Bold bourbon and sweet blackberries make for a perfect pairing in this Blackberry Bourbon Smash. It’s easy to make and can be customized with whatever ingredients you have on-hand.
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About this Blackberry Bourbon Smash recipe
If you haven’t made a smash recipe yet, what are you waiting for? They are simple, versatile and so tasty!
Some people find them to be intimidating because nothing about a smash cocktail is set in stone. That’s why I love them! There’s nothing worse than getting ready to mix a drink and finding out you’re missing a key ingredient.
This Blackberry Bourbon Smash uses blackberries for a sweet-tart bite that compliments bold bourbon. Mint adds an extra bit of brightness that’s perfectly refreshing on hot days. These sips would be perfect at summer cookouts, spring celebrations and really almost any occasion.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Uses limited ingredients. You don’t need a lot to craft a delicious drink! Since the recipe is flexible, you can use what you already have.
- Quick and approachable to make. Smashes are simple cocktails that don’t require any special bartending skills.
- So refreshing. One of these in hand is the perfect way to beat the heat.
Ingredients & essentials
As you’d imagine from the name, bourbon is the most common spirit for this cocktail. If you already have a favorite bottle on your bar cart, use that! If you’re in search of a new option, some famous brands are Old Forester, Maker’s Mark and Four Roses — but there are plenty of good choices out there. You may need to taste test a few options and discover which one you like best.
Don’t miss Bourbon 101 where you can learn more about my favorite brands and bottles to buy.
Fresh blackberries will give you the most flavor in your drink, although frozen would work in a pinch (just thaw them first). I love when fresh berries are available at my local farmer’s market because they seem to be sweeter than what I can find at the store.
I used mint to add another layer of flavor and complexity in my cocktail. 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, but you can definitely grab some at the store too.
A citrus juicer * is one of a bartender’s favorite tools. This recipe uses lemon juice —squeezing it fresh will give you the best flavor since it lacks the bitterness that store-bought can have.
Simple syrup is an easy way to add a touch of sweetness to your drinks. I opted for brown sugar syrup for a deeper flavor, but you can use a different variation like sugar-free, blackberry or even mint syrup if it sounds better to you.
Instructions
If you’ve made the classic whiskey smash (or its tasty strawberry variation), you’ll know that they come together quickly! This blackberry cocktail is no different. Just make sure you have a batch of brown sugar syrup ready before you start — you can also add an ice cube to a fresh batch so it’s cool before you mix.
👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
- First, add your blackberries, lemon juice, syrup and mint to a cocktail shaker *. Muddle everything together.
- Add the bourbon and ice to your cocktail shaker *. Shake vigorously.
Stir it slowly. For drinks with crushed ice, don’t stir too vigorously. It can cause the ice to melt more quickly which will dilute your drink.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with blackberries and a sprig of mint.
Tips & tricks
- If you prefer a smoother drink, you can strain before you sip. A second strain will leave you with an even smoother final result.
- Add some bubbles with a splash of ginger beer, ginger ale, seltzer water or club soda. It helps if the original recipe is too strong for your tastes.
- Play around with the flavors to decide what tastes best to you, exploring different berries and herbs.
Serving suggestions
When serving this drink, use a blackberry 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 baked brie with walnuts or a shareable charcuterie tray would be tasty for a warm weather gathering starring this cocktail.
If you’re hoping to offer another drink option alongside this blackberry bourbon smash, blackberry 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, and I like when I can match the flavor profiles to keep some continuity in the menu.
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 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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Blackberry Bourbon Smash
ingredients
Brown Sugar Syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup water
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
- 4 to 5 blackberries plus 2 for garnish
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 ounce brown sugar syrup
- 10 to 12 fresh mint leaves
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- Ice for shaking and serving
- 1 sprig fresh mint for garnish
instructions
Brown sugar syrup
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar and water. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using. Makes about ¾ cup.½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup water
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the blackberries, lemon juice, brown sugar syrup and mint leaves together.4 to 5 blackberries, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, 1 ounce brown sugar syrup, 10 to 12 fresh mint leaves
- Add the bourbon and ice. Shake vigorously.2 ounces bourbon whiskey, Ice
- Strain into a rocks glass * filled with crushed ice. Garnish with 2 blackberries and a sprig of mint.4 to 5 blackberries, 1 sprig fresh mint
notes
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Jeff says
Can’t wait to try some fresh ideas !!