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
- Always wash your citrus—even if it’s just for garnish. You want to remove any pesticides before juicing or muddling.
- To clean citrus: Use a textured cloth—scrub with the rough side under cold water, then rinse. Or use unscented hand soap and a vegetable brush to scrub, then rinse thoroughly.
- Or you can: 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 much mint as you like. I typically go with 10–20 sprigs plus a few extra leaves for garnish.
- If you don’t own a muddler, you can use the back or handle of a wooden spoon.
- After shaking: Discard the muddled lemon wedges and garnish with fresh ones. You can add some of the muddled mint to the glass if you’d like.
- Use big ice cubes. Crushed ice melts too quickly and dilutes the drink—larger cubes keep it cold without watering it down.
- Go slightly sweet. I use a 2:1 sweet-to-sour ratio for balance. One medium lemon usually gives about 1 oz of juice, but no need to measure—muddling the wedges gives you what you need.
- I use Crown Royal in this recipe (a nod to my mom’s favorite), but feel free to use your go-to whiskey. Irish whiskey like Jameson works great too.
- 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.
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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.
If you love whiskey, you have to check out these glasses I got from Glencairn! They are beautiful, and your whiskey drink will taste so delicious.
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 your thoughts 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, and enjoy.
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Helpful tips
- Always wash your citrus—even if it’s just for garnish. You want to remove any pesticides before juicing or muddling.
- To clean citrus, use a textured cloth. Scrub with the rough side under cold water, then rinse. Or use unscented hand soap and a vegetable brush to scrub, then rinse thoroughly.
- Or you can: 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 much mint as you like. I typically use 10–20 sprigs, plus a few extra leaves for garnish.
- If you don’t own a muddler, you can use the back or handle of a wooden spoon.
- After shaking: Discard the muddled lemon wedges and garnish with fresh ones. You can add some of the muddled mint to the glass if you’d like.
- Use big ice cubes. Crushed ice melts too quickly and dilutes the drink; larger cubes keep it cold without watering it down.
- Go slightly sweet. I use a 2:1 sweet-to-sour ratio for balance. One medium lemon typically yields about 1 oz of juice, but there’s no need to measure—muddling the wedges provides the necessary amount.
- I use Crown Royal in this recipe (a nod to my mom’s favorite), but feel free to use your go-to whiskey. Irish whiskey, like Jameson, works great too.
- I prefer my double old-fashioned glasses, but a rocks glass is also acceptable.
Surprisingly simple cocktail
Thank you, Rahul.
True! This is super delicious. Thank you for sharing a good post!
Thank you, Faith!!
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?
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.
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!
Thanks, Sangeetha.
Perfect Cocktail to make my evening special. Love the lemon and mint flavor combo.
Thanks so much, Veena! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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.
I would have never thought to combine bourbon and mint! 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 is 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!
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!