Maple Cranberry Bourbon Smash (An Easy Make-Ahead Hosting Cocktail)
If you’ve ever hosted anything—you already know this truth:
the chaos starts long before the doorbell rings.
There’s always too much to do. Too many dishes. Someone will ask where they should put their coat while you’re elbow-deep in making that Pinterest perfect charcuterie board.
That’s why, when I host, I look for one thing—just one—that I can completely take off my list.
This Maple Cranberry Bourbon Smash is it.
I was always a firm believer that every cocktail tastes best freshly shaken. No exceptions. I would die on that hill. Until… this drink.
It’s perfect straight from the pitcher and so easy to sip. Bonus, no simple syrup required! Just good old maple syrup, which makes this cocktail refined sugar-free. Yay! The maple syrup adds to the complexity of flavor in the drink and makes it that much easier to throw together last minute.
Why This Make-Ahead Bourbon Cocktail Is Perfect for Hosting
This is a prep-it-once, pour-it-later kind of drink. No shaking. No muddling. No standing behind the counter playing bartender while everyone else is already on their second round.
You make it ahead of time, chill it, and when guests arrive you just point to the pitcher and say, “Help yourself.”
And honestly? That alone makes hosting feel manageable.
Why it works:
- Serves 8 people
- Can be made hours (or even a day) ahead
- Festive without being fussy
- Balanced flavors: tart cranberry, warm bourbon, cozy maple
- Looks impressive in a pitcher with minimal effort
Ingredients for Maple Cranberry Bourbon Smash
You’ll need:
- 3 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups bourbon
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 10 dashes orange bitters
Optional garnishes for the pitcher or glasses:
- Rosemary sprigs
- Orange slices
- Fresh cranberries
These aren’t required—but they do make it feel like you tried harder than you did!
How to Make a Maple Cranberry Bourbon Smash (Pitcher Style)
- Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher.
- Stir well to fully incorporate the maple syrup.
- Chill until ready to serve.
When guests arrive, pour over ice and garnish with rosemary, an orange slice, or a few cranberries if you’re feeling ambitious.
No last-minute prep. No stress.
Hosting doesn’t need to be a performance. People don’t remember whether a drink was shaken or stirred—they remember how it felt to be in your space. And there is nothing worst than a stressed out host, so make the cocktail ahead of time. Put it in the fridge. Cross one thing off your list.
Warm. Easy. Comfortable.
Then go light a candle, put on some good music, and take a breath.
You’re doing great—and you didn’t skip the cocktail. 🥂
Let me know if you made this delish batch cocktail in the comments below!
Maple cranberry bourbon smash (batch cocktail)
Ingredients
- 3 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups bourbon or whiskey
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 10 dashes bitters I like Angostura Bitters!
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice freshly squeezed is key!
Garnish
- rosemary sprigs, orange slices, fresh cranberries optional
Instructions
- Add cranberry juice, bourbon, maple syrup, orange juice, and orange bitters to a large pitcher
- Stir well until the maple syrup is fully incorporated.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Do not add ice to the pitcher as it will water the drink down, put ice in each individual glass.
- Fill glasses with ice and pour cocktail over ice.
- Garnish with rosemary, orange slices, or fresh cranberries, if desired.
