If you’re craving a cocktail that’s both bold and warmly comforting, you’ve got to try this Banana Maple Bourbon Smash Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of smooth bourbon, sweet banana crème, and rich maple syrup, perfectly balanced with a splash of lemon juice — a combo that’ll make your taste buds sing with joy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unforgettable Flavor Blend: The fusion of banana crème and maple syrup with bourbon creates a uniquely smooth, sweet, and cozy taste that sets this smash apart.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 5 minutes, this recipe is perfect for spontaneous cocktail cravings or impressing guests without fuss.
Perfect Balance: The tartness of lemon juice brightens the sweetness, keeping the drink refreshing and far from overly sugary.
Beautiful Presentation: Garnished simply with a banana slice, this cocktail looks as inviting as it tastes.

A clear glass with a textured bottom holds a three-layered banana drink placed on a white marbled countertop. The bottom layer is a translucent light brown, the middle layer is a creamy pale yellow with swirls blending into the bottom, and the top layer is frothy and white with ice cubes visible underneath. A slice of banana with brown speckles is placed on the rim of the glass. Yellow bananas with brown spots are placed on both the left and right sides of the glass on the white marbled surface. The blurred background includes kitchen tools and a copper pot against white tiled walls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Banana Maple Bourbon Smash Recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, each playing a vital role in building that delightful flavor and texture. From the richness of bourbon to the natural sweetness of real maple syrup, every ingredient is packed with personality.

Bourbon: Use a good-quality bourbon for a smooth, warming base that perfectly complements the banana and maple notes.
Banana Crème Liqueur: Adds luscious banana flavor and creamy sweetness—essential for that signature smash taste.
Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener brings depth and a hint of smokiness, lifting the cocktail to a new level.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for brightness and balance, cutting through the drink’s sweetness with a zesty punch.
Banana Slice: A simple, elegant garnish that enhances the drink’s look while hinting at its tropical flair.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The beauty of the Banana Maple Bourbon Smash Recipe lies in how adaptable it is. Whether you want to tweak the sweetness, switch up the spirits, or cater to dietary preferences, these variations make it easy to customize this cocktail to your liking.

Swap the Bourbon: Try rye whiskey or a smoky Scotch for a different flavor profile that still complements the banana and maple.
Maple Syrup Substitute: Use honey or agave nectar to change up the sweetness and add a floral note.
Make it Mocktail: Replace bourbon and liqueur with a ripe banana purée, extra lemon juice, and a splash of sparkling water for a delightful non-alcoholic treat.
Add Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and complexity, perfect for cozy evenings.

How to Make Banana Maple Bourbon Smash Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Chill

Start by filling your cocktail shaker with ice — plenty of it. You want your drink to be refreshingly cold without getting watered down too fast, so chill that shaker well before combining all the ingredients.

Step 2: Pour and Shake

Add 2 ounces of bourbon, 1.5 ounces of banana crème liqueur, a quarter ounce of maple syrup, and half an ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice directly into the shaker. Seal it up and shake it vigorously for about 15–20 seconds until the mixture is beautifully chilled and slightly frothy.

Step 3: Strain and Serve

Strain this delicious concoction into a short glass filled with fresh ice cubes. This step ensures a smooth, crisp sip without any ice shards or pulp, making every mouthful perfectly balanced.

Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy!

Finish your cocktail with a pretty slice of banana on the rim — it’s such a simple touch but adds a tropical vibe that instantly elevates the experience. Now, take a moment and sip your way into bliss.

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Pro Tips for Making Banana Maple Bourbon Smash Recipe

Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice just won’t cut it here — the fresh zing makes all the difference.
Chill Everything: Try chilling your glass before pouring to keep your drink cool longer without diluting it.
Shake Like You Mean It: Vigorously shaking not only chills but aerates the drink, giving it a lovely texture and balanced flavor.
Don’t Skip Straining: Straining removes small ice chips and pulpy bits, resulting in a smooth, elegant cocktail every time.

