Blackberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe

A Blackberry Bourbon Smash is a tasty summer drink. It mixes fresh blackberries with bourbon whiskey. The cocktail is sweet, tangy, and refreshing.

This easy recipe uses just a few simple ingredients. Muddled blackberries give the drink its pretty purple color. Bourbon adds warmth and depth. Meanwhile, lemon juice brings a bright citrus note.

The Blackberry Bourbon Smash is great for parties or sipping on the porch. It’s a fun twist on classic bourbon cocktails. The recipe can be scaled up to make a big batch for gatherings.

Blackberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe

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This tasty drink mixes bourbon with fresh blackberries for a fruity summer cocktail. It’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.

John

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Serving Size 1

Equipment

• Muddler
• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer
• Old fashioned glass
• Ice

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make one cocktail:

• 2 oz bourbon whiskey
• 6-8 fresh blackberries
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• Ice
• Club soda
• Mint sprig and blackberry for garnish

Use a good quality bourbon for the best flavor. You can adjust the simple syrup to make it sweeter or less sweet.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make the cocktail:

• Add blackberries and simple syrup to a glass. Then, muddle until berries are crushed.
• Add bourbon, lemon juice, and ice to a shaker. Shake for 10-15 seconds.
• Strain the mixture into the glass with muddled berries.
• Top with a splash of club soda.
• Stir gently to mix.
• Garnish with a mint sprig and blackberry.

Serve right away while cold. The crushed blackberries will settle to the bottom, so stir before drinking.

Notes

You can swap out the blackberries for other berries like raspberries or strawberries. For a non-alcoholic version, use ginger ale instead of bourbon and club soda.

Make sure to use fresh berries for the best flavor. Frozen berries won’t muddle as well. This drink is best enjoyed in summer when blackberries are in season.

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Tasting Notes

The Blackberry Bourbon Smash offers a mix of sweet and tart flavors. Bourbon brings a warm, oaky base with hints of vanilla and caramel. Meanwhile, fresh blackberries add a burst of fruity sweetness and a touch of tartness.

Muddled mint leaves give the cocktail a cool, refreshing quality. The lemon juice balances the sweetness with bright citrus notes. Simple syrup smooths out the drink, tying all the flavors together.

When sipped, the cocktail starts with the rich bourbon taste. This is followed by the juicy blackberry flavor. Then, the mint and lemon provide a crisp finish. The drink has a pleasant, slightly thick texture from the muddled fruit.

The Blackberry Bourbon Smash is best enjoyed cold. As the ice melts, it softens the flavors slightly. This makes for a drink that evolves as you sip it.

Substitute

If blackberries aren’t available, other berries can work well in this cocktail. Raspberries or blueberries are good options that pair nicely with bourbon.

Frozen berries can be used when fresh ones are out of season.

For a non-alcoholic version, replace the bourbon with apple juice or ginger ale. This creates a fruity mocktail that’s still refreshing.

Honey or agave nectar can substitute for simple syrup. These natural sweeteners add unique flavors to complement the berries and bourbon.

No mint on hand? Try basil leaves instead. Basil provides a different herbal note that works with the other ingredients.

Here’s a quick substitution guide:

• Blackberries → Raspberries or blueberries
• Bourbon → Apple juice or ginger ale (for non-alcoholic)
• Simple syrup → Honey or agave nectar
• Mint → Basil

Experimenting with these swaps can create new flavor combinations. The basic recipe structure stays the same, allowing for easy customization based on preferences or available ingredients.