Sip Summer Magic: Blackberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe

Sip into summer with a blackberry bourbon smash that blends rustic charm and sophisticated flavor.

Vibrant muddled blackberries dance beautifully with smooth bourbon, creating a cocktail that whispers of lazy afternoons and warm evenings.

Rich amber spirits mingle with fresh berries, crafting a drink that feels both classic and modern.

The blackberry notes add a delightful tartness that cuts through the bourbon’s warmth.

Each ingredient tells a story of balance and complexity.

Fresh mint leaves provide a cool, crisp finish that elevates this cocktail from simple to sublime.

Shake up this irresistible blend and let your taste buds embark on a delicious adventure.

Blackberry Bourbon Smash: Flavor Remix Inspiration

• Raspberry Rum Refresh: Swap blackberries for raspberries and replace bourbon with white rum for a lighter summer cocktail.
• Peach Whiskey Splash: Use fresh peaches instead of blackberries and substitute bourbon with smooth whiskey for a southern-style drink.
• Strawberry Vodka Cooler: Replace blackberries with muddled strawberries and switch bourbon for vodka to create a vibrant, fruity version.

• Mocktail Berry Breeze: Remove bourbon, increase club soda, add sparkling water, and include additional fresh mint for a refreshing non-alcoholic alternative that maintains the original cocktail's essence.

Serve Blackberry Bourbon Smash With Finesse

• Fresh Fruit Garnish: Top each glass with whole fresh blackberries and delicate mint sprigs to create a vibrant, Instagram-worthy presentation that enhances visual appeal and adds a burst of natural flavor.
• Bourbon Bar Experience: Set up a mini cocktail station with bourbon varieties, fresh berries, mint leaves, and garnishing tools so guests can customize their smash and enjoy an interactive drink-making experience.
• Elegant Glassware Pairing: Serve in clear rocks glasses or vintage copper mugs to showcase the beautiful deep purple-red color of the cocktail and elevate the drinking aesthetic with sophisticated serveware.
• Summer Party Pitcher Prep: Make the large batch version ahead of time, store chilled, and have a refreshing big-batch cocktail ready for backyard gatherings, pool parties, or weekend brunches with friends.

Save Blackberry Bourbon Smash For Later Cheers

• Store leftover cocktail in an airtight container or sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep mint and whole blackberries separate to prevent wilting and maintain freshness.
• Preserve extra blackberries by freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Use frozen berries for future cocktails or as garnish.
• Prepare blackberry-mint base mixture separately and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add bourbon, club soda, and ice just before serving to keep the drink crisp and vibrant.
• This cocktail is meant to be served cold. Never attempt to warm or reheat, as it will destroy the delicate flavors and carbonation of the drink.

FAQs

• What type of bourbon works best for this cocktail?

Choose a medium to high-quality bourbon with smooth flavor notes like Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, or Buffalo Trace. Avoid harsh or very smoky bourbons that might overpower the blackberry and mint flavors.

• Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?

Yes, create a mocktail version by replacing bourbon with sparkling water or ginger ale. Keep the muddled blackberries, mint, and lime juice for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink.

• How ripe should the blackberries be?

Select ripe, deep purple blackberries that are firm but slightly soft when gently pressed. Avoid mushy or overly soft berries as they won’t muddle well and might make the drink too pulpy.

Blackberry Bourbon Smash: What’s All The Buzz?

• Smash and Refresh: Bursting with juicy blackberries and cool mint, this cocktail delivers a vibrant flavor explosion that wakes up your taste buds.
• Mix and Mingle: Perfect for summer gatherings, backyard parties, or casual get-togethers where you want a crowd-pleasing drink that's quick to prepare.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows switching between fresh or frozen blackberries, using simple syrup or granulated sugar, and adjusting bourbon strength to personal preference.
• Pitcher-Perfect Entertaining: Designed for large groups, this recipe scales beautifully, letting you whip up a big batch without complicated measurements or individual cocktail mixing.

Blackberry Bourbon Smash: Gather Your Cocktail Gear

• Blackberries: Fresh summer berries that provide a rich, sweet, and slightly tart flavor to the cocktail.
• Bourbon: A classic American whiskey that adds depth and warmth to the refreshing drink.
• Club Soda or Ginger Ale: A fizzy mixer that lightens the cocktail and adds a crisp effervescence.

