The Bourbon Smash is a testament to American ingenuity in cocktail making: a perfect balance between the comforting depth of whiskey and the vibrant freshness of muddled ingredients. Dating back several decades, this simple yet sophisticated drink belongs to the “smash” family of cocktails, characterized by a mixing technique that releases the essential oils from fresh ingredients. With bourbon as its base, complemented by zesty lemon and aromatic mint, the Bourbon Smash offers both complexity and freshness. It is perfect for bourbon lovers looking for something more vibrant than a simple glass of bourbon, but less lemony than a whiskey sour.
Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe
1
servings4
minutes188
kcalKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
60 ml 2 fl oz bourbon whiskey
22.5 ml 3/4 fl oz simple syrup
3 3 lemon wedges
4 4 fresh mint leaves
Ice cubes
Equipment
Cocktail Shaker
Muddler
Jigger
Hawthorne strainer
Fine mesh strainer
Old fashioned glass
Instructions
- Add the lemon wedges and mint leaves to the bottom of your cocktail shaker.
- Pour in the simple syrup and gently muddle to release the oils from the mint and juice from the lemon – press firmly but don’t tear the mint leaves.
- Add the bourbon to your shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Fill your old-fashioned glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass. (For a traditional presentation, strain through a Hawthorne strainer only; for a cleaner presentation, double-strain through both strainers.)
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig, gently slapped between your palms to release its aroma.
Notes
- When muddling mint, your goal is to press, not shred. Tearing mint releases bitter compounds that can overwhelm the drink.
