One of my favorite things about late summer is that it’s blackberry season. Bushes at my local pick-your-own farms are heavy with plump violet berries perfect for pies, cobblers or just eating straight off the bush. More than just desserts and snacks I also like to use blackberries in cocktails. Pair blackberries with smoky bourbon, fresh mint and a bit of soda water to lighten things up and you’ve got a drink perfect for late summer porch sippin’ . My Blackberry Bourbon Smash is fresh, bubbly and great with everything from seafood to barbecue.
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What is a bourbon smash?
A smash is a simple classic cocktail popular in the American south. Mint or another floral herb is muddled (or smashed) with in season fruit. This can further be sweetened with sugar, simple syrup honey or maple syrup. Bourbon (or your spirit of choice, smashes have endless variations) is added along with seltzer and plenty of ice. A mint julep is a kind of smash and if you think about it so is a mojito. The result is a refreshing drink great for those languid summer evenings.
How to make a blackberry bourbon smash
Bourbon smashes are typically served in an old fashioned or rocks glass and you’ll need a cocktail shaker as well as a muddler for the actual smashing. Place four blackberries, mint leaves and sugar in a cocktail shaker; muddle until all the blackberries are broken down and the mint is fragrant. Add the bourbon and lemon juice and shake well to combine. Pour this into a glass with ice (you can strain it if you like but I like the chunks of fruit). Top with seltzer and garnish with additional mint.
If you like this Blackberry Bourbon Smash be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!
If you make this Blackberry Bourbon Smash please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- muddler
Ingredients
- 4 large blackberries
- 3-4 mint leaves
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 6 oz seltzer
- ice
Instructions
- Add blackberries, mint and sugar to a cocktail shaker. Muddle until all the berries have burst and the mint is fragrant.
- Add the bourbon and lemon juice to the shaker and shake to combine. Pour into a rocks glass, straining if desired.
- Add ice and top with seltzer. Garnish with a sprig of mint.
!
Jerika says
Wow! what a refreshing drink. I would definitely try this. I love blackberries and mint. What a perfect combination and it has even lemon on it. Love it! Thanks.:)
Anaiah says
The blackberries and mint were the perfect combination in this. It made it that much more refreshing! Definitely making these again!
Allyssa says
This is delicious and really easy to make! Highly recommended, will surely have this again! Thanks a bunch for sharing this recipe!
Natalie says
I love fizzy cocktails like this one. It’s refreshing and perfect for summer. I can’t wait to make this for my hubs and me.
amanda says
This cocktail is so delicious! I love the fresh blackberries in it. Making it again this weekend!
Jeri says
I loved the flavor of the blackberries and lemon juice with the bourbon, so refreshing!
Oscar says
This cocktail was super tasty. I loved the combo of blackberry and mint.
Joshua says
These were fantastic to make at my party! Definitely trying out more of your drink recipes this summer!
Amy says
Love a good bourbon cocktail! So refreshing too!
Kayla DiMaggio says
Made this blackberry bourbon smash for date night tonight and it was a hit!
Jean says
Im always keen to explore new drinks plus since we are not allowed to dine in or drink outside this can be easily made at home
Addie says
So fresh and flavorful for summer!
Agnieszka says
I don’t normally like cocktails but this one is amazing!
Ramona Sebastian says
This was so refreshing and delicious. I’ll definitely make again 😉
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
Yum! I need this in my life.!
Allyssa says
Fam really loves it! Will surely make this again, thanks a bunch for sharing this really helpful and easy to make recipe! Loved it! Well done!
Nart at Cooking with Nart says
What a great and beautiful drink! This is perfect parties or a date night in. It’s become one of my favs now.
Liz says
Oh my, this sounds and looks delicious!