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The Blackberry Bourbon Smash is the whiskey drinker’s Mojito. I use the same recipe as my Blackberry Mojito and substitute bourbon for rum. This Whiskey Smash is crisp, refreshing, and versatile enough for any time of year.
Bourbon, lime, mint, blackberry, simple syrup, and a splash of club soda are all you need for this fantastic fruity libation. The most overlooked part of this cocktail is the final fizzy soda addition at the end. Club soda adds effervescence and also smooths the cocktail’s edges.
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My goal for this cocktail was the highlight the purest flavors of bourbon and blackberry—I opted for club soda in place of anything flavored. I love this cocktail because it’s so balanced and brings so many fresh ingredients to the table. If you’re a fan of the Mint Julep, you will love this drink! Don’t like bourbon? try this cocktail with vodka with my berry vodka smash.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Simple syrup: simple syrup (also called simple sugar) is a popular cocktail sweetener made with equal parts sugar and water. It easily dissolves into cocktails, making for easy mixing and even distribution.
- Club soda: club soda adds a little fizz and helps to balance/extend the cocktail so it’s not so “thick” from all the muddled fruits and herbs. You can also use a splash of water or sparkling water.
- Lime juice: I always use fresh muddled limes but you can also use 1/2-3/4 ounces lime juice or even fresh lemon.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Cocktail Variations
I experimented with several variations of the bourbon smash and I’m here to tell you the options are endless. Usually, you have whiskey, soda, a sweetener, acid, fruits, and mint.
A few other options and substitutions:
- Fresh lemon and lime wedges
- Honey syrup, simple syrup (sugar), or maple syrup as the sweetener (see Bee’s Knees and Brown Derby next)
- Experiment with ginger beer or ginger ale, for an earthy, spicy, and sweeter touch
- Fresh mint or basil as the herbs
- Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, or raspberries for fruit flavor
How to Make a Whiskey Smash
Step 1.
In a Boston shaker, combine mint leaves, lime wedges, simple sugar, and blackberries. Muddle until pulverized.
Step 2.
Add bourbon and a cup of ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Step 3.
Pour the full contents of the shaker into a double old-fashioned glass (no straining). Top with 1 ounce of club soda. Stir and garnish with mint leaves.
Expert Tips
- Get a muddler: a muddler is a handheld wooden/stainless steel bar tool with a wide flat head on one end. A muddler is used to mash and pulverize fruits and fresh herbs to extract the delicate flavors in cocktails.
- Don’t strain a Whiskey Smash: shake and transfer all of the fruits and herbs for the best sipping experience.
- Snapping a sprig of mint leaves on the back of your hand helps to activate the aroma. This is perfect for aromatic garnishes.
Best Bourbon for Whiskey Smash
I love bourbon because there are so many great options out there at the $25-$40 price point. I would choose a lower-tier bourbon for this recipe since it’s going to be heavily flavored and fruited. My evergrowing list of favorite budget-friendly bourbons are:
- Buffalo Trace
- Larceny
- Elijah Craig
- Michter’s
- Henry McKenna Single Barrel
- Four Roses Single Barrel
- Woodford Reserve
- Eagle Rare
- Knob Creek
- Maker’s Mark
More Fruity Cocktails
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Blackberry Bourbon Smash Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1/2 ounce lime juice, or 2 lime wedges, squeezed
- 6-7 mint leaves, muddled
- 2-3 blackberries, muddled
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup, 1 tablespoon of sugar will do
- 1 ounce club soda
- Cup of ice
Instructions
- In a Boston shaker, combine mint leaves, lime wedges, simple sugar, and blackberries. Muddle until pulverized.
- Add bourbon and a cup of ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Pour the full contents of the shaker into a double old-fashioned glass (no straining). Top with 1 ounce of club soda. Stir and garnish with mint leaves.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Good recipe. All notable bourbons but bullleit and old forester would need to be listed as quality bourbons.
Very nice recipe! I was at an upscale seafood restaurant in Maine a few summers back and I had a Blackberry smash where Allagash White Beer was used as the seltzer. It was probably the best smash I’ve ever had, and I’ve been able to get really close to recreating it! Try making one with a nice fruity white ale, like Allagash or even Blue Moon works. And Mint Simple syrup if you can find it!
Cool idea – I’ll have to give that a shot
I’ve actually used raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries instead of blackberries. Even non whiskey drinkers can’t resist. The possibilities are endless in my opinion.
Just wanted to say thanks for this recipe! It’s spot on to a Blackberry Smash I get at a local restaurant here. Delish!! Also, I kept trying to rate the recipe 5 stars, but it wouldn’t register that I clicked it 🙁 As a fellow blogger, I know that’s important, so you totally have my permission to edit my comment and add the 5 stars!
Thanks Amanda! You’re not the first person to mention the rating issue – I will try to look into that. That’s not good!
This looks great! Thanks for doing the research to create it! Sure it was torture ?
Oh it really was ?
I’m wondering if this would work as a big batch cocktail? I want to serve it at a party in a large pitcher.
I’ve never tried but here are a few ideas. You could make everything up in a large pitcher except the club soda and ice. Muddle well and let sit. Pour over ice and add a splash of club soda to each serving. OR you could mix all the liquids in a pitcher and muddle blackberry and mint fresh in each glass then pour over ice for each serving. Hope this helps.
I don’t drink a lot of bourbon but I had this at a restaurant and loved it so I wanted to try at home. It was delish! Even my finicky father loved this drink!
Thank you for sharing!
I don’t drink a lot of bourbon but I had this at a restaurant and loved it so I wanted to try at home. It was delish! Even my finicky father loved this drink!
Thank you for sharing!
Have you ever tried it with cola instead of soda water?
Cola might be weird, but a common cheat for mojitos is to splash with Sprite.
Have you tried making this ahead and freezing it, then serving as a slush? I’m wondering what alterations I would have to make to the recipe for that to work.
Interesting idea! I have not, but I’m thinking I would follow instructions but leave out the soda water until you served. Otherwise freezing could kill the fizz. Also keeping the bourbon in it may prevent it from completely freezing. Not sure if this would help or hurt.