Blackberry Bourbon Smash

Plump, juicy blackberries are muddled with fragrant fresh mint to form the base of this irresistibly beautiful and refreshing Blackberry Bourbon Smash. This is a cocktail so gorgeous it’s hard to believe it’s so easy to make!

cocktail glass containing blackberries muddled in a bourbon smash on a cutting board with a blue checked napkin

Blackberry Bourbon Smash

This has been my cocktail of choice this summer for a whole host of great reasons. Gigantic blackberries have been available at bargain prices in my grocery stores, so it’s hard to resist stocking up and I’ve been stuffing blackberries into just about every dish I can.

This particular cocktail, though, is a riff on the classic whiskey smash; a citrus forward drink that tastes like a boozy lemonade. Our blackberry bourbon smash recipe adds a heaping helping of muddled blackberries for both flavor and aesthetics.

The end result is a seriously sippable, perfectly balanced, delightfully refreshing cocktail that is easy on the eyes, too. It’s a winner of a drink!

Bourbon Smash

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:

fresh blackberries
mint leaves
fresh lime juice
ice cubes
bourbon whiskey
simple syrup
club soda or sparkling water

cocktail glasses with blackberries and mint in them waiting to be muddled

I love these best when they’re made with blackberries that are fresh in season, but they’re still delicious when made with frozen blackberries! You’ll just need to briefly thaw them at room temperature for about 20 minutes before muddling.

For those who prefer mocktails, you can substitute an equal volume of Kentucky 74 or another good non-alcoholic bourbon. There are some great ones on the market these days.

Bourbon Smash Recipe

Divide the blackberries and 6 mint leaves between two glasses. Add the lime juice and then use a muddler (or the handle of a wooden spoon) to crush the fruit.

Fill each glass with ice. Then add the bourbon, simple syrup, and club soda.

Stir each glass and garnish with a wedge of lime and the remaining mint.

Easy Cocktails

For some more excellent cocktails and mixed drinks, try our spectacular Mojitos. Crisp, tart, slightly sweet, and always fragrant, the classic mojito is a cocktail that I never get tired of sipping.

Sandia en Fuego (a.k.a. the best Watermelon Margaritas of your life!) are a little bit spicy and a little bit sweet.

Italian Cream Liqueur is perfect for sipping, for stirring into hot coffee or tea, for drizzling over a rich cake, or even for serving with berries.