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Learn how to make a Whiskey Smash that’s bright and refreshing with the perfect balance of sweet and tart. This cocktail recipe is easy 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 perfect 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 just didn’t want to mess with that. A smash (as opposed to the sour) also has the addition of mint in it, which I LOVE. Mint in cocktails just screams summer to me and for that reason, I have a giant pot of mint growing on our patio!
Reasons you’ll love this recipe
- Only 4 ingredients and ready in just 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 must try! It’s made with simple ingredients, and the bright flavor of the lemon with the refreshing taste of mint makes it dangerously easy 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 definitely recommend fresh lemon juice for the best 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 favorite.
- 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 delicious! 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 classic bourbon cocktail recipe is SO easy. In less than 5 minutes, you can be sipping on a citrusy drink. Here are the simple steps:
- Muddle: In the bottom of a shaker or glass, muddle the lemon and mint so that you release the juice and flavors.
- Add remaining ingredients: Pour in the bourbon and simple syrup and then about a cup of ice.
- Shake: Cover the top and shake about 30 times, and until the cocktail is fully combined and nice and cold.
- 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 super cold, a mason jar with a lid does the trick really 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 just use a wooden spoon to mash the fruit and herbs together if you don’t have one.
Frequently asked questions
A whiskey smash has a cool, refreshing flavor from the mint and the lemon with a hint of vanilla and caramel from the bourbon. It’s smooth and easy to drink – great for someone trying whiskey for the first time.
A smash is a cocktail that has herbs and fruit muddled together and then combined with some type of alcohol. These are very popular in the summer because of the common use of fresh ingredients, especially mint.
A mint julep is made with whiskey bourbon, simple syrup and mint but does not include the fresh lemon.
Other great cocktails to try:
- Classic Gin and Tonic
- Classic Mojito
- Grapefruit Margaritas
- Bellini- THREE different ways
- Watermelon White Wine Slushie
- Margarita Popsicles
- Mango Wine Slushie
Whiskey Smash
Ingredients
- ½ medium lemon, cut into wedges (plus more for garnish)*
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 5 mint leaves
- ice
Instructions
- In the bottom of a shaker or glass, muddle the lemon and mint so that you release the juice and flavors.1/2 medium lemon, 5 mint leaves
- Add in the bourbon and simple syrup and then about a cup of ice.1 oz simple syrup, 2 ounces bourbon, ice
- Cover the top and shake about 30 times.
- Strain into a small glass filled with ice and garnish with extra mint and lemon. ENJOY!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Thanks for a great whiskey drink! We really enjoyed it.
so glad you liked it! This is one of my all time favorite cocktails!
This is awesome! I always wanted to know how to make some different cocktails.