Blackberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe

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Sweet blackberries and smooth bourbon come together in a refreshing cocktail perfect for warm spring and summer days.

The Blackberry Bourbon Smash combines fresh muddled blackberries, mint leaves, and bourbon with a splash of lemon juice for a drink that’s fruity and strong.

This simple cocktail takes less than 5 minutes to make and needs just a few basic ingredients.

The dark purple color and fresh mint garnish make it an eye-catching drink for parties, barbecues, or relaxing on the patio.

The recipe works with any bourbon, but higher quality spirits give better results.

Fresh blackberries are best. You can use frozen ones if fresh are unavailable.

Tasting Notes

The Blackberry Bourbon Smash delivers bold bourbon notes upfront, followed by sweet and tart blackberry flavors.

Fresh mint adds a cooling touch that balances the drink’s richness.

The cocktail has a deep purple-red color and a silky texture.

Ice dilution brings out subtle vanilla and caramel notes from the bourbon.

Primary Flavors:

• Bourbon: Oak and vanilla
• Blackberries: Sweet-tart berry
• Mint: Cool and refreshing
• Simple syrup: Balanced sweetness

Each sip starts with the bourbon’s warmth and ends with bright fruit and herb notes.

The crushed ice creates a frosty coating that keeps the drink cold and refreshing.

The aroma combines fresh berries, mint, and bourbon’s oak scent.

As the ice melts, the flavors blend smoothly without becoming watery.

A gentle stir before drinking helps mix the muddled berries and ensures the best taste experience.

Substitute

You can swap blackberries for other berries in this cocktail.

Raspberries or blueberries work well and provide similar sweet-tart flavors.

If you don’t have bourbon, try rye whiskey or Tennessee whiskey instead.

Both spirits mix nicely with berries and keep the drink’s character.

You can replace fresh mint with basil leaves.

The herb adds a different but pleasant aromatic note to the cocktail.

For a non-alcoholic version:

• Replace bourbon with apple juice or black tea
• Keep the berries, mint, and lemon juice
• Add extra club soda

Simple syrup substitutes:

• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Agave nectar

Club soda alternatives include:

• Ginger ale (adds sweetness)
• Tonic water (adds bitterness)
• Sparkling water

The drink tastes best with fresh berries, but frozen berries work if you let them thaw slightly before muddling.

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