How to Serve Banana Maple Bourbon Smash Recipe

A clear short glass filled with a creamy, light beige drink that has a gradient of darker beige at the bottom and a foamy layer on top. Inside the drink, small ice cubes are visible, adding texture and shine. A single round banana slice, showing its spots and texture, is placed on the rim of the glass. The scene is set on a white marbled countertop with several ripe yellow bananas with small brown spots placed around the drink. The background is a softly blurred kitchen with white tiled backsplash and kitchen utensils in neutral tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

A fresh banana slice is classic and charming, but you can also experiment with a twist of lemon peel or a sprig of fresh mint to add a burst of aroma and color that’ll make your drink even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This cocktail pairs beautifully with rich, indulgent snacks like spiced nuts, sharp cheeses, or even chocolate-dipped fruit — the sweet and smoky bourbon flavors balance savory and sweet treats flawlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Banana Maple Bourbon Smash in a vintage short glass or a rustic tumbler for character. Adding a small edible flower on top or rimming the glass with cinnamon sugar can make it feel like a special occasion in every sip.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have some leftover mixture, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a gentle stir before serving as ingredients may settle.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe since the texture and balance of flavors can be altered. Plus, fresh lemon juice loses its brightness after thawing.

Reheating

This cocktail is meant to be served cold and refreshing, so reheating isn’t suitable. Instead, make fresh batches to keep that crisp, lively taste intact every time.

FAQs

Can I use regular banana liqueur instead of banana crème liqueur?

Yes, you can substitute regular banana liqueur if banana crème isn’t available, but expect a less creamy texture and a lighter banana flavor. The crème liqueur adds a richer mouthfeel that complements the bourbon perfectly.
Is this cocktail too sweet?

The balance of lemon juice helps cut through the sweetness of the maple syrup and banana liqueur, ensuring the drink stays refreshingly balanced. If you prefer it less sweet, simply reduce the maple syrup slightly.
Can I prepare this cocktail for a crowd?

Absolutely! Multiply the ingredient quantities accordingly, mix in a large shaker or pitcher, and serve over ice in individual glasses. Just be sure to stir well before pouring to maintain the flavor balance.
What bourbon works best in this recipe?

A mid-range bourbon with smooth, slightly sweet notes works best—think Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, or Woodford Reserve. Avoid overly smoky or high-proof bourbons as they can overpower the delicate banana and maple flavors.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Banana Maple Bourbon Smash Recipe, it will become your go-to cocktail for cozy nights or special gatherings. It’s easy, flavorful, and just downright fun to make — a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication in every sip. Cheers to delicious moments!

Banana Maple Bourbon Smash Recipe

Print Recipe

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5 from 64 reviews

The Banana Maple Bourbon Smash is a delightful and refreshing cocktail that combines the smooth warmth of bourbon with the sweet tropical notes of banana crème liqueur and the rich, earthy flavor of maple syrup. Balanced with a splash of fresh lemon juice, this drink offers a perfect blend of sweetness and citrusy brightness, garnished with a fresh banana slice for an elegant finish.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 4 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail
Category: Cocktail
Method: Shaking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units Scale

Liquor

2 oz bourbon
1.5 oz banana crème liqueur

Other Ingredients

0.25 oz maple syrup
0.5 oz lemon juice
Banana slice for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice to properly chill the ingredients.
Add ingredients: Pour 2 oz bourbon, 1.5 oz banana crème liqueur, 0.25 oz maple syrup, and 0.5 oz lemon juice into the shaker.
Shake: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled and properly combined.
Strain and serve: Strain the cocktail into a short glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
Garnish: Add a slice of banana on the rim or inside the glass for an attractive presentation and extra aroma.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice for the best citrus flavor and balance.
Adjust maple syrup quantity to your preferred sweetness level.
Serve immediately to enjoy the drink at its best chilled state.
Ensure proper shaking to create a smooth, well-mixed cocktail.
Experiment with different bourbon brands to tailor flavor complexity.