The Bourbon Smash is a bright, refreshing cocktail that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Made with smooth bourbon, fresh citrus, and mint, it’s a well-balanced drink that’s just as great for warm afternoons as it is for cozy nights in.
A bourbon smash is a lemon twist on the classic Mint Julep. It's made with smooth American whiskey to add depth and a hint of sweetness. Even non-bourbon drinkers tend to love this one - the fresh mint and citrus make it super sippable and surprisingly crowd-friendly. It's the perfect cocktail for your Summer gatherings.
If you love bourbon, you should also try my Cherry Bourbon Smash or this delicious Gold Rush cocktail!
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Ingredients Notes
This easy cocktail is made with just a few simple ingredients. Due to its simplicity each ingredient is important to the flavor. Be sure to use the best quality fresh ingredients you can for the best results.
- Fresh Lemon - Muddled lemon adds the citrus flavor that's crucial for this cocktail. You cannot substitute store-bought lemon juice here.
- Fresh Mint Leaves - Much like the lemon, a fresh mint sprig is required for this recipe. Out of season, I have had good luck finding fresh mint at the local Asian market.
- Bourbon - You can use any kind of bourbon whiskey that you like best to make this recipe. Woodford Reserve is my favorite brand for it's smooth, slightly sweet flavor.
- Simple syrup - Simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the lemon. I always use my homemade simple syrup in cocktails, but store bought will work fine too. You could also substitute honey or maple syrup for a flavor twist.
See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for ingredient list with measurements.
Smash Variations
- Orange juice - a dash of orange juice adds extra fresh, fruity flavor and dilutes the drink slightly.
- Ginger ale or ginger beer - the spicy kick of ginger is a great addition to this drink.
- Seasonal Fruits - Switch up the flavor of your cocktail by smashing a few pieces of fresh fruit with the lemon and mint.
- Angostura bitters - a dash of bitterness brings a new level of complexity to the recipe.
- Club Soda - adds some refreshing fizzy bubbles without altering the flavor.
- Herbs - you can use other fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme, in place of the mint if you would like a different flavor profile.
How to Make a Bourbon Smash Cocktail
For a smash cocktail, a good muddler is key. You’ll want to really press the lemon wedges to get all the juice—and those flavorful essential oils from the peel too. That, combined with the fresh mint, brings out all the bright, zesty, and refreshing notes that make this drink so good.
- STEP ONE: Add the lemon wedges, mint leaves, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
- STEP TWO: Muddle mint and lemon until well crushed, about 60 seconds.
- STEP THREE: Add the bourbon and ice cubes. Place the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake well to combine for about 30 seconds.
- STEP FOUR: Strain into a serving glass filled with fresh ice. Add any desired garnishes and enjoy immediately.
Pitcher Instructions
You can prepare this cocktail ahead of time if hosting an event. Simply multiple the servings to determine your measurements. Muddle the ingredients together in a large pitcher and then store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, strain it into glasses filled with ice and enjoy.
Glassware for Serving this Cocktail
Although I've shown my cocktail in a coupe glass, a short rocks glass (also known as an Old-Fashioned Glass) is the preferred glassware for serving a Bourbon Smash. It allows the cocktail to be fully emerged by ice, which makes for easy sipping.
More bourbon cocktails to try:
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Recipe
Bourbon Smash
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ ounce Simple Syrup or maple syrup
- ½ Lemon cut into wedges
- 5 leaves Fresh Mint
- 2 ounces Bourbon Whiskey
- Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Add the lemon wedges, mint leaves, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.½ ounce Simple Syrup, ½ Lemon, 5 leaves Fresh Mint
- Use a cocktail muddler (or the back of a wooden spoon) to muddle until well crushed, about 60 seconds.
- Add the bourbon and ice cubes. Place the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake well to combine for about 30 seconds.2 ounces Bourbon Whiskey, Ice Cubes
- Strain into a serving glass filled with ice. Add any desired garnishes and enjoy immediately.Ice Cubes
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