I love stumbling on fun and easy drinks to whip up at home, especially around Halloween or whenever a spooky-themed party pops up. The Cemetery Smash cocktail is a simple, tasty recipe that’ll add a cool twist to your next get-together.
It only takes a handful of ingredients and some basic gear, so really—anyone can make it.
This drink looks unique and, honestly, a bit creepy—but it’s not hard to throw together. I dig how it mixes fruit flavors with a touch of herbs, so it’s refreshing and just a little mysterious.
If you’re after something a bit different to serve at your next hangout, this cocktail could totally be the centerpiece.
Cemetery Smash Cocktail Recipe
This Cemetery Smash cocktail brings together classic spirits, fruity flavors, and a hint of spice. I go for crushed ice, fresh lemon juice, and a splash of simple syrup for that balanced, refreshing vibe.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: I always shake this drink to get it super cold and blend the flavors.
- Muddler: Needed for mashing the mint and fruit.
- Jigger: Helps me measure out each ingredient exactly.
- Strainer: Catches fruit or mint bits when I pour the drink.
- Glass: I use an old fashioned or rocks glass.
- Bar spoon: Good for stirring after shaking.
- Ice crusher: If you don’t have one, a sturdy bag and rolling pin can break up the ice.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey (I sometimes use spiced rum if I want extra kick)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- ½ oz triple sec
- 3-4 blackberries or raspberries (fresh works best)
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
- Splash of ginger beer
- Lemon wheel or extra mint for garnish
- Optional: substitute gin, vodka, or tequila to switch up the base
- Optional: small pinch of ground spice (like cinnamon) for added depth
Instructions
- Add fresh blackberries or raspberries and mint leaves to the shaker.
- Muddle the fruit and mint gently to release their flavors.
- Pour in the bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and triple sec.
- Add a scoop of crushed ice to the shaker.
- Shake hard for about 15 seconds until the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mix into a rocks glass filled with more crushed ice.
- Top with a splash of ginger beer for fizz.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and more mint if you like.
Notes
I like bourbon for its smooth, rich taste, but sometimes I’ll swap in spiced rum for a warmer flavor—or even tequila if I’m feeling adventurous. Crushed ice chills the drink fast and gives it a fun texture.
For a punchier fruit vibe, I just throw in extra berries. Simple syrup always blends better than plain sugar. Fresh lemon juice is a must—bottled stuff just doesn’t cut it.
Sometimes I’ll toss in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a fall twist. You can totally skip the ginger beer if you’re not into fizz.
If you use scotch, expect a smokier, bolder drink. I keep the garnishes minimal so the flavors in the glass really come through. This drink looks awesome at parties, especially with that deep berry color.
Equipment
- Old-fashioned or rocks glass
- Ice crusher or rolling pin and bag
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey or spiced rum
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 4 blackberries or raspberries fresh
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup crushed ice plus more for serving
- 2 oz ginger beer
- 1 lemon wheel for garnish
- 1 mint sprig for garnish
- Optional: small pinch ground cinnamon for spice
Instructions
- Muddle gently to release juices and mint oils.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and fresh mint sprig.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tasting Notes
First sip of the Cemetery Smash Cocktail? There’s this burst of fresh fruit right up front. The juiciness from muddled berries gives it a tart, almost tangy edge, but it never gets too sour.
The herbal notes from the mint show up next. I really like how the mint adds a crisp, cool freshness.
There’s some gentle sweetness from the simple syrup, just enough to balance out the tartness. It all ties together nicely.
The bourbon or whiskey brings a mellow, warm base. I can usually pick up hints of vanilla, oak, and a little spice from the booze.
When I finish the drink, there’s a clean aftertaste with a lingering berry note and just a trace of mint. The flavors don’t really overpower each other, which I appreciate.
The mouthfeel’s smooth, with a little texture from the muddled fruit. It’s cool and inviting—honestly, perfect for a fun night with friends.
Substitute
If I don’t have stout—or just feel like mixing things up—I’ll grab another dark beer. Porters and black lagers both work surprisingly well, and they give the cocktail a fresh vibe.
Every so often, I swap apple cider for a different fruit juice. Pear juice or cranberry juice can add a fun little twist. You get either a mellow sweetness or a bit of tartness, depending on your mood.
Here’s a quick list of swaps I’ve tried and liked:
- Stout substitutes: Porter, black lager, dark ale, or even root beer (if you want to skip the booze)
- Apple cider substitutes: Pear juice, cranberry juice, sparkling apple juice, or just plain unsweetened apple juice
Equipment:
Ingredients:
- Substitute for stout (porter, black lager, etc.)
- Substitute for apple cider (pear juice, cranberry juice, etc.)
- Ice
- Optional: Citrus wedge or cherry for garnish
Instructions:
