A Blackberry Smash Cocktail has the perfect combination of fresh blackberries, mint, and bourbon in this fruity and refreshing summer drink.
As the temperatures start to rise and summer approaches, there's no better way to cool down than with a refreshing beverage. From its juicy blackberry flavor to its subtle hint of mint, this smash cocktail is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes, you could be sipping on the perfect summer cocktail.
About This Recipe
The smash cocktail is based upon the Mint Julep, where mint leaves are pressed (muddled) directly in the serving glass to release their aromatic oils, adding refreshing minty herbal notes to the cocktail.
For this smash cocktail recipe, tart, juicy blackberries are muddled with mint to make a beautifully balanced base to the cocktail. Together, muddled blackberries and mint not only infuse the drink with flavor but also give it a lush texture and a garden-fresh aroma.
The addition of bourbon whiskey's rich, oaky warmth warms the base and is the heart of this drink. You can use any bourbon you like, and choosing one with the aromas of soft baking spices will add to the drink's complexity.
Simple syrup sweetens and smooths out the edges, while lime juice adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the bourbon, which makes a perfect balance of sweet and sour.
Built in the glass it is served in, this handcrafted artisanal cocktail is a perfect sip for hot summer days. Doesn't this sound amazingly delicious? Great!
So, let's cook!
Ingredient Notes
Here's what you need:
- Fresh Blackberries - Fresh is key here. Use the plumpest and ripest berries to make the best-tasting cocktail.
- Fresh Mint Leaves - Mint is a key component in the flavor profile of a smash cocktail. You will need several leaves to make the cocktail and a sprig of mint to garnish it.
- Bourbon Whiskey - You can use any plain bourbon whiskey you have on hand. This is a mixed drink so you can use a less expensive bourbon and save the good stuff for sipping neat or over ice.
- Lime Juice - Freshly squeezed is always best.
- Simple Syrup - Simple syrup sweetens the flavor of the blackberries and the lime juice.
- Angostura Aromatic Bitters - (Optional) A couple drops of bitters lightens the sweetness and adds depth to this smash cocktail. However, not everyone likes bitters, and they can be omitted.
- Ice - Fresh sparkling ice is used to cool the drink down quickly.
- Sprite or 7-Up - Any lemon lime soda pop will work in this drink.
Please see the recipe card for the exact quantities.
How to Make a Blackberry Smash
Muddle. Muddle the blackberries and mint leaves in a rocks glass. You can also use a mason jar for a relaxed summertime look.
Add Bourbon and Flavors. Stir in the bourbon, lime juice, simple syrup, and bitters.
Ice and Stir. Fill the glass ¾ full with ice and continue to stir until well-chilled.
Finish with Lemon-Lime Soda. Top off with Sprite or 7-Up and garnish with a sprig of mint.
My Top Tip
♡ For the best flavor, use the freshest fruit. Taste the berries for sweetness and add more or less simple syrup.
Equipment
For this cocktail, you will need a muddler tool to bruise the mint leaves and coarsely break down the blackberries. A long-handled bar spoon and a measuring jigger are also needed.
Substitutions & Variations
- Use Any Whiskey. Instead of bourbon, you can use Irish whiskey or Canadian whiskey. I don't recommend Scotch or any whiskey with mossy or medicinal notes.
- Substitute Lemon. Instead of fresh lime juice, you can use lemon.
- Substitute Raspberries or Blueberries. Try a different berry, like raspberries or blueberries.
- Substitute Rum or Vodka. You can use rum or vodka in this drink instead of bourbon.
Make-Ahead & Storage
This cocktail is meant to be enjoyed immediately after making it. However, if you are serving it at a gathering, you can muddle the blackberries with the mint a few hours in advance and refrigerate them until you are ready to assemble the cocktails.
More Summer Cocktails You'll Love
♡ Did you love this Blackberry Smash Cocktail? Please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how things went in the ✍ comments below. Thanks for visiting!
📖 Recipe
Blackberry Smash Cocktail
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Equipment
- Muddler
- Cocktail Measuring Jigger
- Bar Spoon
Ingredients
- 5 Fresh Blackberries
- 7 Fresh Mint Leaves
- 2 Ounces Bourbon Whiskey
- ¾ Ounce Lime Juice, Freshly Squeezed
- ½ Ounce Simple Syrup
- 2 Dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
- Ice
- 2 Ounces Sprite or 7-up
Instructions
- Muddle. Muddle the blackberries and mint leaves in a rocks glass.5 Fresh Blackberries, 7 Fresh Mint Leaves
- Add Bourbon and Flavors. Stir in the bourbon, lime juice, simple syrup, and bitters.2 Ounces Bourbon Whiskey, ¾ Ounce Lime Juice, ½ Ounce Simple Syrup, 2 Dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
- Ice and Stir. Fill the glass ¾ full with ice and continue to stir until well-chilled.Ice
- Finish with Lemon-Lime Soda. Top off with Sprite or 7-Up and garnish with a sprig of mint.2 Ounces Sprite or 7-up
Notes
Nutrition
Per 1 serving. All nutritional information on this site is an estimate. Your results may vary.
Encharted Cook™ or Jan Nunes shall not be liable for adverse reactions or any other outcome resulting from the use of recipes or recommendations on this website or actions you take as a result.
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Jan Nunes says
We love sipping on this blackberry forward cocktail on the patio before grilling a summer supper.