Refreshing Blackberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and fruity flavors – The smoky oak flavor from the bourbon goes so well with sweet blackberries and a touch of lemon juice for the perfect balance of flavors!

Refreshing summer drink – A Blackberry Bourbon Smash is made for a hot summer day. Blackberry season hits its peak around mid-summer. Using in-season ripe fruit makes the drink extra flavorful.

Simple cocktail – The recipe calls for simple ingredients that you can find at most grocery or liquor stores. Plus, you don’t have to be any sort of advanced mixologist or anything to make this drink at home. 

Blackberries – Look for blackberries that are plump and have a slight give to them when you gently squeeze. Perfectly ripe blackberries will yield the most juice and flavor. Save a few extras for garnishing! If blackberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen blackberries too.

Simple syrup – You can technically buy simple syrup, but it is far cheaper and SO easy to make at home. Simply, heat equal parts water and sugar together in either a small saucepan or the microwave until the sugar is fully dissolved and the solution is clear. Allow to cool to room temp and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks. 

Bourbon whiskey – Choose your favorite bourbon brand here. I like to go with a locally made bourbon whenever possible. 

Lemon juice – Make sure this is freshly squeezed. You can do this easily with a hand juicer. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the flavor that freshly squeezed does. Feel free to use fresh lime juice if you prefer. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Add the blackberries and simple syrup to an empty cocktail shaker. This glass shaker is my favorite. 

Step 2: Muddle the fresh berries and syrup together. Then, add the bourbon whiskey. 

Step 3: Add the lemon juice and ice cubes. Shake until well chilled.

Step 4: Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with extra blackberries. I used my Viski Gatsby lowball glasses and gold arrow cocktail picks. 

Expert Tips 

Don’t have a muddler? That’s okay, just use a wooden spoon to crush the blackberries in the bottom of the shaker.

If you don’t like pulp or seeds in your drink, you can pour the cocktail through a fine mesh sieve into the glass. Keep in mind, all that pulp has flavor, so you might be missing out on a little flavor if you do this.

Substitutions and Variations

For an herbal flavor, try muddling fresh herbs, like basil or mint leaves, with the blackberries.

Want to make a mocktail? Go for a no-alcohol-based bourbon or try brewing some black tea as a replacement. Specifically, I would try a strongly brewed Harney and Son’s Cask Bourbon Tea, which has a smoky flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel – just like bourbon. I used it in my Hot Apple Toddy, and it is delicious!

If you don’t have simple syrup or don’t have time to make it, try using some agave or maple syrup. 

Try other fruits! Raspberries, strawberries, or as I mentioned my Peach Bourbon Smash would all be perfect! You can also try another liquor like in my Strawberry Gin Smash.

Want a little spice? Throw in a slice or two of fresh jalapeno when you muddle your blackberries! Or, for a ginger spice, top the cocktail off with ginger beer.

FAQ

Can I use any type of whiskey for this recipe?

Of course! While bourbon is recommended for its sweet and full-bodied profile, feel free to experiment with other types of whiskey like rye, Irish, or Scotch.

What is the best bourbon for a Blackberry Bourbon Smash?

The best bourbon for a whiskey smash is one that you enjoy drinking on its own. A mid-range bourbon, neither too expensive nor too cheap, works wonderfully. Brands like Bulleit, Buffalo Trace, and Woodford Reserve are great choices for their balanced flavor that complements the blackberries and lemon juice perfectly.

Can I make a big batch of Blackberry Bourbon Smash for a crowd? How about in advance?

Yes, you can easily scale up this recipe to serve a crowd by multiplying the ingredients by the number of servings you need. I have additional measurements for batching in the recipe card notes below. 

Muddle your blackberries with the simple syrup in a large pitcher with a long wooden spoon. Then, mix the rest of the ingredients together and chill in the fridge for up to 1 day in advance.

Pour over ice when ready to serve. To help keep the batch cocktail cold, add some frozen blackberries to the pitcher to use as “ice” to prevent the dilution that regular ice would cause. Make sure to give the pitcher a good stir before serving as the fruit will likely settle. 

What does “smash” mean in a cocktail?

A “smash” cocktail means that the drink involves “smashing” or muddling ingredients, usually fruit and sometimes herbs to extract their flavors and aromas for the cocktail. 

What is the difference between a Mint Julep and a Whiskey-based Smash?

A Mint Julep is traditionally made with bourbon, sugar, water, crushed ice, and a mint sprig. Whereas, Bourbon Smashes, on the other hand, can include a wider variety of fruits and/or herbs along with the bourbon or whiskey. While both can feature bourbon and sometimes mint, a Smash has more variety in terms of flavor combinations. 

What’s the difference between a Whiskey Smash and a Whiskey Sour?

A Whiskey Sour is similar except it typically doesn’t not include “smashing” fruits or herbs. Its ingredients include whiskey, lemon juice, and a sweetener, like simple syrup, resulting in a cleaner, more sour profile.