A Bourbon Smash can serve as a refreshing and versatile cocktail to sip on this summer (or really any season) with its combination of bourbon, fresh fruit and mint. It’s a modern twist on the classic whiskey smash, which dates back to the 19th century.

The Bourbon Smash stands out for, you guessed it, its use of bourbon. The barrel-aged booze gives it a rich, warm base that pairs wonderfully with the citrus and mint. The name “smash” reflects the process of muddling, which involves “smashing” or crushing the ingredients to release their flavors and aromas. Many compare the taste of this cocktail to a mixture of the whiskey smash and a mint julep.

With that said, this Bourbon Smash recipe brings a world of flavors, but it is still fairly simple to make. There are also variations you can try with the recipe to find your perfect combination of flavors.

Bourbon Smash Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 lemon, cut into wedges
• Fresh mint leaves (about 6-8 leaves)
• Ice
• (Optional): Club soda
• Garnish: mint sprig and lemon wheel

Instructions

1. Muddle: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the lemon wedges and mint leaves with the simple syrup. This releases the juices from the lemon and the essential oils from the mint, creating a flavorful base for the cocktail.
2. Add Bourbon: Pour the bourbon into the shaker.
3. Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to thoroughly mix and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice. For a cleaner presentation, you can double strain to remove small pieces of mint and lemon pulp.
5. Optional: Top with a splash of club soda for some effervescence, if desired.
6. Garnish: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lemon wheel or wedge.

Tips

• Simple Syrup: To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then cool before using.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can adjust the amount of simple syrup to taste.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh mint and lemon for the best flavor. Avoid using pre-made lemon juice as it can be too tart or sour.

Variations to this Bourbon Smash Recipe

• Berry Smash: Add fresh berries (such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries) to the muddle for a fruity twist.
• Ginger Smash: Substitute ginger syrup for the simple syrup for a spicier version.
• Seasonal Smash: Use seasonal fruits like peaches, pears, or apples to create unique variations throughout the year.