Blackberry Bourbon Smash
A jammy blackberry bourbon smash with mint and lemon that tastes like a back-porch happy hour.
Prep: 5 · Cook: 0 · Total: 5 · Serves: 1 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.7/5 (163 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
Whiskey Smash — American cocktail classic
Inspired by the classic whiskey smash template, muddled fruit, mint, citrus, and a spirit base.
Story
I first met this drink in a dusty little bar off a two-lane highway, where the bartender kept a bucket of crushed ice like it was gold. He smashed blackberries with mint like he was mad at them, then poured bourbon like it owed him money. That first sip was cold, loud, and berry-stained, and I was hooked. Make it at home and crank the AC, it is basically a road trip in a glass.
By Theo
Ingredients
- 6 blackberries, plus more for garnish
- 6 mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 oz bourbon
- Crushed ice
- Splash of club soda (optional)
- Pinch of kosher salt (optional)
Instructions
- Add blackberries, mint leaves, and simple syrup to a rocks glass or shaker tin. Muddle until the berries break down and the mint smells bright.
- Add lemon juice and bourbon. If using, add a tiny pinch of salt to make the flavors pop.
- Fill with ice and shake hard for 10 to 12 seconds, or stir well in the glass if you do not want to dirty a shaker.
- Strain into a rocks glass packed with crushed ice, or pour it all in for a more rustic, berry-forward drink.
- Top with a splash of club soda if you want it lighter and extra refreshing.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and a couple blackberries. Take a sip, then take another, it goes down easy.
Chef Tips
- Crushed ice keeps it frosty and dilutes just enough.
- No simple syrup, use 2 teaspoons of sugar and muddle longer.
- Swap bourbon for rye if you want more spice.
- If your berries are tart, add an extra 1/4 oz syrup.
Cook's Notes
- **Muddling:** Press firmly to break berries, but do not shred the mint into bits.
- **Balance:** Start with 1/2 oz syrup, then adjust after your first sip.
- **Glassware:** A rocks glass packed with crushed ice is the move.
- **Batching:** Multiply everything by 6 and shake each drink with ice right before serving.