A classic smash cocktail is effortlessly customizable, and this Strawberry Bourbon Smash is the perfect variation for summertime sipping. It’s full of flavor and comes together in a snap!
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About this Strawberry Bourbon Smash recipe
I love a good smash recipe. Why? They’re so simple, with nothing set in stone, leaving you with a world of possibilities. Change up the ingredients you use to create a totally different drink depending on what you have on hand (or what sounds good).
This strawberry version is the perfect thing to sip when the weather is warm. Fresh berries bring their bright color and flavor to the drink while basil brings a freshness that is simply stunning. The sweet and savory is a perfect balance to bold bourbon, making this a crushable drink for hot days.
Sometimes I make it with mint, too! As with any recipe, I encourage you to play with the drink until it hits all the right notes for you. Don’t forget plenty of ice!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It’s easy to make. Just a few ingredients come together in minutes so you’re ready to enjoy your drink.
- Effortlessly refreshing. Sip, savor and beat the summer heat with one of these in hand.
- Perfect for any occasion. From a simple happy hour to a summer celebration, this drink is easy to scale for a crowd.
Ingredients & essentials
👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
This Strawberry Bourbon Smash doesn’t need much. You’ll want to use fresh strawberries, although frozen would work in a pinch (just thaw them first). I love when strawberries are available at my local farmer’s market, they seem to be sweeter than what I can find at the store.
Fresh basil is another must. If you’ve got a green thumb, keeping a cocktail herb garden is a great way to ensure you always have fresh ingredients for your drinks. Otherwise, just add basil to your shopping list. Fresh mint is totally fine too!
As stated in the name, bourbon is most common for this cocktail. If you already have a favorite bottle on your bar cart *, that works well! If you’re in search of a new option, some famous brands are Old Forester, Maker’s Mark and Four Roses — but the list can go on and on. You may need to taste test a few options and discover which one you like best.
Don’t miss Whiskey 101 where you can learn more about which bottles to buy.
Simple syrup is an easy way to add a touch of sweetness to your drinks. I opted for regular simple syrup, but you can use a different variation like sugar-free or a flavored syrup if it sounds better to you.
Instructions
Like the classic whiskey smash, this version comes together in a snap!
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- First, add strawberries and basil to a cocktail shaker *.
- Top with honey syrup and lemon juice. (Lime juice works, too!)
- Smash everything together, pressing down gently but firmly with the muddler.
- Once you have a liquid-like pulp with few solid pieces remaining, you can stop muddling.
- Next, add your bourbon and some ice.
- Shake vigorously to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice and strain the cocktail over top. (You may need to double strain it if you don’t like pulp.)
- Give everything a gentle stir, garnish with a berry and a basil sprig. Enjoy!
Keep it cool. When using crushed ice, don’t stir too vigorously. It can cause the ice to melt more quickly which will dilute your drink.
Tips & tricks
- If you prefer a smoother drink, you can strain before you sip.
- Add some bubbles with a splash of ginger beer, ginger ale, seltzer water or club soda.
- Play around with the flavors to decide what tastes best to you.
Serving suggestions
When serving this drink, use a slice of strawberry and a mint sprig as a garnish. They add both color and flavor to the drink. If you find it to be a little bit too spirit forward, add a few bubbles in the form of ginger beer, ginger ale, club soda or seltzer water.
Foods high in fat and salt compliment bourbon, bringing out the rich notes in the spirit. Something like bacon wrapped dates or a shareable cheese would be tasty for a summer gathering starring this cocktail.
If you’re hoping to offer another drink option alongside this strawberry bourbon smash, strawberry lemonade is light, bright and booze-free. Whenever I’m entertaining, I prefer to have at least one mocktail available so those who prefer not to drink aren’t stuck with just water.
FAQ
If you already have a favorite bottle, use that! If you’re in search of a new option, you’ll want to do some taste testing to find what you like. Some famous brands to try are Old Forester, Maker’s Mark and Four Roses.
Another type of whiskey would work as well — Scotch whisky and Japanese whisky will have a smokier flavor, while rye whiskey (also called Canadian whisky) will have a sharper bite. Irish whiskey is very balanced and helps you highlight the fruit and herbs in the drink.
Whiskey smashes are simple cocktails made with herbs, fresh fruit, a sweetener and whiskey, usually bourbon.
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Strawberry Bourbon Smash
ingredients
- 3 whole strawberries diced
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 ounce honey syrup
- 4 to 6 leaves fresh basil
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- 6 pieces ice cubes for shaking
- 1 cup crushed ice for serving
- 1 whole strawberry sliced, for garnish
- 1 sprig basil for garnish
instructions
- In a cocktail shaker *, muddle strawberries, lemon juice, honey syrup and basil together.3 whole strawberries, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, 1 ounce honey syrup, 4 to 6 leaves fresh basil
- Add bourbon and ice. Shake vigorously.2 ounces bourbon whiskey, 6 pieces ice cubes
- Strain into a rocks glass * filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a strawberry slice and a sprig of basil.1 cup crushed ice, 1 whole strawberry, 1 sprig basil
notes
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Jenna Griffin says
This looks so delicious and refreshing! YUM!
Susannah says
Thanks so much, Jenna! It totally is. Hope all is well with you! Thanks so much for your comment.
Kristin says
I love this take on the mint julep. I don’t like regular juleps unless I add a ton of sugar, so the strawberry might give it the extra sweetness I need! Can’t wait to try it!
Susannah says
Oh yes, I’m actually the same way! The strawberries are great in this. I think you’ll love it, Kristin. Thanks so much for stopping by the blog!