The blackberry bourbon smash is the whiskey drinker’s mojito. In fact, I used the same recipe as my blackberry mojito and substituted bourbon for rum. Nothing else changed.
I’ve always been intrigued by the whiskey smash—essentially a variation of the mojito made with whiskey (bourbon). Now, I love mojitos but I’m a whiskey guy at heart. Call the blackberry bourbon smash a match made in heaven.
This whiskey smash is crisp, refreshing, and versatile enough for any time of year. With winter looming and the bitter hatred JOY of shoveling on its way, it’s time to break out the bourbon.
What to Put in a Whiskey Smash?
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, an acid, fruits, and mint.
You could experiment with:
- Fresh lemon and limes
- Honey, simple syrup (sugar) or maple syrup as the sweetener
- Splash of ginger beer, ginger ale, or soda water for a little fizz
- Fresh mint or basil as the herb
- Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, or raspberries for flavor
I wanted the purest flavors of the bourbon and blackberry to come through—so I went with a splash of club soda. My second favorite variation was definitely ginger beer, for an earthy, spicy and sweeter touch. I’d experiment if I were you to see what you like best. You can’t really go wrong.
Invest in a Muddler
For this cocktail, you’re going to want to invest in a muddler. A muddler is a handheld wooden bar tool with a wide flat head on one end. A muddler is used to mash and pulverize fruits and fresh herbs to extract flavors in cocktails. They’re inexpensive and a solid addition to any home bar set.
How to Make a Whiskey Smash
They don’t call it a bourbon smash for nothin’. The key to the whiskey smash is the muddled lime wedges, fruits (blackberry) and mint leaves. A muddler will extract the oils and juices and help infuse the cocktail with all the good stuff. Add whiskey, sugar, and ice and shake. Top with soda water and serve in a double Old Fashioned glass.
I’d be really curious to hear what people like and come up with for variations of their own!
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Blackberry Bourbon Smash Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Description
A bourbon smash made with fresh lime, fresh mint leaves, blackberries, and simple sugar.
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 and blackberries. Muddle until pulverized. Add bourbon, ice, and simple syrup (or sugar) and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
- Pour full contents into a rocks glass (no straining) and top with 1 ounce of club soda. Stir and garnish with mint leaves and blackberry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 202
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 22mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: whiskey smash, bourbon smash
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.
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.