A beautiful mash-up of a traditional whiskey sour and zesty mint julep, our Whiskey Smash recipe creates the ultimate cocktail!
A refreshing, 4-ingredient Whiskey Smash cocktail featuring bourbon whiskey, sweet simple syrup, tangy fresh lemon and bright, beautiful mint leaves for an exceptional drink! Serve on the rocks in a classic old-fashioned glass for smooth sipping anytime, anywhere!
A Smashing Cocktail Combination!
The best mixed drinks feature herbs or fresh fruit to enhance their flavor, and this traditional Whiskey Smash uses both! Mint leaves and fresh lemon muddle together with simple syrup for a sweet & tangy balance to the warm, smooth bourbon. The result is a truly smashing cocktail!
Make your smashes straight in the glass and serve with bits of lemon and mint floating in the drink, or muddle in a shaker, then strain it for a cleaner cocktail.
Other Whiskey Recipes that Wow!
- Our Bourbon Cherry Smash is a whiskey cocktail with the wonderful flavors of cherry, brightened up with Meyer lemon simple syrup!
- Whiskey Sour – this classic cocktail can be made with a strong whiskey or a smooth bourbon. Every option gives you a delicious drink!
Ingredients
Liquor: Bourbon is the right whiskey choice for this smash cocktail!
Sweet: Simple syrup makes for easy mixing and smooth drinking!
Sour: A fresh lemon, quartered, is all you need to add a zesty, tart kick to this Whisky Smash!
Garnish: Mint leaves muddle with the lemon AND garnish the rim – perfect!
How to Make a Whiskey Smash
STEP ONE: To a cocktail shaker, add 1/4 of a whole lemon, 4 mint leaves, and simple syrup. Muddle everything together. The back of a wooden spoon works great for this if you don’t have a muddler!
STEP TWO: Add ice cubes and bourbon, cover the shaker, and shake until chilled – about 30 seconds.
STEP THREE: Strain into an old-fashioned cocktail glass filled with ice and garnish with mint leaves. Sip and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Rinse the fresh mint before adding to the cocktail.
- If you don’t have a muddler, simply use the back of a wooden spoon to “muddle” or mash the fruit in the bottom of a glass.
- Strain the fruit into the glass if you prefer a “no pulp” sip.
- You can absolutely substitute any kind of whiskey for the bourbon if you prefer.
- A Whiskey Smash is served “on the rocks” – cubed ice is preferable to crushed in this cocktail.
- Lemon can be substituted with lime, grapefruit, or even orange or basil in place of the mint – different flavors with the same incredible result!
What is a Smash Cocktail?
Smash cocktails are drinks that use a muddler (or other kitchen tool) to gently “mash” fruits and herbs together before adding to the liquor. This muddling releases the oils and juices from fresh ingredients, creating interesting combinations and adding flavor to mixed drinks. They can be served with the pulpy pieces or strained for a clear cocktail. Simple but spectacular!
What is a Whiskey Smash?
A whiskey smash is the perfect summer sip! It’s a bourbon whiskey cocktail made with muddled lemon and mint, sweetened with simple syrup. Unlike most strong-flavored whiskey drinks, the fresh fruit and mint zest temper this cocktail, making it mild and perfect for slow sipping. Whiskey Smashes are served on the rocks in an old-fashioned cocktail glass with a wedge of lemon or sprig of mint. Enjoy!
Other Marvelous “Muddled” Cocktail Recipes!
- Irish Julep
- White Peach Sangria
- Moscato Strawberry Lemon Mojitos
- Kiwi Smash
- Blueberry Thyme Crush Cocktail
- Portland Breeze Rum Cocktail
*This post originally posted on 03/08/2018.
Ingredients
- ¼ lemon plus more for garnish
- 4 leaves fresh mint plus more for garnish
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- Ice
Instructions
- Add the lemon, simple syrup, and mint leaves to a cocktail shaker. Muddle together.
- Pour in the bourbon and add a scoop of ice.
- Cover the shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with mint leaves and a lemon slice on the rim. Serve immediately.
Wayne says
Instructions leave out the most important part. The booze!
Aubrey Cota says
Good catch, we’ve updated the instructions to include the best part!