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Our bourbon smash combines bourbon, fresh mint, and lemon juice to create a delicious cocktail that’s perfect for your next dinner party!

I rarely work with bourbon. Not because I don’t like it, but because it’s usually enjoyed over ice with a water.

Well, that’s how I like it. With that being said, not everyone likes whiskey and water.

For that reason, Kim wanted to share her bourbon smash, made with our own simple syrup and fresh lemon and mint.

Two bourbon smash cocktails served on the rocks. — Serve this drink on the rocks or neat (without ice).

Similar to our coconut rum mojito, we combined alcohol with fresh ingredients to create a delicious drink.

So, if you enjoy that mixed drink, then you’re bound to love this one too. Shall we get started?

Two cocktails in glasses with ice. — You don’t have to garnish your drink with mint if you don’t want to.

How to make a bourbon smash?

First, grab a shaker cup and add the simple syrup, fresh mint, and lemon wedges.

Simple syrup pouring into a shaker cup. — For our cocktails, we use a stainless steel martini shaker.

Next, use a muddler (or wooden spoon), to crush the lemon and mint.

You want to bruise the mint so it releases all of its oils and crush the lemon so it releases all of its flavor.

Fresh mint going into the shaker cup. — I recommend using fresh mint, nothing else comes close to matching its flavor.

Then, pour in the bourbon and add the ice. Place the lid on the shaker and mix everything for 5-7 seconds.

Afterward, add more ice to a 6-8 ounce glass.

Bourbon being poured into the shaker cup. — If possible, use a high quality bourbon.

Last, strain and pour the drink into the glass. Serve with fresh mint as a garnish.

That’s it, your bourbon smash is done! Kim and I hope you enjoy the cocktail responsibly and wish you all the best 🙂

Cubes of ice being added to the shaker. — We enjoy our drinks cold; however, I understand not everyone feels the same way.

Recipe Tips and FAQ’s:

I’ve said this many times before, but I can’t emphasize it enough. When making cocktails, use the best spirits you can afford. Personally, we use middle shelf. It’s affordable and it’s mid-grade.
Fresh mint is highly recommended for drinks like this one. Extracts and oils just don’t provide the best flavor.
If you don’t have a shaker cup, then stir the cocktail to mix everything together. You’ll still need to muddle the lemon and mint. But, a shaker cup isn’t a necessary tool.
Don’t have simple syrup and don’t want to make it. Then use the method I use for mojitos. In place of the syrup use 1-2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Just be sure to muddle (grind) it down with the lemon and mint.

What’s the difference between “on the rocks,” and “neat?”

Simply put, on the rocks means served with ice, and neat means served at room temperature.

Can I make a virgin bourbon smash?

Sure, make the drink as instructed and leave out the bourbon.

What does a bourbon smash taste like?

Brisk, lemony, and refreshing are the words I choose to describe it. Also, think of it like a mojito but using bourbon and lemon instead of rum and lime. So, if you like mojitos, then you may enjoy a bourbon smash.

A close-up of the finished cocktail with fresh mint. — Cool and refreshing are the words I would use to describe this drink.

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Bourbon Smash

Yield: 4 Ounces

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Our bourbon smash combines bourbon, fresh mint, and lemon juice to create a delicious cocktail that's perfect for your next dinner party!

Ingredients

1 Ounce Simple Syrup
8 Fresh Mint Leaves, plus more for garnish
Half a Large Lemon, cut into wedges
2 Ounces Bourbon
Ice

Instructions

Place simple syrup, mint leaves, and lemon wedges in a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler to crush the lemon wedges and bruise the mint leaves.

Add the bourbon and ice. Shake until cold.

Strain over an ice filled glass, and garnish with additional mint leaves. Serve cold.

Notes

The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of one (4-ounce) bourbon smash. Actual calories will vary. For more information and tips, please refer to the post.