Unwind with this simple Whiskey Smash recipe! Crafted with bourbon or rye whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, crushed ice and fresh mint, this refreshing cocktail is ideal for fall.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
189
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- ½ lemon - cut into wedges
- 4-6 fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Mint sprig and lemon wheel - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer
- Fine strainer
- Muddler
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Measuring Jigger
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes. Give it a stir to chill it and set it aside.
- 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 ¾ oz simple syrup.
- Add Whiskey: Pour in 2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey.
- Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
- Strain: Take the Old Fashioned glass and use the cocktail strainer to remove any excess water inside and add more ice if necessary. Then, using the cocktail strainer and the fine strainer, strain the shaken drink into the ice filled glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a mint sprig and lemon wheel.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Whiskey: You can use Scotch whisky, dark rum or even brandy if you don't have bourbon or rye whiskey. The flavor profile will change, but it will still be delicious.
- Simple Syrup: If you're out of simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat. Alternatively, you can use honey or agave nectar for a different sweetness.
- Lemon: If you're out of lemons, use limes for a different citrus twist.
Making a Pitcher of Whiskey Smash:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of bourbon, 6 oz of simple syrup, 4 lemons cut into wedges, and approximately 50 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, stir well and let it rest for 10-15 minutes for the flavor to infuse.
- Serve: Using a ladle, pour the mixture into individual Old Fashioned glasses (try to put some lemon wedges and mint leaves in each glass). Fill the glasses with ice cubes, garnish with a mint sprig and lemon wheel, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon or rye whiskey substitute; several on the market do a good job of mimicking the flavor. If you’re feeling crafty, you can also make your own bourbon substitute by infusing together rooibos tea and a bunch of spices of your liking (vanilla and cinnamon are always a good way to start). Mix all the ingredients together, add hot water, cover and let it infuse for at least 3h (the stronger the better, so if you have time let it infuse overnight. In that case, you can either let it rest in the fridge once the liquid has cooled down). Give it a taste, adjust the spice level if necessary and strain it once you’re happy with the result. Stored properly (in an airtight container in the fridge), this “tea-whiskey” can be kept for up to a week.
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of the regular bourbon or rye whiskey, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
The Whiskey Smash cocktail is naturally vegan as it doesn't contain any animal products. Most spirits, including Bourbon, are vegan-friendly. However, some brands may use animal products in their production process, especially if a filtration process is involved. Always check the brand's website or contact them directly to ensure their products are vegan.What is a Whiskey Smash?
A Whiskey Smash is a bourbon or rye whiskey based cocktail made of muddled lemon, mint leaves, sugar, and American whiskey. It’s not particularly difficult to make, but it does require some finesse in balancing the tartness of the lemon with the sweetness of the sugar and the robust flavor of the whiskey. The Whiskey Smash is a variant of the classic Mint Julep with added citrus notes from the lemon.
What is a Whiskey Smash made of – The ingredients
A Whiskey Smash can be made using these ingredients:
- Whiskey (Bourbon or Rye): The cocktail’s base spirit provides a robust and complex flavor.
- Fresh Lemon: Adds a tangy citrus note, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the whiskey’s flavor.
- Mint Leaves: Infuse the drink with a refreshing herbal aroma and taste.
- Simple Syrup: Sweetens the cocktail, complementing the whiskey’s strong character and the sourness of the lemon.
- Crushed Ice: Chills the drink, dilutes it slightly and adds texture.
