Day 9: Banana Maple Smash

Day 9: Banana Maple Smash

For Day 9 of the Heritage Road Spirits Holiday Advent Calendar, we’re serving up a unique and indulgent cocktail: the Banana Maple Smash. This playful yet elegant drink combines the bold flavor of Heritage Road Bourbon with the sweet richness of banana and maple syrup, balanced by a touch of fresh lemon juice. Topped with a brûléed banana slice for a luxurious garnish, this cocktail is a decadent treat for the holiday season.

The Banana Maple Smash is perfect for those looking to explore new and exciting flavors while enjoying the warmth of a bourbon-forward drink. The caramelized banana garnish adds a show-stopping finish, making it a standout choice for holiday entertaining or a quiet evening indulgence.

Cocktail Description:

The Banana Maple Smash is a rich and flavorful cocktail that pairs bourbon with the natural sweetness of banana and maple syrup, enhanced by a touch of lemon juice. A brûléed banana slice adds a festive and luxurious garnish.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Heritage Road Bourbon

• 2 slices ripe banana (for muddling)

• 1/2 oz maple syrup

• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• Banana slice (for garnish, with brûléed brown sugar)

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, muddle the banana slices with the maple syrup and brown sugar until well combined.

2. Add the bourbon, lemon juice, and ice. Shake vigorously until chilled.

3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.

4. Garnish with a banana slice coated with brown sugar and brûléed using a kitchen torch for a caramelized finish.

Suggested Glassware: Rocks Glass

Suggestions:

• Perfect Brûlée: If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can caramelize the banana slice under a broiler for a similar effect.

• Smooth Texture: Use a fine strainer when pouring the drink if you prefer a smoother finish without banana pulp.

• Add Spice: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the drink for a festive touch.

The Banana Maple Smash is a cocktail that celebrates the boldness of bourbon and the sweetness of the season. Its rich flavors and caramelized garnish reflect the adventurous spirit of Heritage Road Spirits, reminding us to slow down and savor life’s little indulgences.

Bananas and maple syrup are staples for holiday breakfasts, so the Banana Maple Smash feels like a natural transition to evening festivities. We love to sip this cocktail while preparing holiday meals or sharing stories by the fire.

Share your Banana Maple Smash creations with #HeritageRoadAdventures! Show us your brûléed banana garnishes, and we’ll feature some of our favorite photos from your holiday celebrations.