Bourbon Smash Cocktail

The Bourbon Smash wins, hands down, for the easiest bourbon cocktail. With only 4 ingredients and infinite variations, this simple drink recipe is a refreshing balance of sweet and tart – with just a hint of spiciness.

When summer rolls around a Bourbon Smash is on frequent rotation. Like a Bourbon Old Fashioned or a Manhattan, it’s one of the easiest cocktails to make – no shaking and no exotic ingredients.

Like a Kentucky Mule, This drink is made for backyard BBQs, afternoon’s by the pool or to celebrate the end of a long week. The best part though is it takes full advantage of juicy and ripe summer fruit – meaning you can have a different version every time!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Variations
• 📖Recipe
• Food safety
• To do:

Ingredients

Use a clear shot of the ingredients for this recipe, prepped, and labeled if necessary. Insert the ingredients into the list below, omitting quantities.

• Bourbon – no need for an expensive bourbon for this cocktail.
• Sweetener – I used simple syrup but you could experiment with honey, agave nectar, maple syrup or my favorite – demerara syrup.
• Fresh Mint – the mint give the cocktail a refreshing note but if mint isn’t your “thing” you can leave it out.
• Fresh Lemon – fresh lemon makes all the difference to the flavor of this cocktail.

1. In a tall glass add the lemon wedges, simple syrup and mint.
2. Muddle the lemon, simple syrup and mint.
3. Add the bourbon and ice to the glass and stir.
4. Strain into an ice filled glass. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint if desired.

Hint: When muddling crush the lemon wedges to release their juice. I love using this muddler but if you don’t have one, you can use the back of a spoon.

Variations

Although the traditional Bourbon Smash uses lemons, you can use all types of fresh fruit in this cocktail! Here are some popular variations.

• Blackberry– Substitute 4 large blackberries for the lemon wedges. You can also substitute lime wedges for the lemon.
• Peach– Peaches and bourbon are a popular combination and are divine in this cocktail!
• Maple – A bourbon smash isn’t just for summer. For a more fall inspired drink, substitute maple syrup for the simple syrup and a large orange wedge for the lemon wedges.
• Fig – fresh figs are amazingly delicious with bourbon! Substitute lime juice for the lemon and honey for the simple syrup.

📖Recipe

Food safety

We sometimes take for a granted that we have years (or decades) of cooking experience, that the average visitor may not. Add to, or remove from, the list below with health and safety tips.

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.