Back-to-school season means sharpened pencils, packed lunches, early alarms—and for the adults, maybe something a little stronger once the homework is done. The Teacher’s Pet Bourbon Apple Smash combines classic fall flavors with enough bourbon character to keep it from becoming overly sweet.
Apple cider gives the drink a fresh orchard flavor while bourbon brings vanilla, oak, and caramel notes. A little maple syrup rounds everything out, and fresh lemon keeps the cocktail bright instead of heavy.
The cinnamon-sugar rim is optional, but it adds a nostalgic apple-pie character that fits the back-to-school theme perfectly. Serve it over a large cube for a slower-sipping cocktail or crushed ice for something lighter and more refreshing.
For an extra BBQ-friendly twist, lightly smoke the glass with apple or pecan wood before pouring. That touch of smoke works especially well alongside bourbon and maple and makes this an easy cocktail to serve around the smoker as summer starts turning into fall.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 2 oz fresh apple cider
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz maple syrup
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- ice
- Apple slice, for garnish
- Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Optional Cinnamon-Sugar Rim
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 lemon wedge
Instructions
- Combine the sugar and cinnamon on a small plate if using the optional rim.
- Run a lemon wedge around half of the rim of a rocks glass.
- Dip the moistened edge into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, maple syrup, bitters, and a small pinch of cinnamon.
- Shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds.
- Fill the prepared glass with a large ice cube or fresh ice.
- Strain the cocktail over the ice.
- Garnish with a thin apple slice and cinnamon stick.
- Serve immediately.