Blackberry Bourbon Smash

Tips for the Perfect Smash

Muddling is the key to unlocking all that bright berry and mint flavor. Press gently—you want to release the juices and oils, not pulverize the seeds into bitterness. If your blackberries aren’t at peak ripeness, add an extra teaspoon of simple syrup to balance the tartness. For a bolder mint presence, slap a few extra leaves between your palms before dropping them in the glass. And always taste before serving: a splash more club soda can tame a too-strong bourbon, while a squeeze of lime brightens a flat finish.

Ways to Switch It Up

Swap the bourbon for rye whiskey if you want a spicier, drier backbone—it plays beautifully with the blackberry’s sweetness. For a smoky twist, use mezcal instead of bourbon; the earthy smoke pairs surprisingly well with the mint and lime. If you’re avoiding alcohol, replace the bourbon with a strong brewed black tea (chilled) and add an extra ounce of club soda for fizz. And when blackberries aren’t in season, try raspberries or sliced strawberries—just adjust the simple syrup to match their natural sweetness.

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Blackberry Bourbon Smash

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Cuisine: American

Calories: 165

Ingredients

  

• 12 fresh blackberries
• 12 mint leaves
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• ice cubes
• 3 oz bourbon whiskey
• 2 tbsp simple syrup
• 2 oz club soda
• lime wedges for garnish

Equipment

• muddler
• 2 sturdy glasses
• measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

 

1. Divide the blackberries and mint leaves between two glasses. Pour half of the lime juice into each, then use a muddler (or the handle of a wooden spoon) to crush the fruit.
2. Fill each glass with ice cubes, then add 1.5 ounces of bourbon, an ounce of club soda, and a tablespoon of simple syrup to each.
3. Stir the cocktails and garnish with a wedge of lime and mint leaves. Taste and add more syrup or club soda, as desired.