Sweet Potato Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe

I’m always chasing new spins on old favorites, and the Sweet Potato Bourbon Smash just hits different. Smooth bourbon meets sweet, roasted sweet potatoes—it’s unexpected, but somehow just works.

If you’re into cozy, offbeat drinks, this one’s worth a shot. Friends raise their eyebrows when I mention sweet potato in a cocktail, but they’re always won over by that first sip.

It’s also a sneaky way to use up leftover sweet potato. Nothing fancy, just a handful of solid ingredients and a few tools.

Sweet Potato Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe

This drink balances earthy and spicy, with a pop of mint that keeps things fresh. If you’ve got the right stuff, the steps are honestly pretty chill.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Muddler
• Jigger
• Fine mesh strainer
• Rocks glass or mason jar
• Small spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

I keep these within arm’s reach—makes life easier. The muddler is clutch for crushing mint. Jigger keeps the pours honest. Sometimes I ditch the rocks glass for a mason jar because, well, it feels homey. The strainer saves you from chunky bits.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz bourbon
• 2 tbsp cooked, mashed sweet potato (room temperature)
• ¾ oz simple syrup
• ½ small lemon, cut into wedges
• 8–10 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
• Ice cubes
• Sprig of mint (for garnish)
• Optional: pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor

I always go for freshly cooked sweet potato—leftovers work, but not if they’re mushy. Classic bourbon is solid, though maple bourbon adds a little something. Simple syrup is easy to make, but store-bought is fine. The mint should be perky and green.

Instructions

• Add sweet potato, lemon wedges, simple syrup, and mint leaves to the bottom of the shaker.
• Muddle together well to release juice and mint oils, and to blend sweet potato.
• Fill shaker with ice.
• Pour bourbon over the mixture.
• Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
• Strain into a rocks glass or mason jar filled with fresh ice.
• Garnish with a sprig of mint and a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg, if using.

That muddler really brings everything together. I just shake until the shaker gets frosty, then strain so it’s nice and smooth.

Notes

Sometimes I dial up or down the syrup, depending on my mood. Toasting the sweet potato? Actually pretty tasty—gives it a hint of smoke.

Fancy bourbon or a lemon wheel on top if I’m feeling extra. Fresh mint is non-negotiable for that herbal kick.

If my shaker’s MIA, a mason jar with a tight lid does the trick. This drink is at its best cold and over plenty of ice.

I’ll prep the sweet potato and syrup ahead if I’m expecting company. Gentle muddling is key—no one wants bitter mint. Real lemon wedges (not just juice) bring a brightness you can’t fake.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of the Sweet Potato Bourbon Smash, the first thing I notice is its warm, golden color.

The drink’s got a creamy texture that coats my tongue, but it never feels heavy.

There are sweet and earthy flavors from the mashed sweet potato.

These flavors play surprisingly well with the smoky bourbon.

I catch hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Those spices add a cozy, almost dessert-like note, but thankfully it doesn’t tip into being too sweet.

Here’s what stands out to me:

• Sweetness: Mild and natural, not sugary
• Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg come through
• Finish: Smooth, with a gentle kick from bourbon

The aroma has a mix of vanilla, spice, and cooked sweet potato.

It makes the cocktail feel inviting and kind of comforting.

Honestly, this is a drink I’d reach for in the fall, but it’s interesting enough to make any evening feel a bit special.

The bourbon doesn’t overpower anything—everything stays balanced, which is a relief.