Blackberry Bourbon Smash (Whiskey Smash Recipe) (2024)

HOME co*cktail Recipes Whiskey

By Shawn Williams

4.67 from 3 votes

Nov 06, 2016, Updated Jan 05, 2024

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The Blackberry Bourbon Smash is the whiskey drinker’s Mojito. I use the same recipe as my Blackberry Mojitoand substitute bourbon for rum. This Whiskey Smashis crisp, refreshing, and versatile enough for any time of year.

Blackberry Bourbon Smash (Whiskey Smash Recipe) (2)

Bourbon, lime, mint, blackberry, simple syrup, and a splash of club soda are all you need for this fantastic fruity libation. The most overlooked part of this co*cktail is the final fizzy soda addition at the end. Club soda adds effervescence and also smooths the co*cktail’s edges.

My goal for this co*cktail was the highlight the purest flavors of bourbon and blackberry—I opted for club soda in place of anything flavored. I love this co*cktail because it’s so balanced and brings so many fresh ingredients to the table. If you’re a fan of the Mint Julep, you will love this drink! Don’t like bourbon? try this co*cktail with vodka with my berry vodka smash.

Table of Contents

  • Ingredients
  • co*cktail Variations
  • How to Make a Whiskey Smash
  • Expert Tips
  • Best Bourbon for Whiskey Smash
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Fruity co*cktails
  • Blackberry Bourbon Smash Recipe

Ingredients

Blackberry Bourbon Smash (Whiskey Smash Recipe) (3)
  • Simple syrup: simple syrup (also called simple sugar) is a popular co*cktail sweetener made with equal parts sugar and water. It easily dissolves into co*cktails, making for easy mixing and even distribution.
  • Club soda: club soda adds a little fizz and helps to balance/extend the co*cktail so it’s not so “thick” from all the muddled fruits and herbs. You can also use a splash of water or sparkling water.
  • Lime juice: I always use fresh muddled limes but you can also use 1/2-3/4 ounces lime juice or even fresh lemon.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.

co*cktail Variations

I experimented withseveral variations of the bourbon smash and I’m here to tell you the options are endless. Usually, you have whiskey, soda, a sweetener, acid, fruits, and mint.

A few other options and substitutions:

  • Fresh lemonand lime wedges
  • Honey syrup, simple syrup (sugar), or maple syrup as the sweetener (see Bee’s Knees and Brown Derby next)
  • Experiment with ginger beer or ginger ale, for an earthy, spicy, and sweeter touch
  • Fresh mint or basil as the herbs
  • Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, or raspberries for fruit flavor

How to Make a Whiskey Smash

Step 1.

In a Boston shaker, combine mint leaves, lime wedges, simple sugar, and blackberries. Muddle until pulverized.

Step 2.

Add bourbon and a cup of ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

Blackberry Bourbon Smash (Whiskey Smash Recipe) (6)

Step 3.

Pour the full contents of the shaker into a double old-fashioned glass (no straining). Top with 1 ounce of club soda. Stir and garnish with mint leaves.

Blackberry Bourbon Smash (Whiskey Smash Recipe) (7)

Expert Tips

  • Get a muddler: a muddler is a handheld wooden/stainless steel bar tool with a wide flat head on one end. A muddler is used to mash and pulverize fruits and fresh herbs to extract the delicate flavors in co*cktails.
  • Don’t strain a Whiskey Smash: shake and transfer all of the fruits and herbs for the best sipping experience.
  • Snapping a sprig of mint leaves on the back of your hand helps to activate the aroma. This is perfect for aromatic garnishes.

Best Bourbon for Whiskey Smash

I love bourbon because there are so many great options out there at the $25-$40 price point. I would choose a lower-tier bourbon for this recipe since it’s going to be heavily flavored and fruited. My evergrowing list of favorite budget-friendly bourbons are:

  • Buffalo Trace
  • Larceny
  • Elijah Craig
  • Michter’s
  • Henry McKenna Single Barrel
  • Four Roses Single Barrel
  • Woodford Reserve
  • Eagle Rare
  • Knob Creek
  • Maker’s Mark
Blackberry Bourbon Smash (Whiskey Smash Recipe) (8)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of whiskey?

