Blackberry Bourbon Smash is essentially the whiskey drinker’s take on a Mojito. This recipe follows the same approach as a classic berry smash: fresh blackberries, lime, mint, a touch of simple syrup, and a splash of club soda—with bourbon standing in for the rum. The result is a crisp, refreshing cocktail that works well year-round.
Bourbon, lime, mint, blackberries, simple syrup, and a splash of club soda are all you need for this fruity libation. Don’t skip the club soda—its effervescence brightens the drink and softens the texture created by muddled fruit and herbs.
The aim with this cocktail is to showcase the clean flavor of bourbon paired with ripe blackberry and fresh mint. I prefer plain club soda rather than flavored mixers so the spirit and fruit remain the stars. If you enjoy a Mint Julep, you’ll find many familiar elements here. Prefer vodka over bourbon? Try a berry vodka smash instead for a lighter, cleaner spirit profile.
Ingredients
- Simple syrup: equal parts sugar and water. Dissolves easily and blends evenly into cocktails.
- Club soda: adds fizz and lightness. You can substitute sparkling water, a splash of seltzer, or for a sweeter, spicier twist use ginger ale or ginger beer.
- Fresh lime juice: for bright acidity. Freshly squeezed is best; use about 1/2 ounce or two lime wedges muddled in the shaker.
Full ingredient quantities are listed below in the recipe card.
Cocktail Variations
The bourbon smash is very flexible. The classic components are spirit + sweetener + acid + fruit + herb + soda. Swap or experiment with any of these parts to make the drink your own.
Other options and substitutions:
- Use both lemon and lime wedges for a citrus lift.
- Sweeten with honey syrup or maple syrup instead of simple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Try ginger beer or ginger ale in place of club soda for warmth and spice.
- Substitute basil for mint for a savory-herbal twist.
- Use blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches instead of blackberries.
How to Make a Whiskey Smash
Step 1.
In a shaker, place mint leaves, lime wedges or juice, simple syrup, and blackberries. Muddle until the fruit and mint are well broken down and fragrant.
Step 2.
Add 2 ounces of bourbon and a cup of ice to the shaker. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill and combine flavors.
Step 3.
Pour the full contents—fruit, herbs, bourbon, and ice—into a double old-fashioned glass without straining. Top with about 1 ounce of club soda, stir gently, and garnish with a sprig of mint.
Expert Tips
- Use a muddler: a short, wide-head muddler will crush fruit and herbs efficiently, releasing oils and juice without shredding the mint into unappealing bits.
- Do not strain: leaving the muddled fruit and mint in the glass gives the cocktail texture and a fuller flavor with every sip.
- Activate mint aroma: gently slap or snap a mint sprig between your hands before garnishing to release its essential oils and lift the drink’s aroma.
Best Bourbon for Whiskey Smash
This cocktail benefits from a well-rounded but not overly expensive bourbon. Because the drink is mixed with fruit and herbs, a mid-range bottle in the $25–$40 range is a great choice. Examples that work well in mixed cocktails include:
- Buffalo Trace
- Larceny
- Elijah Craig
- Michter’s
- Henry McKenna Single Barrel
- Four Roses Single Barrel
- Woodford Reserve
- Eagle Rare
- Knob Creek
- Maker’s Mark
Recipe Card
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Servings: 1 cocktail
Prep time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice (or 2 lime wedges, squeezed)
- 6–7 mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 2–3 blackberries
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup (about 1 tablespoon sugar dissolved in equal water)
- 1 ounce club soda
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- In a shaker, combine mint leaves, lime wedges or juice, simple syrup, and blackberries. Muddle until the fruit and mint are pulverized.
- Add bourbon and a cup of ice. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Pour everything into a double old-fashioned glass without straining. Top with 1 ounce of club soda, stir gently, and garnish with mint leaves.
Notes
- Substitute ginger ale or ginger beer for club soda to introduce sweetness and spice.
- Use a muddler with a flat head for even crushing of berries and herbs.
- Snapping mint on the back of your hand before garnishing increases aroma.
Nutrition (approx.)
Calories: ~202 kcal. Carbohydrates: ~19 g. Sodium: ~22 mg. These values are approximate and intended only as a guideline.
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