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Japanese Smash Cocktail Drink

The Japanese Smash Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Make The Japanese Smash recipe perfect for spring! Blend Japanese Whisky, mint, lemon, and sugar syrup for a refreshing cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 205

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Japanese Whisky
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • ¾ oz sugar syrup
  • 8-12 fresh mint leaves
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slice or mint sprig - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Rocks Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Shaker
  • Strainer & Fine-strainer

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your rocks glass with ice cubes, stir and set it aside.
  • Add Mint: In a shaker, place 8-12 fresh mint leaves.
  • Add Sugar Syrup: Add ¾ oz sugar syrup to the mix.
  • Add Lemon Juice: Measure and add 1 oz fresh lemon juice.
  • Add Whisky: Pour 2 oz Japanese Whisky into the shaker.
  • Add Ice: Fill your shaker with ice.
  • Shake Well: Shake the mixture well with ice until chilled.
  • Strain: Fine strain the cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over fresh ice.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a lemon slice or mint sprig.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Japanese Whisky: If you don't have Japanese Whisky, I've used bourbon for a richer flavor or rye whiskey for a spicier kick.
  • Lemon Juice: Lime juice can work in a pinch, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
  • Sugar Syrup: You can use honey syrup for a different sweetness profile; mix equal parts honey and warm water until dissolved.

Making a Pitcher of The Japanese Smash:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. Use 16 oz of Japanese Whisky, 8 oz of lemon juice, and 6 oz of sugar syrup.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, add a handful of mint leaves and muddle gently, and combine the Whisky, lemon juice, and sugar syrup. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled rocks glasses, garnish with lemon slices or mint sprigs, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Whisky Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whisky alternative; these are available and mimic the flavor profile nicely.
  • Proceed As Usual: Replace the Whisky with the non-alcoholic substitute and follow the original steps for a refreshing mocktail.

Making it Vegan:

The recipe is vegan-friendly, using plant-based ingredients like mint and lemon juice. Just ensure your sugar syrup is made from vegan sugar if needed.