Bourbon Smash

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Muddled lemons and mint are literally smashed together for this tart and refreshing favorite.

I’m positive that most of you here have enjoyed a few cocktails of the sour variety… Whiskey Sour, Vodka Sour, Tequila Sour… They’re tart and mouthwatering combinations of sugar, lemon and/or lime juice (depending on your taste) and your preferred base spirit, shaken and served over ice. Easy, simple and crowd-pleasing.

But have you ever had a ‘smash’? If a Mint Julep has ever crossed your lips, you’re almost there. Smash cocktails are, to my mind, a tasty crossover, combining elements of a julep and a sour together. In a julep, you muddle mint leaves with your bourbon and sugar before it’s shaken and served. It’s a tart and strong treat on a hot day, and a classic that never disappoints.

For the cocktail we’re making today, the Bourbon Smash, you really get the best of both the julep and sour worlds. Muddling juicy lemon wedges in this drink adds a sweet, citrusy bite to the refreshing notes of the mint. And along with the smoky, smooth and spicy flavors the bourbon provides, cut with a little simple syrup, you’ll have a perfectly cold and balanced libation. One that you’ll be making all summer long for you and your friends.

What are the roots of a Bourbon Smash? Who was the first forward-thinking mixologist that dreamed up this simple and robust recipe? The family of smash cocktails, sometimes referred to as a ‘smasher’ or ‘smash-up’, has been around since the 1840s. From its inception, this versatile and flexible recipe has hosted a number of spirits as its base. From Gin Smashes to the ever-popular Whiskey Smash, drink historian David Wondrich has commented that, at this time, “everyone seemed to spend the summer months of the year with a Smash glued in one hand and a cigar in the other.” In 1859, Harper’s Bazaar published a tongue-in-cheek article mentioning how Brandy Smashes had become an integral part of a young person’s college years. I obviously went to the wrong school.

In 1862 the smash made its first official appearance in print, when the recipe was immortalized in Jerry Thomas’ legendary tome Bartender’s Guide. This version calls for “1/2 table-spoonful of white sugar, 1 table-spoonful of water and 1 wine-glass of brandy.” The Bourbon variety of this drink we’ll be making has evolved over the years, bringing in elements of the julep, with the muddling of the mint and lemons.

Without the metal straws and pewter cups that come with the julep, a Bourbon Smash is a more pared-down tipple in terms of presentation and pomp. You don’t need to wear any opulent hats while at the horse races to enjoy this drink, but maybe you want to. This beverage can be sipped on anywhere and anytime. Once you’ve tried one, you’ll be thinking about the next.

What is the Difference Between Whiskey and Bourbon?

The answer to this question is actually pretty nuanced when you start to dig into the history of both whiskey and bourbon. It can be confusing because on the one hand they’re the same, and on the other they are not. There’s an expression in the cocktail world that goes something like “all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.” The simplest way I can differentiate between the two is that whiskey can be made anywhere in the world and be considered whiskey. Bourbon however, must be distilled and aged in oak barrels on American soil, using around 51% corn mash in the process. Originally hailing from Kentucky, many bourbons nowadays are bottled in places such as Indiana and Utah.

What is the Best Bourbon to Use in a Bourbon Smash?

I’ve not had any run-ins with what I consider a “bad bottle” of bourbon. If you go with a more cost-effective and widely available brand, such as Jim Beam, you won’t be disappointed. I’ve enjoyed many a smash and sour made with this particular spirit and it mixes beautifully in whatever you’re making. And Sean Connery used to appear in their ads during his tenure as James Bond, so there’s that too. I’ve also recently discovered the smooth and complex sipping that a bottle of High West provides. Just don’t drink the whole thing on your own. Sharing is not only caring, but you’ll feel better in the morning too. I speak from experience.

What glassware and garnish is used for a Bourbon Smash?

I like these cocktails in a rocks glass, filled with ice and garnished with a plump lemon wedge and a few sprigs of mint. These give your drink an extra zing of freshness and acidity.

What is the difference between a Bourbon Smash and a Bourbon Sour?

A Bourbon Sour is lemon juice, simple syrup and Bourbon shaken and served over ice. Our smash recipe muddles fresh lemons and mint together with the syrup and bourbon, and is stirred before serving. Closely related, but a different flavor profile will be present.

Similar Cocktails to the Bourbon Smash

You like your cocktails a little sweet, a little sour and a whole lotta strong, right? Well, so do I. And here at Twist & Toast you can discover any number of drink recipes that you can make at home that will satisfy those cravings. Check some of these mixtures out below and you might find one of your next new favorites to enjoy this summer.

• Tequila Sour – Simple, spicy and frothy, the Tequila Sour is one of my friends’ favorite weekend concoctions that I make for them all the time.
• Whiskey Smash – This is the cocktail that turned me into a big fan of smashes.
• Rum Sour – Worried about scurvy as you relax on the beach? Have a few Rum Sours and fret no more!
• Elderflower Smash – If you’re new to the joys of St. Germain, the Elderflower Smash will convert you into a true believer.