Classic Bourbon Smash

This classic bourbon smash recipe comes together with bourbon, lemon wedges, fresh mint leaves, and simple syrup. It’s easy to make and perfect for sipping on this spring and summer.

The bourbon smash is a spin off of a whiskey sour. Unlike most bourbon cocktails that are spirit-forward with a strong taste, a bourbon smash is refreshing with bright flavors from the fresh lemon and mint. This drink is also similar to a mint julep, the only difference is that a mint julep doesn’t have lemons.

The first time I had a bourbon smash cocktail was at a Kentucky Derby party. Our host planned on serving the iconic mint julep cocktails, but had an abundance of fresh lemons from her lemon trees, so decided this smash would be the drink of the day.

Why you'll love this recipe

Refreshing drink: This 4-ingredient cocktail combines simple ingredients for a perfectly balanced drink. For other whiskey cocktails, try my pickleback cocktail or classic Manhattan.
Quick and easy: Who doesn’t love an easy cocktail? For this one, you’ll just muddle lemon and mint together in a cocktail mixing glass with simple syrup, stir in the bourbon until well-chilled, then strain into a rocks glass.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re a whiskey drinker or not, you’ll love this drink on a hot day. It’s the ultimate thirst-quencher, great for happy hour, parties, or special occasions.

Ingredient notes

Bourbon: Use your favorite bourbon!
Fresh lemon: Fresh lemon juice is best.
Fresh mint: You can't have a bourbon whiskey smash without fresh mint.
Simple syrup: Make homemade simple syrup or use store-bought.

Homemade simple syrup

The simple syrup ratio is 1:1, equal parts water to granulated sugar.

In a small saucepan, heat the water over medium heat.
Add the sugar and stir to combine.
Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from heat.
Let cool before using then store in the fridge for 3-4 weeks.

How to make a bourbon smash

The full directions for this delicious cocktail are in the printable recipe card below.

Slice a lemon in half then into wedges. Add to a cocktail mixing glass with fresh mint and simple syrup.
Using a cocktail muddler, gently mash the lemon and mint to release their flavor.
Add bourbon and ice then stir vigorously with a long cocktail spoon until well-chilled.
Fill a cocktail glass with crushed ice and strain the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and enjoy immediately.

Variations

Even though I prefer sipping on this simple cocktail during hot days, you can enjoy this drink any time of year. There are several popular bourbon smash variations! For each flavor, simple swap the simple syrup for a flavored simple syrup and muddle the fresh fruit.

For example, in the springtime give a blueberry bourbon smash a try.
In the summertime, cool off with a peach bourbon smash or blackberry bourbon smash.
During the winter season, warm up with a raspberry bourbon smash.
For a fun twist, during the fall, make a seasonal swap with maple syrup instead of simple.

Related recipes

Want more classic cocktail recipes? Try these next:

Classic Gimlet: The Gin Gimlet is the perfect balance of sweet and tart with a hint of botanical flavor.
Aperol Spritz: The Aperol Spritz recipe is light, bubbly, refreshing, and perfectly sweet!
Classic Negroni: The Negroni cocktail is a spirit-forward drink with a bitter profile.
Aviation Cocktail: The Aviation is citrusy and floral!

I hope this bourbon smash becomes your new favorite whiskey drink! Let me know what you think by leaving a rating and comment below.