Memorial Day weekend usually marks the unofficial start of summer. Three months of backyard barbecues, pool parties, al fresco brunches and outdoor get togethers with friends. This strawberry mint bourbon smash is the perfect cocktail for the summer. A little bit boozy (but not too boozy), a little bit sweet and a little bit fizzy; it’s a drink I find myself reaching for all summer long. I absolutely love the combination of the smokiness from the bourbon with the sweetness from fresh summer strawberries and I think you guys will love this strawberry bourbon mint smash as much as I do.
Steve and I are big bourbon fans and during the cooler months a solid Old Fashioned is a regular in our cocktail repertoire. For summertime sippin’ I wanted something a little lighter and got some inspiration from this Blueberry Smash in my Instagram feed.
The strawberry fields here in Virginia are overflowing this time of year and I end up putting them in everything. Strawberries and mint are best friends and mint and bourbon are thick as thieves (hello there mint julep!) so strawberries, mint and bourbon make a great cocktail trifecta. I tried a couple versions of this with a bit of lemon juice added in the mix (cocktail making takes very thorough research guys) but I found that the lemon tended to overpower the strawberries. More ingredients doesn’t always mean a better result.
How to Make a Strawberry Mint Bourbon Smash
To make this drink we’re going to start with the smash part first. In a small bowl or dish you’re going to muddle (smash) together the diced strawberries and sugar with a cocktail muddler or the back of a spoon. Let that mixture sit for 10 minutes (this will allow the strawberries to macerate, or let the sugar draw out some of the juice from the berries). While it’s tempting to skip this step and get right to making your drink letting the strawberries rest really brings out their flavor in this drink. After the rest period muddle in the leaves from 1 sprig of mint.
Divide the strawberry mixture into 2 12 oz rocks glasses. Add some bourbon to the party and stir. Add ice and top everything off with sparkling water for a bit of fizz. Garnish with strawberries or an additional sprig of mint and if you’re feeling extra fancy enjoy that first sip with your pinky up.
If you make this Strawberry Mint Bourbon Smash please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
If you like this Strawberry Mint Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes.
Strawberry Mint Bourbon Smash
Equipment
- 1 small dish
- 1 spoon or muddler
- 2 12 oz rocks glasses
Ingredients
- 4-5 large strawberries
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 sprigs mint divided
- 4 oz bourbon
- 2 large ice cubes
- 16 oz sparkling water
Instructions
- Muddle the diced strawberries and sugar together in a small dish. Let this rest for 10 minutes to allow the sugar to release some of the berries' natural juice. Muddle in the leaves from 1 sprig of mint.
- Divide the strawberry mixture between 2 12 oz rocks glasses. Add 2 oz of bourbon to each glass and stir together.
- Add 1 large ice cube and 1 mint sprig to each glass. Top of with sparkling water.
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Rhonda Albom says
Easy, delicious and too fun to wait for a party. I have everything I need, so this is tonights after dinner drink 🙂
Sabine says
I’m a big fan of whiskey and bourbon, so this strawberry mint bourbon smash sounds so good. Especially during the warm Summer months, this is such a refreshing cocktail.
Brianna says
The best of both worlds!
Lillie says
We have some mint growing, so we have all the fixin’s to make this delicious looking beverage soon! Thanks for the inspiration.
Brianna says
I hope you like it!
Jacqueline Meldrum says
Oh that looks glorious! I love a cocktail with fresh strawberries. I’m so glad berry season is almost here in Scotland
HEATHER PERINE says
I ordered a bourbon smash at this one restaurant awhile back that reminds me of this cocktail! And it was SO good…can’t wait to have it again! 🙂
Claudia Lamascolo says
Very Refreshing we had this over the weekend with guests and I am making a pitcher for the 4 the of July and adding blueberries too and watermelon cut into stars! Fabulous recipe!
Aimee Mars says
This is the perfect summer cocktail and it looks delicious! I’m going to make it for Memorial Day AND the Fourth of July. It’s super festive.
Biana says
What a perfect drink for summer! I bet it will taste good with other berries as well.
Laurie says
Can this be made in a pitcher? It sounds sooo good. Also, can it be made ahead of time?