Blackberry Thyme Smash Cocktail Recipe

I love throwing together simple drinks that feel special—without spending all night on them. The blackberry thyme smash is one of my favorites. It’s got that perfect balance: fresh fruit, a touch of herbs, and a light, refreshing vibe. You’ll muddle blackberries, toss in thyme and lemon, add a splash of your chosen spirit, and end up with a summer cocktail that’s both easy and honestly kind of impressive.

No need for fancy bar gear or weird ingredients here. This recipe keeps things easy but still delivers a drink that looks gorgeous and tastes even better. After just a few steps, you’ll have a vibrant cocktail—ideal for warm evenings or whenever friends drop by.

Let me walk you through the recipe and share some tasting notes, so you know what you’re getting into before that first sip. Maybe it’ll even earn a spot in your regular cocktail lineup.

Blackberry Thyme Smash Cocktail Recipe

What I like most is how this drink brings together juicy blackberries, fresh herbs, and a punch of citrus for that sweet-tart thing. When you muddle the fruit, mix in syrup and spirits, it just turns into a super refreshing cocktail. It’s honestly a go-to for summer nights or casual hangouts.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I grab this to mix and chill everything at once.
• Muddler – This one’s key for smashing the blackberries and thyme to get those flavors out.
• Fine mesh strainer – I strain the mix to keep seeds and pulp out of my glass.
• Bar spoon – Sometimes I just stir instead of shake, depends on my mood.
• Jigger – I use this to keep the measurements on point.
• Rocks glass – I like pouring the drink over ice in a sturdy short glass.
• Small knife and cutting board – These are handy for slicing up lemons or limes.
• Ice scoop or tongs – I use these to add ice without melting it too fast.

Ingredients

• 6–8 fresh blackberries
• 2 oz bourbon, vodka, gin, or rum (I lean towards bourbon for that deeper flavor)
• 1 oz simple syrup (just equal parts sugar and water)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice or lime juice
• 2–3 sprigs of fresh thyme
• Club soda for topping
• Ice cubes
• Optional: a few fresh mint leaves for garnish

I always try to grab ripe blackberries—they bring out the natural sweetness. The thyme? It adds this subtle herbal note that just works with the citrus.

Instructions

• Toss those blackberries and thyme into the shaker.
• Grab your muddler and smash until the berries let out their juice.
• Pour in your chosen spirit, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• Add ice and shake it up for about 15 seconds.
• Strain everything into a rocks glass filled with ice.
• Top with a splash of club soda for some fizz.
• Garnish with extra blackberries, thyme, or even a sprig of mint if you want.

I always give it a quick taste and tweak the syrup or citrus if it needs it.

Notes

Bourbon gives this drink a warm, rich base—definitely my pick most days. Vodka keeps things lighter, while gin brings a botanical edge. If I’m feeling sweet, rum makes it a bit softer.

If I want it tangier, I’ll just squeeze in a little more lemon or lime. For extra sweetness, I’ll muddle another blackberry or splash in more syrup.

When I make these for friends, I prep the simple syrup ahead of time so everything comes together fast. And I keep a bunch of ice on hand—this cocktail’s really at its best when it’s ice-cold.

Tasting Notes

I take that first sip and, wow, the deep berry flavor jumps out at me. The blackberries taste sweet, but there’s this little tart kick that keeps things in check.

Thyme brings in an herbal note—fresh, earthy, and not too much. It just kind of hangs out in the background, giving the cocktail a subtle depth I really appreciate.

A gentle citrus pop from the lemon comes through, too. That brightness keeps everything light and crisp, making it super easy to drink.

The texture is smooth, with a bit of pulp from the muddled berries. Honestly, I love how this makes it feel more homemade and real.

Flavor highlights I notice:

• Sweetness: ripe blackberry
• Herbal: fresh thyme
• Citrus: light lemon zing
• Balance: fruit and herbs working together

After I finish a sip, a soft berry sweetness stays on my tongue, with just a little thyme hanging around. It’s refreshing—not heavy at all.