• Simple Syrup, Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tartness of the blackberries and lime.

• Mint Leaves, Lime or Lemon Juice: Fresh herbs and citrus that brighten the cocktail and provide a zesty, aromatic dimension.

• Crushed Ice: Chills the drink and helps blend the flavors together while creating a refreshing texture.

Shaking Up A Blackberry Bourbon Smash

Step 1: Muddle Blackberries and Mint

In a rocks glass or cocktail shaker, use a muddler to crush blackberries, fresh mint leaves, sugar, and lime juice.

Press firmly to release the juices and aromatic oils, breaking down the blackberries completely and dissolving the sugar into a smooth, fragrant base.

Step 2: Add Bourbon and Club Soda

Pour bourbon into the muddled mixture.

Fill the glass with crushed ice and top with club soda.

Gently stir with a long spoon to combine and chill the drink, revealing a vibrant, inviting cocktail with blackberry color shining through the ice.

Step 3: Create a Pitcher Version

For a larger batch, use a 2-quart pitcher.

Muddle blackberries, mint, and lime juice at the bottom.

Add simple syrup, bourbon, and club soda, then stir thoroughly to blend flavors.

Reserve some whole blackberries for garnish.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Pour the cocktail into glasses filled with crushed ice.

Garnish each with whole blackberries and a fresh mint sprig.

Serve immediately while cold and refreshing.

Tricks For A Bold Blackberry Bourbon Smash

• Press blackberries and mint gently to release flavors without turning them into a pulp, ensuring a balanced and fresh taste.
• Refrigerate serving glasses beforehand to keep the cocktail cooler for longer and enhance the drinking experience.
• Adjust simple syrup or sugar amount based on the tartness of blackberries and personal preference for a perfectly balanced drink.
• Optional straining after muddling helps remove mint stems and blackberry seeds, creating a cleaner, more refined cocktail texture.
• Use whole blackberries, mint sprigs, or a lime wheel to add visual appeal and an extra burst of fresh flavor to the cocktail.

Blackberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe

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• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Crafting a blackberry bourbon smash cocktail brings Southern charm to summer sipping, blending muddled berries with smooth bourbon whiskey. Sweet, tart, and refreshingly complex, you’ll savor this cocktail’s perfect balance of fruit and spirit in every delightful glass.

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Ingredients

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Cocktail Base:

• 2 ounces (60 milliliters) Kentucky bourbon or whiskey
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) granulated sugar

Fruits and Herbs:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh or frozen blackberries
• 4 sprigs fresh mint
• Juice of 1 lime (about 1 tablespoon or 15 milliliters)

Finishing Ingredients:

• Crushed ice
• Club soda or ginger ale

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Instructions

1. Crush ripe blackberries, fresh mint leaves, and sugar in a rocks glass using a cocktail muddler until the sugar dissolves and the fruits release their aromatic oils.
2. Squeeze fresh lime juice into the muddled mixture, ensuring the flavors are well integrated.
3. Pour bourbon over the muddled ingredients, creating a rich and vibrant base for the cocktail.
4. Fill the glass with crushed ice, allowing the drink to chill quickly and maintain its refreshing temperature.
5. Top the cocktail with club soda, gently stirring to combine all ingredients without disrupting the delicate fruit and herb infusion.
6. For a larger gathering, prepare the cocktail in a 2-quart pitcher by scaling up the ingredients proportionally.
7. In the pitcher, thoroughly muddle blackberries, mint, and lime juice to extract maximum flavor.
8. Add simple syrup to ensure smooth sweetness throughout the drink.
9. Pour bourbon and club soda into the pitcher, mixing well with a long spoon.
10. Include some whole blackberries for garnish and visual appeal.
11. Serve the cocktail in chilled glasses, allowing guests to enjoy the complex layers of flavor and aroma.

Notes

• Perfectly muddle ingredients by pressing gently to release oils and flavors without crushing too aggressively, which can make mint taste bitter.
• Frozen blackberries work wonderfully when fresh aren’t available, adding a frosty touch to the cocktail without diluting the drink.
• Customize sweetness levels by adjusting simple syrup or sugar, allowing personal preference to shine through each refreshing sip.
• Create a non-alcoholic version by replacing bourbon with sparkling water or ginger ale, keeping the vibrant fruit and herb essence intact.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Cocktails
• Method: Muddling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 160 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg