Looking for a cocktail that really brings out the boldness of bourbon but still feels refreshing? The Bald Eagle Bourbon Smash is all about that sweet-tart balance, and honestly, it’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

You only need bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a handful of fresh mint leaves—just muddle them together, pour it all over ice, and you’re set with a seriously good drink.

The Bald Eagle Bourbon Smash just works for summer parties, Fourth of July, or whenever you want a classic American cocktail with a name that’s kind of fun. There’s something about the flavors that appeals to both bourbon lovers and folks who don’t usually go for whiskey cocktails.

Bald Eagle Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe

This classic bourbon cocktail brings together fresh fruit, herbs, and America’s native spirit. It’s a solid pick for celebrations or just hanging out with friends.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Cocktail shaker
Muddler

Jigger or measuring cup
Strainer
Rocks glass

Ice
Bar spoon
Cutting Board

Knife

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon whiskey
3-4 fresh mint leaves

2 lemon wedges
1 orange slice
½ oz simple syrup

Splash of club soda
Ice cubes
Mint sprig and orange wheel for garnish

Simple Syrup Recipe:

1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Add mint leaves, lemon wedges, and orange slice to the cocktail shaker.

Gently muddle to release juices and essential oils without shredding the mint.
Pour in bourbon and simple syrup.
Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.

Strain mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with a splash of club soda.
Garnish with a mint sprig and orange wheel.

Don’t go overboard with the muddling—just enough to get the flavors out, but not so much the drink turns bitter. Shake it well; you want it cold and just a bit diluted. That last splash of club soda? It’s what gives the drink a little lift.

Notes

Swap in whatever fruit is in season—berries in summer, maybe apple and cinnamon in the fall. If you like it sweeter, just add a bit more simple syrup.

For parties, batch it up by multiplying the ingredients. Muddle the fruit and mint in advance, then mix everything in a pitcher. Wait to add ice and club soda until you’re about to serve.

Simple syrup keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks if you stash it in a sealed container. Want a spicy twist? Throw in a couple thin jalapeño slices while muddling (take out the seeds if you’re not into heat).

Must Have Ingredients

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Tasting Notes

The Bald Eagle Bourbon Smash is one of those drinks where sweet, sour, and strong just work together. Bourbon lays down that warm, oaky base with vanilla and caramel in the background.

The fresh mint is what makes it pop—there’s a cool, herbal thing going on that keeps the drink from getting too heavy. If you muddle the mint right, the aroma just floats out of the glass.

Lemon juice brings some needed acidity, so the cocktail never tips into “too sweet” territory.

Flavor Profile:

First Sip: Bourbon warmth with mint freshness
Mid-palate: Citrus tang with honey sweetness
Finish: Smooth, lingering bourbon with mint hints

If you swap in honey syrup instead of simple syrup, you’ll get a richer sweetness with a bit of floral in the mix. It actually pulls out the caramel in the bourbon even more.

Ice is more important than you’d think. As it melts, it softens the bourbon’s edge but keeps the drink’s personality intact.

Don’t forget about the aroma. The mint garnish isn’t just for looks—it sets up every sip with a fresh scent.

Honestly, the drink changes as you go. The flavors seem to meld together, and the mint gets stronger the longer it sits. Not a bad thing at all.

Substitute

If you don’t have Bourbon handy, there are other whiskeys you can use in the Bald Eagle Bourbon Smash cocktail.

Rye whiskey is a solid option, bringing a bit more spice to the mix. Tennessee whiskey? That’ll give you a smoother, almost mellow vibe.

Going for a non-alcoholic twist? Try apple juice with a splash of vanilla extract and a dash of bitters—just make sure they’re non-alcoholic if that’s your thing.

Instead of regular granulated sugar, you could swap in brown sugar or demerara sugar if you’re after a deeper, richer taste.

No fresh berries? Frozen ones will do the trick—just let them thaw out first.

If you’re not into super sweet drinks, try halving the simple syrup or go for a zero-calorie sweetener.

Bald Eagle Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe