Whiskey Smash Cocktail
If you’re a fan of whiskey, why not kick it up a notch with a whiskey smash cocktail? This classic drink, bursting with a sweet flavor and fruity aromas that perfectly complement the boldness of whiskey, will have your taste buds singing!
When I’m looking for a refreshing whiskey drink, I’d either go with this delicious whiskey smash or I’d imbibe a whiskey sour. There is something so delicious about the pairing of whiskey, simple syrup, and lemon.
The difference between the whiskey smash and whiskey sour is for the smash; you “smash” or muddle the lemon wedges and the fresh mint leaves. In the sour, there aren’t any mint leaves, and you squeeze out the lemon juice.
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helpful
Tips
- One of the most important tips I can impart to you is always wash your citrus well, especially if you either juice it or muddle it as you do here. You even need to wash it if you are using citrus as garnish. The reason why is that you need to remove as many pesticides as you can because you don’t want to be drinking residual pesticides.
- I do it two different ways – Here’s how to wash citrus: 1.) I use a cloth that has a rough side and a smooth side. The rough side scrubs the fruit’s skin and the smooth side buffs or shines the fruit. Take a lemon in your hand and run cold water over it. Next, take the cloth and rub the skin with the rough side as well as you can. Rinse again with cold water.
- 2.) Squirt some natural, unscented hand soap in your hand and scrub the skin between your hands. Next, take a vegetable brush and scrub the skin. Rinse the fruit under cold water.
- Use as many or as few mint sprigs in your cocktail as you prefer. I use between 10 – 20, plus some leaves for garnish.
- If you don’t own a muddler, you can use the back or handle of a wooden spoon.
- After pouring the liquid into the glasses, you can add some of the muddled mint leaves to the cocktails, but I toss the muddled lemon wedges and cut fresh ones for garnish.
- Some people use crushed ice in the whisky smash but I think crushed ice melts too fast and waters down the cocktail, so I use BIG cubes that melt slowly.
- For this whiskey recipe, I find that the sweet-to-sour ratio should be more sweet than sour so I use roughly a 2:1 ratio. I find that a medium lemon yields at least one ounce of lemon juice, but you don’t need to measure it out as you are muddling the wedges in the cocktail shaker. Just trust me on this, it will be delicious.
- I’m using Crown Royal whiskey in this recipe because that was my mom’s favorite brand, but use whichever you prefer. A good alternative is an Irish whiskey like Jameson.
- I like my double old fashioned glasses but you can also use a rocks glass.
How to make a whiskey smash cocktail
Pre-step
Get a cocktail shaker, measuring glass, muddler, and two double old-fashioned glasses.
You will not fill the cocktail shaker with ice as you will muddle the mint and lemon in it.
After measuring out the ingredients, add them to the cocktail shaker.
Cut a lemon in half and cut two wedges. Set aside for the garnish along with a few mint leaves.
Step one
Get the ingredient – whiskey, lemon, fresh mint, and simple syrup.
Step two
Add the mint leaves to the cocktail shaker, also measure out the simple syrup. (A)
Step three
Cut a large lemon in quarters. (B) Remove any errant seeds before placing the wedges in the cocktail shaker.
Step four
Take the muddler and muddle the syrup, lemon wedges, and simple syrup for at least 2 minutes. You should be able to smell the mint and lemon as you muddle. (C)
Step five
Before I measure out the whiskey, I fish the lemon wedges and most of the mint out of the liquid in the shaker. The reason I do this is that it makes it easier to strain the liquid into the glassware, otherwise, it will clog the shaker.
Step six
Measure out 4 ounces of whiskey. (D)
Step seven
Add ice to the shaker. Place the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
Step eight
Add fresh ice to the glasses. Strain, divide, and pour the liquid between the two glasses. Squeeze a fresh lemon wedge into each glass and add the wedge to the liquid. Also, add a few mint sprigs on top of the cubes.
I can’t wait to taste it.
Look at it!! It’s a thing of beauty!
I hope you enjoyed this whiskey smash cocktail! It is truly a delicious drink and really hits the spot.
Other delicious whiskey cocktail recipes
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Whiskey Smash Cocktail
Ingredients
- 20 mint leaves
- 2 ounce simple syrup
- 1 lemon (cut into quarters)
- 4 ounces bourbon whiskey
Garnish
- 2 lemon wedges
- 6 mint leaves
Instructions
- Get your shaker, muddler (or use the back of a wooden spoon), measuring glass, and glassware.
- Add mint and simple syrup to the shaker.
- With a muddler, or the back of a wooden spoon, muddle the mint, syrup, and lemon wedges until the mint is very fragrant. It takes about 1 – 2 minutes.
- Fish the lemon wedges and most of the mint leaves out of the shaker along with any seeds, and set aside.
- Add bourbon and 5 – 8 ice cubes.
- Place the lid on the shaker and shake for 10 seconds.
- Add fresh ice to the glasses. Strain, divide, and pour the liquid between the two glasses.
- Add a lemon quarter to both glasses and float the mint leaves on top of the liquid.
- Sip
- Smile
- Enjoy
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
-
- One of the most important tips I can impart to you is always washing your citrus well, especially if you either juice it or muddle it as you do here. You even need to wash it if you are using citrus as garnish. The reason why is that you need to remove as many pesticides as you can because you don’t want to be drinking residual pesticides.
-
- I do it two different ways – Here’s how to wash citrus: 1.) I use a cloth that has a rough side and a smooth side. The rough side scrubs the fruit’s skin and the smooth side buffs or shines the fruit. Take a lemon in your hand and run cold water over it. Next, take the cloth and rub the skin with the rough side as well as you can. Rinse again with cold water.
-
- 2.) Squirt some natural, unscented hand soap in your hand and scrub the skin between your hands. Next, take a vegetable brush and scrub the skin. Rinse the fruit under cold water.
-
- Use as many or as few mint leaves in your cocktail as you like. I use between 10 – 20, plus some leaves for garnish.
-
- If you don’t own a muddler, you can use the back or handle of a wooden spoon.
-
- After pouring the liquid into the glasses, you can add some of the muddled mint leaves to the cocktails, but I toss the muddled lemon wedges and cut fresh ones for garnish.
-
- Some people use crushed ice in the whisky smash but I think crushed ice melts too fast and waters down the cocktail, so I use BIG cubes that melt slowly.
-
- For this whiskey smash recipe, I find that the sweet-to-sour ratio should be more sweet than sour so I use roughly a 2:1 ratio. I find that a medium lemon yields at least one ounce of lemon juice, but you don’t need to measure it out as you are muddling the wedges in the cocktail shaker. Just trust me on this, it will be delicious.
- I’m using Crown Royal whiskey in this recipe because that was my mom’s favorite brand, but use whichever you prefer.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to crafting delightful dishes and cocktails, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
Surprisingly simple cocktail
Rahul,
Simple and delicious. Hehe!
Elaine
True! This is super delicious. Thank you for sharing a good post!
Thank you Faith!!
Elaine
Usually, that kind of “sour whiskey” is too sweet for my taste. But then those sour whiskies are mostly made with egg as well. But since I have some bourbon around since what feels like aaages.. And it doesn’t require too much does it. I have a question though: what do you mean by simple syrup? I have some (I think) vanilla syrup around, would that do?
Hi Cedrik,
Simple syrup is equal parts of water and sugar, heated until melted and then simmered for 5 minutes. You cool it before you make a cocktail though. Vanilla syrup might be too sweet. Especially since you said you didn’t like sweet. Thanks for the comment!
Yum. My husband is going to love this! Another great recipe Elaine!
Thanks, Joyce.
Sounds like a great patio drink. Love the citrus for summer. Being your own bartender is so much fun.
I agree, Gloria! Thanks!
I love a good whiskey smash and this was the perfect sidekick for my weekend barbecue duty.
Yay, Sean! There is nothing like a good sidekick! 🙂 It’s one of my favorites.
This is a great cocktail to host a party! Has a great flavor and so easy to prep 😉
I’m so glad to hear that Veronika! Thanks for your comment.
Oh, this whiskey smash cocktail is a game-changer! It’s like a party for my taste buds with every sip. Cheers to the perfect blend of boldness and deliciousness! Can’t wait to impress my bf with this
Thanks, Sangeetha. I hope he likes it! 🙂
Perfect Cocktail to make my evening special. Love the lemon and mint flavor combo.
Thanks so much, Veena! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
You had me at lemon juice and whiskey! Loved the combination of the two ingredients, along with the hint of freshness from the mint. I made the cocktail using maple syrup instead of simple syrup, I thought it was just so delicious! Will be making this cocktail all summer long.
Yay, Marie!! I’m glad that you enjoyed it and thank you for letting me know.
I would have never thought to combine bourbon and mint! I thought it’d be strange, but tried it anyway. I was so wrong! They’re amazing together. Thanks so much for the great recipe!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Erin. Mint definitely is a ‘thing’ with bourbon – the mint julep is the most popular mint/bourbon combination but I love the smash even more.
This cocktail seems super flavorful and summery as well. The addition of the lemon adds a nice kick.
Thanks so much, Moop.
Thanks for such a delicious cocktail recipe to make for this summer! What a beautiful way to use fresh lemon! I’m excited to try it.
Thanks, Natalia. I appreciate your comment.
This was such a great cocktail for this weekend. We used our mint from the garden and it was refreshing and delicious!
I’m happy to hear that, Laura! Thank you!