Looking for a refreshing summer cocktail that’s easy to make and, honestly, just plain delicious? The Blackberry Smash Cocktail brings together sweet, juicy fruit and your favorite spirits for a weekend drink that’s hard to beat.

This simple, elegant cocktail only asks for a few things: fresh blackberries, mint leaves, simple syrup, lemon juice, and either bourbon or vodka. That’s it.

The Blackberry Smash fits right in at casual hangouts or fancier occasions. That deep purple color is a showstopper, and the sweet berry-citrus combo? It’s balanced, crowd-pleasing, and honestly, people tend to come back for a second round.

Blackberry Smash Cocktail Recipe

This one’s all about fresh blackberries muddled with mint and bourbon. It’s a summer drink, for sure, but honestly, it’s good whenever the mood strikes. The sweet-tart thing it has going on just works, especially on warm evenings.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Muddler (wooden or metal)
Cocktail shaker

Strainer
Rocks glass
Jigger or measuring tool

Bar spoon
Ice bucket
Cocktail picks (for garnish)

Ingredients

8-10 fresh blackberries plus extra for garnish
6-8 mint leaves
2 oz bourbon

3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Soda water optional

Ice cubes
Mint sprig for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the glass: Fill a rocks glass with ice and set it aside for now.

Muddle the berries: Toss blackberries and mint leaves into your cocktail shaker. Gently muddle—enough to get juice and mint oil out, but don’t pulverize everything to mush.
Add remaining ingredients: Pour in your bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Add ice and shake: Fill the shaker with ice. Give it a good, vigorous shake for 15-20 seconds, until the shaker feels frosty on the outside.

Strain and serve: Strain into your prepared rocks glass. If you like things a little rustic, let some muddled berries sneak through.
Finish the drink: Splash some soda water on top if you want. Garnish with a few fresh blackberries and a mint sprig for a nice touch.

Notes

Feel free to tweak this recipe. Want it sweeter? Add more simple syrup. Craving more berry flavor? Just up the blackberry count.

If bourbon’s not your thing, swap in vodka or gin. Even white rum can work surprisingly well with blackberries.

For a non-alcoholic version, try apple juice or ginger ale instead of bourbon, and maybe an extra squeeze of lemon to keep things bright.

Best enjoyed right after you make it, while everything’s fresh and vibrant. If you want to prep ahead, muddle the berries and mint a few hours early, then add the rest when it’s time to serve.

Must Have Ingredients

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Tasting Notes

The Blackberry Smash is all about that refreshing, sweet-tart punch. Blackberries give it a lush, fruity base, and the lemon keeps things lively.

First sip? You’ll catch the bourbon’s warm, caramel notes mingling with the blackberry. The mint brings a cool, almost breezy finish—definitely a summer vibe.

Flavor profile:

Primary: Ripe blackberry, bourbon warmth
Secondary: Bright citrus, fresh mint
Finish: Sweet with a little tartness

The texture is smooth but not heavy. As the ice melts, it softens the drink and actually brings out more of the berry flavor. Kind of fun how it evolves as you sip.

Food-wise, this cocktail loves company. Try it with grilled chicken, soft cheeses, dark chocolate desserts, or a fresh fruit tart if you’re feeling fancy.

The look? Deep purple, with flecks of muddled blackberry and mint swirling around—honestly, it’s as pretty as it is tasty.

For the best experience, serve it up in a rocks glass packed with crushed ice. Not too cold, though—if it’s freezing, you lose some of those nice fruit and bourbon notes.

Substitute

If you don’t have blackberries for a Blackberry Smash cocktail, don’t worry! There are actually a bunch of fruits that can step in pretty well.

Berry Substitutions:

Raspberries
Blueberries
Strawberries

Mixed berries

Sure, these will tweak the flavor a bit, but honestly, the drink still keeps that juicy, fruity vibe.

And if you’re out of bourbon, that’s not a dealbreaker either.

No fresh mint on hand? You could try basil. It’s not the same, but it brings its own lovely aroma.

Looking for a non-alcoholic version? Just swap the bourbon for one of these:

Black tea

Apple juice
Non-alcoholic whiskey alternative

Oh, and the sweetener—doesn’t have to be simple syrup every time.

Honey
Maple syrup
Agave nectar

Blackberry Smash Cocktail Recipe