Paul Kushner
The Spiced Apple Tiki Smash is a fun seasonal cocktail that combines tropical style with the comforting flavors of fall. Spiced rum creates a warm base that pairs beautifully with the crisp sweetness of apple cider and the bright taste of pineapple juice. Allspice dram and falernum add rich layers of spice, bringing depth and complexity that make each sip interesting. The result is a tiki-inspired drink with a festive autumn twist, blending fruity notes with cozy spice. Perfect for fall gatherings, this cocktail is a great way to enjoy tropical flavors while still keeping the spirit of the season.
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Tasting Notes
The Spiced Apple Tiki Smash delivers a bold mix of autumn warmth and tropical brightness. Spiced rum sets the base with cinnamon, vanilla, and clove, while a measure of reserve rum adds richness and depth. Allspice dram and falernum layer in warming spice and subtle sweetness, tying the drink to traditional tiki character. Maple syrup enhances the body with earthy sweetness, while apple cider provides seasonal crispness. Pineapple juice lightens the drink with tangy fruit freshness, keeping it balanced. Finished with tiki bitters and an apple garnish, this cocktail is spiced, refreshing, and full of layered, complex flavor.
Equipment and Glassware
Making this Spiced Apple Tiki Smash requires a few essentials. A cocktail shaker is key for blending the rums, syrups, and juices with ice into a well-chilled, integrated drink. A strainer ensures a smooth pour into the glass, while a jigger keeps measurements precise for balance across spirit, spice, and fruit. Two rocks glasses are ideal for serving, offering enough room for ice and garnishes while showcasing the cocktail’s amber hue. A shallow plate is useful for preparing the rim with maple syrup and cinnamon sugar. Bamboo cocktail picks help present the apple slice garnish in a polished, tiki-inspired style.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Spiced rum
- 1 oz Reserve rum
- 0.25 oz Allspice dram
- 0.25 oz Falernum
- 0.25 oz Maple syrup
- 2 oz Apple cider
- 1 oz Pineapple juice
- Few dashes Tiki bitters
- Maple syrup for garnish
- Cinnamon sugar for garnish
- Thin apple slices for garnish
Instructions
- Dip one half of the rims of two rocks glasses into a little maple syrup, then into the cinnamon sugar to create a spiced-sweet rim. Fill the glasses with ice.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the spiced rum, reserve rum, allspice dram, falernum, maple syrup, apple cider, pineapple juice, and a few dashes of tiki bitters.
- Shake the mixture well until it is thoroughly chilled. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glasses.
- Garnish each drink with a few thin apple slices skewered with a bamboo cocktail pick.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, spiced flavors of this autumn-inspired tiki cocktail!
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality spiced rum for deeper flavor complexity.
- Adjust maple syrup levels for sweetness preference.
- Fresh apple cider enhances crispness and authenticity.
- Shake vigorously to fully integrate the syrups and juices.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar in advance with a balance of sweet and spice.
- For garnish, fan multiple apple slices for a more striking look.
- Use large ice cubes to slow dilution in rocks glasses.
- Add an extra dash of bitters if you prefer stronger spice.
When to Serve
The Spiced Apple Tiki Smash is an ideal cocktail for the transition between summer and autumn. It merges tropical tiki elements with comforting seasonal flavors, making it perfect for fall gatherings, harvest dinners, or tiki-themed parties with a seasonal twist. Its layered flavor profile makes it versatile for both casual entertaining and more festive occasions. With its spiced rim, tropical notes, and apple-forward garnish, it works equally well as a signature party drink or a unique alternative to traditional autumn cocktails. Whether shared with friends or enjoyed as a personal treat, this cocktail delivers warmth and refreshment.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Spiced Rum: Captain Morgan, Sailor Jerry, Kraken
- Reserve Rum: Appleton Estate 12 Year, Mount Gay XO, Ron Zacapa 23
- Allspice Dram: St. Elizabeth, Bitter Truth, Hamilton
- Falernum: John D. Taylor’s, Bittermens, Fee Brothers
- Bitters: Bittercube Jamaican No. 2, Angostura Cocoa, Bitter Truth Tiki
Similar Cocktails
- Caramel Apple & Spiced Rum Cocktail
- Spiced Apple Prosecco
- Sparkling Spiced Pumpkin Punch
- Scarecrow Sour
- Maple-Bourbon Smash
Equipment
- Cocktail pick
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Spiced rum
- 1 oz Reserve rum
- 0.25 oz Allspice dram
- 0.25 oz Falernum
- 0.25 oz Maple syrup
- 2 oz Apple cider
- 1 oz Pineapple juice
- Few dashes Tiki bitters
- Maple syrup for garnish
- Cinnamon sugar for garnish
- Thin apple slices for garnish
Instructions
- Dip one half of the rims of two rocks glasses into a little maple syrup, then into the cinnamon sugar to create a spiced-sweet rim. Fill the glasses with ice.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the spiced rum, reserve rum, allspice dram, falernum, maple syrup, apple cider, pineapple juice, and a few dashes of tiki bitters.
- Shake the mixture well until it is thoroughly chilled. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glasses.
- Garnish each drink with a few thin apple slices skewered with a bamboo cocktail pick.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, spiced flavors of this autumn-inspired tiki cocktail!
Notes
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, use freshly pressed apple cider and freshly squeezed pineapple juice.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup according to your taste.
- If you prefer a stronger spice profile, consider adding an extra dash of allspice dram.
