Refreshing Bourbon Smash With Lemon and Mint

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh lemon and mint make rich, oaky bourbon taste bright and refreshing.
• The entire cocktail comes together in just 5 minutes.
• Simple syrup softens the citrus without making the drink overly sweet.
• It is easy enough for a casual evening but polished enough for entertaining.

Grocery List

• Produce: 1 medium lemon and 1 small bunch fresh mint
• Dairy: None
• Pantry: Bourbon, 1:1 simple syrup or granulated sugar for making it, and ice

Full Ingredients

For the Bourbon Smash

• 2 ounces bourbon, preferably 90 to 100 proof
• 1/2 medium lemon, cut lengthwise into 3 small wedges
• 3/4 ounce 1:1 simple syrup, equal to 1 1/2 tablespoons, fully cooled
• 8 fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup ice cubes, for shaking
• 3/4 cup crushed ice, for serving

For the Garnish

• 1 fresh mint sprig
• 1 thin lemon wheel, about 1/8 inch thick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Chill the glass and prepare the ingredients

Place a 10-ounce rocks glass in the freezer for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, rinse and dry the lemon and mint. Cut 1/2 medium lemon lengthwise into 3 small wedges, measure 2 ounces bourbon and 3/4 ounce simple syrup, and gather the ice. Remove the glass from the freezer and fill it with 3/4 cup crushed ice.

Step 2: Muddle the lemon and syrup

Place the 3 lemon wedges in the bottom of a cocktail shaker and pour the simple syrup over them. Muddle firmly for about 10 seconds, pressing each wedge 3 to 4 times to release its juice and fragrant citrus oils. Avoid grinding the lemon peel continuously, which can add too much bitterness.

Step 3: Gently muddle the mint

Add 8 mint leaves to the shaker. Press them gently with the muddler only 2 to 3 times. The goal is to bruise the leaves enough to release their fresh aroma without tearing or pulverizing them, which can make the cocktail taste grassy.

Step 4: Add the bourbon and shake

Pour 2 ounces bourbon into the shaker, then add 1 cup ice cubes. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 12 to 15 seconds. The outside of the shaker should feel very cold and develop a light layer of condensation.

Step 5: Strain over crushed ice

Double-strain the cocktail through both the shaker strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the prepared rocks glass. Double-straining catches lemon seeds, pieces of pulp, and torn mint while preserving the cocktail’s fresh citrus and herbal character. Add a little more crushed ice if needed to create a full, gently mounded top.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Lightly clap the mint sprig between your palms once to release its aroma, then tuck it beside the ice. Add the 1/8-inch-thick lemon wheel at the rim. Serve immediately while the cocktail is thoroughly chilled, ideally at approximately 38°F to 42°F.

Pro Tips

• Choose a full-flavored bourbon: A 90- to 100-proof bourbon keeps its caramel, vanilla, and oak notes noticeable after shaking and dilution.
• Muddle in stages: Press the lemon firmly, but treat the mint gently. Overworked mint can give the drink a bitter, vegetal flavor.
• Use fresh lemon: Bottled juice does not provide the aromatic oils released from muddled lemon peel.
• Adjust the sweetness carefully: For a more tart cocktail, reduce the simple syrup to 1/2 ounce. For a sweeter drink, increase it to 1 ounce.
• Use plenty of ice: A full shaker chills the cocktail quickly and provides controlled dilution rather than leaving the drink warm or harsh.

Variations

• Blackberry Bourbon Smash: Muddle 3 fresh blackberries with the lemon and simple syrup. Double-strain carefully to remove the seeds.
• Rye Whiskey Smash: Replace the bourbon with 2 ounces rye whiskey for a drier cocktail with a peppery, spiced finish.
• Sparkling Bourbon Smash: Prepare the drink as directed, then top it with 1 ounce chilled club soda for a lighter, gently fizzy version.

Storage & Make-Ahead

A finished Bourbon Smash is best served immediately because the crushed ice will continue to melt and dilute the drink. For make-ahead preparation, combine the measured bourbon and simple syrup in a sealed container and refrigerate at 40°F or below for up to 24 hours. Muddle the lemon and mint only when you are ready to shake and serve. Homemade 1:1 simple syrup can be prepared by heating equal parts granulated sugar and water to 180°F, stirring until clear, and cooling completely; store it in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 202 kcal | Carbs: 16g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Sodium: 3mg | Cholesterol: 0mg