Distilled: Apple Cider Smash

We love a good seasonal smash, maybe because muddling is just so darn fun, but certainly because it gives the final cocktail a truly smashing flavor. A muddled cocktail looks, feels, and tastes far more complicated than it is, but you certainly don’t need to tell your guests that. Elevate your holiday gatherings with an Apple Cider Smash that is bursting with fresh, seasonal flavor.  

 The key to a good smash is a good muddler. We crafted our Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel Stave Muddler specifically for this purpose, and it just so happens to be one that can be displayed on your bar with no need to tuck it away. Made with intentional design and artistic craftsmanship, with the kind of details that define Pappy Van Winkle’s commitment to quality. Hand-crafted in our Pappy & Company Woodshop from genuine retired Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrels, with an ergonomic design for added comfort and sleek and sophisticated craftsmanship for a subtle touch of Pappy Van Winkle's legacy of hospitality.  

 Muddle fresh lemons, and carefully bruise the lemon rind for the bright, juicy, and extra citrusy lemon zest. Combine with whiskey, a dash of our Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged Pure Maple Syrup. Our very first, and still the standard bearer, Pappy Van Winkle gourmet delight features pure maple syrup from Bissell Maple Farm in Jefferson, Ohio, uniquely triple-barrel-aged in retired Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrels, lingers with the notes of charred oak, buttery rich vanilla, and caramel, and the aromatic remnants of signature Pappy Van Winkle flavor.  

 Combined with the fresh, seasonal flavor of apple cider for a subtly sweet, spicy and citrusy craft cocktail, deliciously ready for holiday gatherings. (For a Christmas Mocktail, just follow the same steps but leave out the bourbon.) Of course, we wouldn’t mind if you tried it with a splash of our Pappy Van Winkle Kentucky Sour Mixer for an added element of signature sweet-smoky flavor.  

Suggested Glassware: Pappy & Company Tall Tumbler. 

 P.S. Did we mention that our Barrel Stave Muddler makes a great host or hostess gift and will delight as a stocking stuffer for anyone who appreciates a well-made craft cocktail or mocktail, or simply appreciates the heritage and craftsmanship of Pappy Van Winkle? 

 Suggested glassware: Pappy & Company Old Fashioned Rocks Glasses