Savor the simplicity of this Bourbon Smash recipe! It's a blend of bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and fresh mint - a vibrant cocktail perfect for fall.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
210
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 4-6 mint leaves
- ½ lemon - cut into wedges
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel and mint sprig - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Muddler
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Strainer & Fine-strainer
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Make sure your service glass gets thoroughly chilled.
- Muddle: Muddle the lemon wedges in your cocktail shaker.
- Add Mint: Choose 4-6 mint leaves (green and fresh) and drop them into the shaker.
- Add Simple Syrup: Measure and pour in 1 oz simple syrup.
- Add Bourbon: Pour in 2 oz Bourbon.
- Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
- Strain: Fine strain the mixture into your Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish: Garnish with a mint sprig and lemon wheel.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon, rye whiskey or brandy can be substituted. They offer a different flavor profile but still work well in this cocktail.
- Simple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar can be used as natural sweeteners if you're out of simple syrup. Just remember to adjust the quantity to taste as they are sweeter than simple syrup.
- Lemon: If you're out of lemons, use limes for a different citrus twist.
Making a Pitcher of Bourbon Smash:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of bourbon, 8 oz of simple syrup, 4 lemons cut into wedges, and 32 fresh mint leaves.
- Mix: Muddle the lemon wedges in a large pitcher. Tap the mint leaves to release the aroma, before dropping them into the pitcher. Add the bourbon and simple syrup, then stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with a mint sprig and lemon wheel, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute; these are available in the market and do an excellent job of mimicking bourbon's flavor.
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of regular bourbon, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Simple Syrup Substitute: Ensure your simple syrup is made with sugar that doesn't involve animal products in its production, or use agave nectar as a substitute.
- Proceed As Usual: With this vegan-friendly sweetener, follow the original steps to enjoy a delicious vegan Bourbon Smash.
What is a Bourbon Smash?
A Bourbon Smash is a whiskey-based cocktail made of bourbon, fresh lemon, mint leaves, and simple syrup. It’s not difficult to make; the process involves muddling the lemon before adding the mint, bourbon, and syrup. The Bourbon Smash is essentially a variant of the classic Mint Julep without the bitters and with an added citrus twist for extra freshness.
What is a Bourbon Smash made of – The ingredients
Get these ingredients ready if you’re making a Bourbon Smash:
- Bourbon: The base spirit of the cocktail, bourbon gives the drink its characteristic strong, rich, and slightly sweet flavor.
- Lemon Wedges: These add a tangy citrus note to balance out the sweetness of the bourbon and sugar.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Mint leaves provide a refreshing herbal undertone that complements the other flavors.
- Simple Syrup: This sweetens the cocktail, enhancing the natural flavors of the bourbon and lemon.
- Cubed Ice: Used to chill the drink during shaking and after it’s served.
