Fresh ginger gives this easy whisky cocktail its spicy kick, balanced by maple syrup, lemon and a touch of saline. Make it with bourbon or Canadian whisky for a bright, gingery cocktail that’s just as good in fall and winter as it is over ice in warmer weather.

What Whisky Works Best?

Bourbon gives this cocktail a rounder, slightly sweeter profile that works beautifully with maple and fresh ginger. Canadian whisky works too — choose one with enough spice and character to stand up to the ginger.

Ginger Smash Cocktail

A fresh ginger cocktail with whisky, lemon and maple syrup, balanced with a touch of saline for a spicy, bright finish.

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Ingredients

2 slices ginger looney-size, plus more to garnish
2 wedges lemon
¾ oz maple syrup
2 oz bourbon or Canadian whisky
¼ tsp saline solution
ice

Saline Solution

½ cup water
2 tbsp kosher salt

Instructions

In a cocktail shaker, add ginger slices, then squeeze in lemon wedges and drop in rinds. Use muddler or handle of wooden spoon to muddle ingredients. Add maple syrup, bourbon and saline solution. Top up with ice, then shake well for 30 seconds. Strain into rock glass filled with ice. Garnish with fresh ginger.

Saline Solution

Boil water. Stir together boiling water with kosher salt until dissolved. Refrigerate. Makes about 1/2 cup.

Keyword bourbon ginger cocktail, cocktails with ginger, ginger cocktail, smash cocktail, whisky ginger cocktail, whisky smash

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