Blackberry Bourbon Smash recipes
This recipe crafts a refreshing Blackberry Bourbon Smash, a vibrant cocktail combining muddled fresh blackberries and mint with the warmth of bourbon, bright lemon juice, and a fizzy finish of club soda. It's a quick and easy drink to prepare, perfect for warm evenings or as a sophisticated mixer, offering a balanced blend of fruity, herbal, and spirited notes in under 10 minutes.
Equipment
- 1 Muddler
- 1 Cocktail Shaker Or mixing glass
- 1 Jigger For precise measurement
- 2 Rocks Glasses
- 1 Citrus Juicer For fresh lemon juice
Ingredients
Main
- 10-15 blackberries muddled
- 8-10 mint leaves muddled
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 oz bourbon
- 3 oz club soda
Instructions
- Place 10-15 blackberries, 8-10 mint leaves, and 2 tsp sugar into a cocktail shaker.
- Gently muddle the ingredients to release the blackberry juices and mint aromatics, being careful not to over-muddle the mint.
- Add 1 oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 3 oz of bourbon to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Fill two serving glasses with fresh ice, preferably crushed ice for better chilling and dilution.
- Strain the cocktail mixture from the shaker into the prepared glasses.
- Top each glass with 3 oz of club soda.
- Gently stir each drink to combine the club soda with the muddled ingredients.
- Garnish each Blackberry Bourbon Smash with a few extra fresh blackberries and a sprig of mint before serving.
Notes
For optimal flavor, always use fresh, ripe blackberries and freshly squeezed lemon juice. When muddling the mint, be gentle; a few presses are enough to release its essential oils without introducing bitterness. Over-muddling the mint is a common pitfall. Conversely, ensure the blackberries are thoroughly muddled to extract their vibrant juice and flavor. Adjust the sugar level to complement the sweetness of your berries and your personal palate. Serve this smash over crushed ice for ideal chilling and a pleasant dilution. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a couple of whole blackberries for an appealing presentation. A high-quality bourbon will significantly elevate the cocktail's profile.