture.
- Adjust maple syrup to taste.
- Select a high-quality smoked bourbon for depth.
- Fresh thyme works best for smoking.
- Keep ginger beer chilled before topping.
- Serve immediately for optimal smokiness.
When to Serve
The Smoked Peach Maple Bourbon Smash is perfect for autumn evenings, outdoor gatherings, and craft cocktail nights. Its balance of smoky, fruity, and spiced elements makes it a fitting choice for cool-weather sipping. It pairs well with grilled meats, charcuterie boards, or roasted vegetables, making it ideal for dinner parties. The presentation, complete with smoke and fresh garnishes, makes it a conversation piece. Whether enjoyed by the fire or served at a seasonal event, this cocktail delivers warmth and complexity, offering an elevated bourbon experience with approachable, familiar flavors.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Smoked Maple Bourbon Whiskey
- Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon
- Jim Beam Maple
- Crown Royal Maple
Bitters
- Angostura Aromatic Bitters
- Fee Brothers Peach Bitters
- Bitter Truth Peach Bitters
Similar Cocktails
- Sparkling Fall Sangria
- Peach Bourbon Thyme Smash
- Peach Bourbon Spritz
- Caramel Apple Manhattan
- Maple-Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
- 1 peach
- 1/4 oz maple syrup
- 2 oz smoked maple bourbon whiskey
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 2 oz non-alcoholic spicy ginger beer
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 3 dashes peach bitters
- Grilled peach slice for garnish
- Sprig of fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Take one peach slice and one sprig of thyme. Set it on a wooden cutting board or fire safe surface. Torch the peach slice and thyme until they release smoke, and place your rocks glass overtop. Let the peach and thyme smoke the glass while you prepare the rest of the cocktail.
- In a shaker, add 3 slices of grilled peaches, a sprig of thyme, 3 dashes of Angostura bitters, 3 dashes of peach bitters, .5 oz lemon juice, and 1/4 oz maple syrup. Muddle all of those ingredients together.
- Add 2 oz of bourbon (or smoked bourbon) to the shaker tin. Add ice and gently shake all ingredients
- Double strain the cocktail over fresh ice cubes (or use one large ice cube)
- Top with 2 oz of ginger beer and stir
- Garnish with a peach slice and thyme
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use ripe peaches for the best balance of sweetness and aroma.
- If you don’t have smoked maple bourbon, regular bourbon works add extra smoked peach for more depth.
- Double straining ensures a smooth drink without pulp or thyme leaves.