Bourbon is best because it’s slightly sweeter than rye whiskey. You can use rye or Canadian whiskey in a pinch.

What is the difference between Whiskey Sour and Whiskey Smash?

The Whiskey Sour is made with bourbon, lemon juice (no wedges), and egg white. It’s a frothy co*cktail with no solids.

Why is it called a Whiskey Smash?

The Whiskey Smash earned its name from the muddled/smashed fresh fruits and herbs present in the co*cktail.

More Fruity co*cktails

Berry Vodka Smash Recipe

Mojito Recipe

Strawberry Tequila co*cktail Recipe

Enjoy this recipe? If you made this co*cktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & areview in the comments!

4.67 from 3 votes

Blackberry Bourbon Smash Recipe

By: Shawn Williams

Servings: 1 co*cktail

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Total: 5 minutes mins

Save

Blackberry Bourbon Smash (Whiskey Smash Recipe) (13)

A bourbon smash made with fresh lime, fresh mint leaves, blackberries, and simple sugar.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice, or 2 lime wedges, squeezed
  • 6-7 mint leaves, muddled
  • 2-3 blackberries, muddled
  • 3/4 ounce simple syrup, 1 tablespoon of sugar will do
  • 1 ounce club soda
  • Cup of ice

Instructions

  • In a Boston shaker, combine mint leaves, lime wedges, simple sugar, and blackberries. Muddle until pulverized.

  • Add bourbon and a cup of ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

  • Pour the full contents of the shaker into a double old-fashioned glass (no straining). Top with 1 ounce of club soda. Stir and garnish with mint leaves.

Notes

Club soda can be substituted with ginger ale or ginger beer for additional flavor.

Snapping a sprig of mint leaves on the back of your hand helps to activate the aroma. This is perfect for aromatic garnishes.

Get a muddler: a muddler is a handheld wooden/stainless steel bar tool with a wide flat head on one end. A muddler is used to mash and pulverize fruits and fresh herbs to extract the delicate flavors in co*cktails.

Don’t strain a Whiskey Smash: shake and transfer all of the fruits and herbs for the best sipping experience.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 202kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 0.1gSodium: 22mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.2g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: co*cktail

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe?Mention @kitchenswagger or tag #kitchenswagger!

About Shawn Williams

My name is Shawn, author behind Kitchen Swagger. I'm a food & drink enthusiast bringing you my own simple and delicious restaurant-inspired recipes.

Read More About Me

Blackberry Bourbon Smash (Whiskey Smash Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

Blackberry Bourbon Smash (Whiskey Smash Recipe)? ›

In a shaker with ice, add Crown Royal, lemon juice, blackberry simple syrup. Shake and strain into an ice-filled glass and top with tonic water or sparkling wine. Garnish with a skewer of Mint, Lemon, and Fresh Blackberries.

What is a good mixer for blackberry whiskey? ›

In a shaker with ice, add Crown Royal, lemon juice, blackberry simple syrup. Shake and strain into an ice-filled glass and top with tonic water or sparkling wine. Garnish with a skewer of Mint, Lemon, and Fresh Blackberries.

What is the difference between bourbon smash and bourbon sour? ›

The best Whiskey Smash is refreshing and light, making it a refreshing drink on a hot summer afternoon. Blend your ingredients and add a fresh mint sprig to bring out the appealing aromas. The Whiskey Smash differs from a whiskey sour because it uses whole lemon wedges rather than lemon juice.

Is there a blackberry bourbon? ›

If you've ever tasted a homemade blackberry pie, we probably had you at “Blackberry Bourbon”. We don't just throw fake flavoring into un-aged spirits. This blend of a 4 year bourbon aged in American Oak barrels and blackberry extract is as Wild and Wonderful in a co*cktail as it is on the rocks!

