Blueberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe

I’m always looking for easy ways to make a drink feel a little more special, and honestly, this Blueberry Bourbon Smash nails it. It’s fruity, a touch sweet, and the bourbon gives just enough warmth to balance out those fresh blueberries and mint.

This cocktail brings bold flavor and easy prep together—perfect for a backyard hangout or just a quiet night in.

You won’t need any fancy gadgets or hard-to-find ingredients. Just grab some fresh blueberries, a splash of lemon, and your favorite bourbon—this comes together in minutes.

What I love most is how you can tweak it. Want it sweeter? Go for it. Prefer a stronger kick? Easy.

As you mix, that deep color and fresh aroma really pop. Every sip blends bright fruit with smooth bourbon, and it’s honestly hard not to enjoy it any time of year.

Blueberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe

I usually make this when I’m craving something fruity but still want that bourbon backbone. The bourbon, lemon, and blueberries come together for a refreshing, balanced drink.

Good tools, fresh ingredients, and a little care with muddling really make a difference.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I use this to mix and chill everything evenly.
• Muddler – I crush the blueberries and basil for maximum flavor.
• Jigger – This keeps my pours consistent.
• Strainer – I strain out the pulp and seeds for a smooth pour.
• Rocks glass – I like serving it over ice in a sturdy glass.
• Bar spoon – I use this for gentle stirring after shaking.
• Fine mesh sieve (optional) – If I’m picky about texture, I’ll use this to catch blueberry skins.

Honestly, a sturdy muddler and a tight shaker make things way easier. Chilling the rocks glass helps keep it cold longer, too.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon (I usually reach for Woodford Reserve—it’s smooth)
• ½ oz simple syrup (store-bought or homemade, whatever’s handy)
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• 6–8 fresh blueberries (frozen works if that’s all I’ve got)
• 2–3 fresh basil leaves or mint leaves
• Ice cubes
• Club soda (optional, if you want it lighter)
• Lemon wedge and basil sprig for garnish

Simple syrup balances the tart lemon and bourbon. I prefer fresh blueberries for their color and flavor, but thawed frozen ones do the trick.

Instructions

• Toss the blueberries, basil leaves, and simple syrup into your cocktail shaker.
• Grab the muddler and gently mash everything until the berries burst and release their juice.
• Pour in the bourbon and lemon juice.
• Add ice, seal it up, and shake for about 10–15 seconds.
• Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
• Add a splash of club soda if you want it a bit lighter.
• Garnish with a lemon wedge and a basil sprig.

I usually shake just long enough to chill it—don’t overdo it or you’ll water it down. Muddling is really the key step here; it brings out that beautiful color and flavor.

Notes

Sometimes I swap basil for mint if I’m in the mood for a cooler, herbal vibe. Making simple syrup at home helps me tweak the sweetness exactly how I like.

If I remember, I’ll freeze some blueberries ahead of time and use them as ice cubes. That way, my drink stays cold but never gets watered down.

If I want more bourbon flavor, I just skip the club soda. This cocktail feels great year-round, but honestly, it’s especially nice on a hot summer day. The bourbon, lemon, and berries together give me serious whiskey smash vibes, just with a juicy twist.

Tasting Notes

Right away, I catch the sweet aroma of fresh blueberries. It’s light, fruity, and then that gentle bourbon warmth sneaks in. The smell alone kind of reminds me of late summer evenings—maybe that’s just me.

Once I sip, the balance of flavors really jumps out. Bourbon brings in soft oak and caramel, while those muddled blueberries add a bit of tartness. Lemon juice brightens everything up, but thankfully, it doesn’t push things into sour territory.

The texture feels smooth, and there’s a nice freshness from the mint. I love how the crushed ice chills it down and gives it a slightly slushy vibe—makes every sip go down easy, honestly.

On the finish, I get a lightly sweet touch with a bit of spice from the bourbon. It doesn’t hang around long, which actually makes it even more refreshing if you want to take your time with it.

Flavor highlights:

• Sweet blueberry
• Warm bourbon
• Fresh lemon
• Cool mint

Mouthfeel:\
Smooth, chilled, and just a little crisp from the ice.

Aroma:\
Fruity, with some mild oak and a hint of mint.