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This classic Bourbon smash made with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup is the perfect 4-ingredient cocktail to mix up with a hint of fresh mint! I think it’s the perfect happy hour tipple for Bourbon-lovers everywhere, and I’ve included options for both a classic serve and a more modern variation which I think is easier to drink!
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.
Why This Bourbon Smash Will Be Your New Fave Summer Cocktail!
- If you love Bourbon this Bourbon Smash is the perfect summer cocktail as a classic alternative to the more common Mint Julip. It has plenty of lemon juice to balance out the smoky flavors of your favorite Bourbon, sugar syrup for sweetness, and fresh mint for an aromatic edge that makes the drink taste really fresh.
- I’ve included directions for the classic serve where whole lemon wedges are muddled so you can get the slightly bitter flavor of the zest as well as the juice, and also for a more modern version which you strain so there are no bits in your glass (one of my biggest issues with the classic version!), and which is perfect for batching ahead ready to shake with ice just before serving — great for entertaining!
What I Learned Testing This Recipe
- Be gentle muddling the fresh mint. You want to bruise the leaves so they release their oils (therefore flavors!), but you don’t want to mash them as taking things too far can make your drink bitter. Been there, done that!
- I made a fresh fruit version which was really good! I muddled ripe peach in the bottom of the shaker along with the lemon, but blackberries and cherries I think would also work with the flavors of the Bourbon.
- If you’re making the modern version, shake the cocktail shaker until it is too cold to hold before straining. This is the best way to make sure the drink is as cold as possible! Also, for either version you can freeze your glasses before mixing the drink.
Ingredients
Bourbon – As is the case with almost all 3-ingredient cocktails, you can really taste the bourbon in this one so use a good quality one you love the taste of!
Simple syrup – You can buy this pre-made or online, but I prefer to make my own by dissolving equal parts sugar in water then leaving it to cool before mixing the drink. Leftovers will keep in a clean jar in the refrigerator to make more cocktails for up to 1 month. Make it with brown sugar for more of a fall flavor.
Lemon – Fresh only here, no bottled juice!
Fresh mint – This is what elevates this cocktail from being just something you’ve mixed at home to bartender-worthy. Make sure your mint leaves are totally fresh and have no brown bits which will muddy the flavor of the drink.
Serving Suggestions
This bourbon smash calls out for elegant yet still playful snacks like bacon-wrapped dates, Boursin dip or my perfect deviled eggs with bacon for the perfect at-home happy hour!
Frequently Asked Questions
I usually prefer spearmint for cocktails because it has a softer, sweeter flavor. Peppermint can be much more intense and menthol-forward, but will still make a delicious drink.
Yes you can! That way you won’t get any bits in your drink, but you will get the flavor from the lemon peel in your drink. Honestly, I prefer a strained drink, but I wanted to include the classic version as I know some people prefer it.
Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions or variations listed are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.
Bourbon Smash Cocktail
Equipment
- cocktail muddler
- swizzle spoon for the classic serve
- cocktail shaker with strainer for the modern serve
Ingredients
- 2 fluid ounces bourbon
- ¾ fluid ounces simple syrup see notes
- ½ lemon cut into wedges
- 8 mint leaves plus an extra sprig of mint, for garnish
- ice for the cocktail shaker and to serve
Instructions
Traditional Method
- Muddle the lemon wedges and mint in the bottom of the serving glass. Add the Bourbon, simple syrup, and ice. Swizzle or use a spoon to incorporate. Garnish and serve.
Modern Method
- Muddle the mint in the bottom of the cocktail shaker. Combine the Bourbon, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Shake for fifteen seconds, or until the cocktail is well chilled. Double strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass. Garnish and serve.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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