Drinks and Cocktails
Bourbon Smash
Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
- .5 to 1 ounce simple syrup, agave nectar, jam, or a sweet liqueur (see notes)
- Sprig of mint, tarragon, pineapple sage, scented geranium, basil, or another herb
- A few chunks of fresh fruit, seeds and skins removed: grilled peaches, blackberries, watermelon, strawberries…you get the idea
- Lemon wedge
- 1.5 ounces bourbon
- Optional: Soda water or ginger beer
Recipe Steps
Step 1: Put the simple syrup, fruit, and herbs in a sturdy glass tumbler or mason jar and crush well to release the flavors.
Step 2: Squeeze the lemon juice into the mixture, add bourbon, top with crushed ice, and give it a good stir. Add soda water if desired. I serve this drink with a straw so guests can keep stirring while they drink.
Recipe Tips
A note about simple syrup: Heat equal parts sugar and water until the sugar melts, then let it cool. Use as much or as little as you like. As an alternative, try a liqueur like St-Germain elderflower liqueur (it’s not as girly as it sounds), Cherry Heering, or crème de peche. I’ve also been known to use a spoonful of jam in this drink. It’s perfect.
Try these bourbon barbecue recipes:
Bourbon-Brined Chicken
Bourbon- and Maple-Brined Smoke-Roasted Turkey
Try these other drinks:
Smoky Manhattan
Smoky Mary
Sangria for Grown-ups
Dragon’s Breath
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