Bourbon Smash

With a bright, citrus flavor, this bourbon smash is a favorite any time of year. Easy to make, and deliciously refreshing, this delicious cocktail can be adjusted to your personal flavor favorites which makes it ideal for beginner bourbon drinkers.

about this bourbon smash cocktail

The beauty of this bourbon smash lies in its simplicity. With just four key ingredients, it offers endless versatility. You can make the simple 4-ingredient recipe anytime, but you can also swap in seasonal fruits to create custom flavor profiles that transition effortlessly through every season.

Despite bourbon forming the foundation, you won’t find this drink overpowering. The bright citrus notes cut through each sip, creating a balanced cocktail with a clean, refreshing finish that appeals to both bourbon enthusiasts and newcomers alike. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable choice regardless of the weather outside.

Crafting this refreshing cocktail requires no bartending expertise. It’s almost like a mint julep, but with a tart twist! Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or elevating your next gathering, the bourbon smash adapts beautifully to any occasion. The straightforward preparation and stunning presentation make this the versatile signature cocktail you’ll return to time and again.

ingredients

simple syrup – though you can buy this at the grocery, making homemade simple syrup will give the bourbon smash a much more flavorful profile. Plus, simple syrup is easy to whip up, all you need to do is boil it down, so if you don’t have any store-bought syrup on hand, there’s no need to run out to the grocery store. If you prefer other sweeteners, you can use agave or honey instead.

mint leaves – make sure to purchase fresh mint leaves that aren’t wilted or browning so that the uplifting taste comes through in the cocktail. Make sure you have extra mint sprigs for garnish too!

lemon – fresh lemon juice will always be better so we are using lemon wedges to muddle with the mint in the cocktail.

bourbon – we recommend using Bulleit or Woodford Reserve bourbon if you can as they have a delicious but subtle flavor. However, you can use any bourbon you have on hand.

this recipe’s must-haves

You’ll need a bit of equipment to make the cocktail but it’s nothing you shouldn’t already have on hand. A good-sized muddler will help so that you over-muddle the ingredients.

You’ll also want classic cocktail staples like a jigger, cocktail shaker, and cocktail strainer. These are the basics of any well-stocked bar and all of them are easier to use. Serve this recipe in a double old-fashioned glass or whatever cocktail glass you prefer.

here’s how to make a bourbon smash cocktail

muddle

In a cocktail shaker, muddle together the lemon, mint, and simple syrup taking care not to over-muddle so that the mint doesn’t become bitter.

shake

Add the bourbon to the shaker before filling the rest with ice cubes. Shake it well to combine the ingredients and chill the cocktail.

strain

Fill a rocks glass with ice and strain the bourbon smash into it before adding a sprig of mint and a lemon wheel for garnish.

tips and tricks

Use fresh ingredients. This goes for the mint and lemon as well as any fruit you’ll be adding to vary it. It’s always better to use fresh ingredients over store-bought or frozen.

Make big batches. If you need this recipe for a larger gathering, you can adjust the recipe card to the number of servings you need. Or refer to the notes section to see the measurements for a serving of eight.

Add a splash of club soda. Want to add a little bubbly? Top this cocktail off with some soda water.

variations

Add fruit. In addition to the lemon, you can vary the flavor of this cocktail by adding in your favorite berries (fresh blackberries, blueberries, or raspberries), peaches, or even cherries. To do this, just muddle the fruit in with the mint and lemon. This is a fun way to adjust the cocktail and incorporate seasonal produce, especially in the spring and summer. You can even change up the citrus, using lime wedges for the lime juice.

Use maple syrup. For a unique twist (especially in the fall or winter!), you can replace the simple syrup with maple syrup in the recipe for a cozy feel.

Change the syrup. Though classic simple syrup is tasty, you can enhance or change the taste of the cocktail by using a flavored simple syrup. Below are my personal favorites that you can make at home:

• Strawberry simple syrup
• Honey simple syrup
• Basil simple syrup
• Cherry simple syrup

More smash cocktails to sip: Cherry Whiskey Smash | Pineapple Rosemary Smash | Tequila Sage Smash | Bourbon Peach Smash

what’s the difference between bourbon and whiskey?

One thing to note is that while all bourbon is technically whiskey, not all whiskey is bourbon. Each is made differently with the result that bourbon has a sweeter flavor profile which sets it apart from a classic rye whiskey.

can I use rye whiskey instead of bourbon?

If you prefer rye whiskey, you can definitely use it. However, know that it will drastically change the flavor of the cocktail. You may want to adjust the simple syrup or lemon after giving it a taste test.

how do I know how much simple syrup to use?

A good rule of thumb is that if you have a large lemon, use 1 ounce of simple syrup. For a smaller lemon, use 1/2 an ounce. Give the cocktail a taste after shaking but before straining it and then you can adjust the amount of lemon based on your preferences. Add either lemon juice or simple syrup in 1/4 ounce increments until you get your desired taste. Remember, you can always add in, but you can’t take away!

Need more inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

what to serve with a bourbon smash

One of the best parts about this cocktail is that it pairs well with just about anything since it’s so versatile! If you need some inspiration though, I love pairing it with any of the following:

• Cheesy apps like this four cheese pizza dip.
• Any kind of charcuterie board or snack board makes for a great party.
• You can enjoy this bourbon smash with a grilled New York strip or balsamic glazed flank steak for dinner too.

more of our favorite bourbon cocktail recipes

If you need some more cocktail inspiration, why not try something like this cherry bourbon sour which is both tart and refreshing.

Or, if you have some bitters on hand this bourbon sazerac is a great way to use them up. If you like old fashioneds, this is a fantastic one to try.

Of course, for anyone who loves a bit of bubble, try this bourbon mule which is lovely and fresh for beginner bourbon drinkers thanks to its zesty ginger beer flavor.

Finally, if you make this classic bourbon smash recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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