This orange bourbon smash is refreshing and simple to make. Perfect for a hot summer day, as a Thanksgiving cocktail, or that New Year’s Eve bash. Mix a few ingredients together for a fresh citrus drink.
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A simple & delicious cocktail with oranges, lime juice, bourbon, triple sec, angostura bitters, maple syrup, and smashed mint leaves.
There’s something about orange and bourbon that just works well together. This recipe could be called an orange cooler. It is so light and refreshing that it is hard to tell if there is any bourbon in this at all. Well, trust me, there is. However, this is the type of beverage I like to enjoy. Just the right amount of balance between the sweet, sour, cool mint, and bourbon. It will be hard not to have another.
Trying New Drink Recipes
To be honest, we do not drink all the time. However, we do enjoy the occasional cocktail. We have been trying to make a new drink at least once a month the past few months. More recently, I made this Apple Cider Maple Syrup Old Fashioned. Amazing!
Making this Orange Drink for a Crowd
It is really hard to just make this beverage one at a time at our house. The recipe will note the amounts for one drink. However, there is a plus sign by the number of servings that will help you figure out the correct amounts to use when you make this for a crowd.
I made this in a pretty pitcher that I had, just stirred it with a long-handled spoon and served over ice.
Garnish Ideas
Today, this was garnished with a few fresh mint leaves and a slice of orange that has a slit in the middle. However, This orange slice could be cut in half or quarters then make the little slit to stick on the edge of the glass.
Orange Rind. Use your peeler to peel a bit of the orange rind and place that on top. Try not to get too much of the white part under the orange rind as that is a bit bitter.
Lime Rind. Use your peeler to peel a bit of the lime rind and place that on top.
Maraschino cherries or a piece of pineapple would be a delicious snack for this scrumptious beverage.
Ingredients Needed to Make this Orange Bourbon Smash
- Orange juice – fresh orange juice is the best, but purchase a low-pulp good tasting orange juice for this recipe.
- Bourbon – any kind of bourbon. My favorite is Knob Creek.
- Grand Marnier or Triple Sec – these are a type of orange liqueur that will enhance the orange flavor
- Lime juice – this helps enhance the sour notes in the drink.
- Maple Syrup – get the pure maple syrup if you can, just so much better.
- Angostura bitters – this gives that characteristic old fashioned type bitter tone to the taste.
- Fresh Mint Leaves – a big of smashing in the bottom of the glass gives just a slight hint of minty freshness.
- Lemon-Lime Soda – this will bring just the right amount of bubbly to the party.
- Ice – can be whole or crushed, your preference.
Recipe Variations
Swap out the orange juice for Orange-Pineapple Juice. The end result is a bit sweeter, but still very good.
Use Brandy or Whiskey to make this drink. I don’t want to leave one crowd out. People have their preferred brand; therefore, use what you like to drink. I have tried this recipe with both and like them equally.
Kiddie Cocktail – Non-Alcoholic Orange Smash
This drink can be made non-alcoholic too. A kiddie cocktail can be made that is healthy and refreshing for the little ones too. Help them feel special. Leave out the Bourbon, Marnier or Triple Sec, as they all have the alcohol. continue on with the recipe as noted.
If you have any adults that would prefer not to have alcohol, this upscale kiddie cocktail will have then enjoying a delicious option and still feel part of the crowd.
The orange juice makes this a bit healthy too.
Orange Bourbon Smash
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 2 Leaves Mint Fresh mint is preferred
- 2 Ounces Lime Juice
- 1 Ounce Maple Syrup
- 4 Ounces Orange Juice Low-pulp
- 2 Ounces Bourbon
- 2 Ounces Triple Sec or Grand Marnier
- 4 Dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 Ounces Lemon-Lime Soda
- Ice
Instructions
- I like to mix this in a pitcher or other container and pour into the glass that is filled with ice.
- Add the mint leaves and mash them a bit. add the other ingredients, mix and pour over ice.
- Garnish with Fresh mint and a slice of orange if desired.
Your Own Private Notes
Video
Nutrition
A few of my favorite things
The Power of Positivity
Kiddie Cocktail – Non-Alcoholic Orange Smash
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 2 leaves Mint Fresh mint is preferred
- 2 Ounces Lime Juice
- 1 Ounce Maple Syrup
- 4 Ounces Orange Juice Low-pulp
- 4 Dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 Ounces Lemon-Lime Soda
- Ice
Instructions
- I like to mix this in a pitcher or other container and pour into the glass that is filled with ice.
- Add the mint leaves and mash them a bit. add the other ingredients, mix and pour over ice.
- Garnish with Fresh mint and a slice of orange if desired.
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
A few of my favorite things
The Power of Positivity
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I hope that you liked this recipe. If you are looking for more ideas on what to make, here are a few other recipes that you may enjoy.
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.