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.
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
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.