Whiskey Smash for the Table

Learn how to make a Whiskey Smash that’s bright and refreshing with the reliable balance of sweet and tart. This cocktail recipe is unfussy to make with a mix of bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and fresh mint. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a sprig of mint and you’ll have the reliable drink for happy hour!

I’m relatively new to drinking Whiskey Smash cocktails but after trying one at home for the first time a few months ago, I’m HOOKED! Like legit obsessed! It’s the first bourbon cocktail I’ve ever truly loved and I’m excited for you to try it.

I had originally set out to make a whiskey sour until I realized that it traditionally has egg white in it and I simply didn’t want to mess with that. A smash (as opposed to the sour) also has the addition of mint in it, which A REGULAR HERE. Mint in cocktails simply screams summer to me and for that reason, I have a giant pot of mint growing on our patio!

Reasons you’ll love this method

• Only 4 ingredients and ready in simply 5 minutes!
• Refreshing flavors from the lemon and mint.
• Strong but well balanced with a simple mix of bourbon, fresh fruit, simple syrup and mint.
• No fancy equipment or ingredients needed!

If you love lemon cocktails as much as I do, try this vodka sour next! And for a holiday version of this whiskey smash recipe, you’ll love this apple cider cocktail!

Ingredients you’ll need

If you’re new to whiskey drinks, this whiskey smash recipe is a worth making! It’s made with simple ingredients, and the bright flavor of the lemon with the refreshing taste of mint makes it dangerously straightforward to drink! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Lemons: To make each drink, you’ll need about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. I certainly recommend fresh lemon juice for the go-to flavor.
• Mint leaves: Muddled mint leaves gives the drink its signature cool, refreshing taste.
• Bourbon whiskey: I’ve tried this cocktail with a few different brands of bourbon and they all came out great, so use any go-to.
• Simple syrup: The sweetener that will balance out the bourbon and the tart lemon juice. Use my 2-ingredient simple syrup recipe!

Variations and substitutions

• Try this drink with vodka instead of bourbon for a vodka smash!
• In a pinch you can substitute an equal amount of honey or agave for the simple syrup.
• Change the flavor with the addition of extra fruit. You could muddle some blood orange wedges with the lemon and mint, which would be satisfying! Or, try my pomegranate smash, which has the addition of pomegranate juice. It’s a good one for holiday entertaining!

How to make a whiskey smash

This familiar bourbon cocktail recipe is SO straightforward. In less than 5 minutes, you can be sipping on a citrusy drink. Here are the simple steps:

1. Muddle: In the bottom of a shaker or glass, muddle the lemon and mint so that you release the juice and flavors.
2. Add remaining ingredients: Pour in the bourbon and simple syrup and then about a cup of ice.
3. Shake: Cover the top and shake about 30 times, and until the cocktail is fully combined and nice and cold.
4. Serve: Strain the liquid into a small glass filled with ice and garnish with additional mint and a lemon wedge. ENJOY!

Helpful tips

• To dilute the drink: If this cocktail turns out a bit strong, you can dilute it with a splash of club soda or even something like Sprite or Fresca.
• Cocktail shaker: If you don’t have a cocktail shaker to shake up this beverage and make it especially cold, a mason jar with a lid does the trick genuinely well. Then, use a fine mesh strainer to strain the liquid into your glass.
• A muddler: The muddler is used to “smash” the lemon and mint together to release their flavor. You can simply use a wooden spoon to mash the fruit and herbs together if you don’t have one.

Frequently asked questions

Other great cocktails to try:

• Familiar Gin and Tonic
• Familiar Mojito
• Grapefruit Margaritas
• Bellini- THREE different ways
• Watermelon White Wine Slushie
• Margarita Popsicles
• Mango Wine Slushie