What do you mix with bird dog blackberry whiskey? ›

Blackberry Whiskey Smash

Layer Bird Dog Blackberry Whiskey and several mint leaves into a co*cktail shaker and muddle. Muddle mint leaves, a handful of blackberries, and simple syrup in the bottom of your glass and add ice. Strain the contents of the shaker into the glass. Garnish with mint leaves.

What is a good mixer for whiskey? ›

If it works for you, it works.
  • Cola. Whisky and co*ke is a classic combo. ...
  • Orange soda. There's not much to like about whisky and orange soda. ...
  • Lemonade. Mix up a batch of whisky and lemonade for summer sizzlers; the ultimate refresher. ...
  • Ginger ale. Like spice? ...
  • Ginger beer. ...
  • Cream soda. ...
  • Tonic. ...
  • Soda water.

What not to mix with whiskey? ›

Whisky and vodka

Whisky is a strong drink that is usually 40% - 50% ABV. Many people choose to combine it with similar strong spirits, like vodka or tequila. While this may seem like a clever idea in theory, the alcohol content will quickly add up on your body and you'll be hammered in no time.

Why is Jack Daniels not a bourbon? ›

In conclusion, while Jack Daniel's is often mistaken for bourbon, it is technically classified as Tennessee whiskey. The distinction lies in the additional step of charcoal mellowing, also known as the Lincoln County Process, that Tennessee whiskey undergoes.

What is the difference between whiskey sour and whiskey smash? ›

You see that the proportions of this drink are essentially the same as in the Whiskey Sour. The big difference—and the change that makes this a Smash—is that instead of using lemon juice, we are using whole chunks of lemon.

What is the best bourbon for Whisky sour? ›

  1. Elijah Craig Small Batch. The award-winning Bourbon that started it all. ...
  2. Russell's Reserve 10 Year. ...
  3. Nikka Days. ...
  4. Rittenhouse Rye. ...
  5. Woodford Reserve Bourbon. ...
  6. Lot 40 Canadian Rye. ...
  7. Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack. ...
  8. Four Roses Bourbon.

What can you do with blackberry whiskey? ›

  1. Fill a co*cktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add Bird Dog Blackberry Whiskey and rum cream liqueur.
  3. Shake and strain into a double rocks glass with ice.

Is Crown Royal really making a blackberry whiskey? ›

"Crown Royal has always led through an innovative approach to whisky, pushing boundaries to deliver exceptional and exciting flavor profiles to consumers. Our newest addition, Crown Royal Blackberry Flavored Whisky, is no exception to this rule." says Jesse Damashek, Sr.

What does blackberry whiskey taste like? ›

On its own, this whisky is sweet with blackberry jam and vanilla notes. Towards the end you get a tartness which brings a nice relief to that sweetness. In Coffee: we added a shot to a strong Americano, no milk, and this whisky muted the bitterness the coffee provided and brought on a light sweet blackberry jam flavor.

How to make black dog whiskey? ›

- Fill a co*cktail shaker with ice. - Add Black Dog Centenary Black Reserve whisky, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. - Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. - Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.

What is the whiskey with a bird called? ›

THE FAMOUS GROUSE

19th-century merchant Matthew Gloag wanted to use an iconic Scottish image for his whisky brand, so being Scotland's national game bird he opted for the Red Grouse. It was originally The Grouse, but as more and more people enjoyed the whiskey they naturally changed the brand to 'famous'.

Is Bird Dog BlackBerry good? ›

Bird Dog Blackberry Whiskey 4.8 out of 5 stars, average rating value.

Is Crown Royal Blackberry a real thing? ›

"Crown Royal has always led through an innovative approach to whisky, pushing boundaries to deliver exceptional and exciting flavor profiles to consumers. Our newest addition, Crown Royal Blackberry Flavored Whisky, is no exception to this rule." says Jesse Damashek, Sr.

How do you serve blackberry? ›

Serve with ice cream, yogurt, or fresh cream, and add brown sugar. Purée with a little sugar and serve raw as a dessert sauce for fruit tarts or ice cream. Use to make jam, jelly, preserves, syrup, juice, wine, and brandy. Use to make tarts, pies, compotes, shortcakes, crisps, cobblers, and puddings.

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