Minty, tart and with a smoky sweetness, the Blackberry Bourbon Smash is destined to be your new favorite tipple.
It’s been about a year since I’ve been writing these articles, focusing on a variety of cocktails from all over the world, and I absolutely love it. Some months after I started, my girlfriend and I went out to see Gloria Hendry perform with an 18-piece jazz orchestra at the Catalina Jazz Club here in Los Angeles. Being a big James Bond fan, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity for an evening of Bond music performed by one of my favorite Bond Ladies.
This memory sticks out in relation to tonight’s drink, the Blackberry Bourbon Smash. A few days before the show, I worked on a piece about the Whiskey Smash. Having not had one for a long while before writing about it, I quickly craved that tart and sweet mixture of citrus, mint and spicy rye. My patience paid off, and as we sat down at our table for Gloria’s performance and ordered drinks, I saw they had a Whiskey Smash on the menu. So I ordered two, of course, and instantly fell in love again with the flavor. As I make myself the Blackberry Bourbon version today, I’m reminded of how much 007 himself enjoys that spirit. Perfect.
Tonight’s recipe brought me right back to that night, with the added gift of fresh blackberries joining the lemons and mint. Refreshing, fruity and with a spicy, peppery finish, I had to revisit the videos I took of Ms. Hendry’s show, reliving the fun that was had as I sip on my drink.
Bond music and bourbon are indeed a match made in cocktail heaven.
What Is The Best Bourbon To Use In A Blackberry Bourbon Smash?
Lately, I’ve been on a bourbon kick. Mixing up drinks that call for it, or just sipping a few fingers on a Friday night straight up, it seems that it has become my go-to spirit. And that’s because I’ve treated myself to some very good, and not-too-expensive bottles recently. Buffalo Trace is great, with a nice sweetness and smooth finish. High West is excellent as well, and has some tasty spice on each sip. Bulleit is a great option too, and one of the most cost-effective. If you’re new to the spirit, Jim Beam is a fine introduction.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh blackberries
- 6 fresh mint leaves
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 2 ounces bourbon
- Club soda optional, for topping
- Mint sprig and blackberry for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the blackberries, mint leaves, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Muddle until the blackberries are crushed and the mint leaves are bruised.
- Add the bourbon to the shaker and fill with ice.
- Shake until well chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice. Top with club soda if desired. Garnish with a mint sprig and a blackberry. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH IS USED?
After prepping and shaking your cocktail, fill a rocks glass with ice and pour your drink in. Garnish with a few fresh blackberries and a sprig of mint on top.
WHAT IS A SMASH EXACTLY?
Basically, it’s a spirit mixed with muddled or “smashed” components, in this drink’s case the blackberries, sugar, lemon juice and mint. This causes the flavors to be more pronounced. While a Mojito and Mint Julep also include muddled ingredients, they are not considered Smashes.
Similar Cocktails To The Blackberry Bourbon Smash
The Blackberry Bourbon Smash is a fine example of a simple mixture bringing big flavor to your taste buds. You’ll be excited to discover other drinks that favor tonight’s, and the recipes are right here at Twist & Toast. So grab your muddler and shaker, and get ready for more delicious tipples to enjoy this weekend.
- Bourbon Smash – Keep the blackberries out of this version for a tart and tangy treat.
- Elderflower Smash – Fresh and floral, this Smash is both bright and light.
- Caipirinha – Muddle limes and sugar with cachaça for this Brazilian beverage.
- Pineapple Arugula Mojito – Try this peppery and fruity cocktail if you’re looking for something a little different.
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