Drink More Bourbon recipe
Bourbon Smash
A refreshing mix of bourbon, muddled lemon and mint served over cracked ice.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 4–5 fresh lemon wedges
- 5–6 fresh mint leaves
- Mint sprig, for garnish
Instructions
- Gently muddle the lemon wedges, mint leaves and simple syrup in a shaker.
- Add the bourbon and ice, then shake until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish with mint.
Best bourbon style
A fruit-forward bourbon complements the lemon while enough proof keeps the whiskey noticeable.
Tips and substitutions
Muddle the mint gently; crushing it aggressively can introduce bitterness.
About this cocktail
The Bourbon Smash is bright, minty, and easygoing without hiding the whiskey. Fresh lemon wedges bring both juice and fragrant citrus oils, while simple syrup rounds off the tart edge and helps the mint feel cooling rather than sharp. Bourbon gives the drink its weight: caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice sit underneath the lemon and herbs, making it more layered than a basic sour but still refreshing. It is a great warm-weather cocktail, but it also works whenever you want something lively and unfussy. Served over ice in a rocks glass, it feels casual enough for a backyard hangout and polished enough for a pre-dinner drink. The key to its balance is restraint: just enough sweetness, a gentle hand with the mint, and enough bourbon character to stay present through the citrus and dilution.
Choosing your bourbon
Choose a bourbon with enough proof to remain noticeable after shaking and serving over ice. Something in the 90–100 proof range is a dependable sweet spot: strong enough to carry through the lemon and mint, but not so hot that it overwhelms the drink. A fruit-forward bourbon works especially well, bringing notes of cherry, orange, peach, or baked apple that echo the fresh lemon. Higher-corn bourbons can make the cocktail softer and sweeter, while a higher-rye mash bill adds peppery structure and keeps the finish crisp. Avoid anything too delicate, since the muddled citrus and mint can easily take over.
Make it your own
You can adjust the Bourbon Smash without turning it into a different drink. For a tarter version, use a slightly larger lemon wedge or muddle a bit more firmly to release extra juice. For a softer, rounder cocktail, add a touch more simple syrup, especially if your lemons are very sharp. Try rich simple syrup for a fuller texture, or use honey syrup for a warmer flavor that still keeps the drink fresh. A few seasonal berries can be muddled with the lemon for a fruitier smash, and a small splash of soda water after straining can make it lighter and more highball-like while preserving the bourbon, lemon, and mint core.
Serving tips
A rocks glass with plenty of fresh ice keeps the drink cold and slows dilution. Cracked ice gives the Bourbon Smash a frosty, casual feel, while one large cube will dilute more slowly if you prefer a stronger sip. Slap the mint sprig gently before garnishing to wake up its aroma, then place it near the rim so you smell it as you drink. If making several, muddle and shake in small rounds rather than overworking a large batch of mint, which can turn bitter.
