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!
Ingredients
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- 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.
- In a tall glass add the lemon wedges, simple syrup and mint.
- Muddle the lemon, simple syrup and mint.
- Add the bourbon and ice to the glass and stir.
- 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
Bourbon Smash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lemon wedges
- ¾ oz. simple syrup
- 2 sprigs fresh mint
- 2 oz. Bourbon
- 2 lemon slices optional
- 2 sprigs fresh mint optional
Instructions
- In a tall glass add lemon wedges, simple syrup and 2 mint sprigs.
- Muddle the lemon wedges to release the juice and oils from the mint.
- Add the bourbon and ice to the glass. Stir.
- Strain into an ice filled rocks glass.
- Garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs if desired.
Recipe Notes
Ingredients:
You don't need to use an expensive bourbon in this cocktail. Maker's Mark, Elijah Craig and Bulleit are are great bourbons to use!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.
Nutrition
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.
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