This blackberry bourbon smash is an easy, fruity cocktail to mix up while dinner is on the stove. It’s made with fresh blackberries, mint, lime, and a little maple syrup, all muddled and shaken with bourbon. Add a splash of ginger beer for a sweet, gingery finish, and it’s ready to sip in just five minutes.
The nice thing about using maple syrup is that you can skip making simple syrup and get right to mixing your drink. Set out some chips and dip, shake up a cocktail, and you’ve got a lovely little start to dinner without much work.
You’ll still taste the bourbon, with juicy berries and fresh mint in every sip. The crushed blackberries stay right in the glass, and you can easily swap the ginger beer for club soda if you like your drinks a little less sweet.
Is This the Right Recipe for You?
- You enjoy the flavor of bourbon. The berries, mint, and lime brighten the drink, but the bourbon still comes through.
- You like fresh fruit in your cocktail. This version is served unstrained, with crushed blackberries, seeds, and bits of mint in the glass.
- You want some say in the sweetness. Use ginger beer for a sweeter finish with a ginger bite, or club soda for a less sweet drink.
- You want something quick to serve with dinner. It takes five minutes, with no homemade simple syrup to prepare.
- You’re mixing a drink for yourself or a friend. The recipe makes one cocktail and works well for mixing individual drinks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Blackberries: Choose ripe, plump berries that give a little when pressed.
- Bourbon: Use a bourbon you enjoy drinking. Its flavor still comes through alongside the fruit and mint.
- Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup adds sweetness and a little extra flavor without making simple syrup. Honey is also an easy alternative.
- Fresh mint: Use fresh green leaves for muddling and garnish.
- Lime: Use wedges or freshly squeezed juice. The wedges add some flavor from the peel, while juice is easier to measure consistently.
- Ginger beer or club soda: Choose ginger beer for sweetness and a ginger bite, or club soda for a less sweet finish.
How to Make Blackberry Bourbon Smash
You’ll muddle the fruit and mint, shake everything with bourbon and ice, then finish with a bubbly topping.
1. Muddle the fruit and mint
Add the maple syrup, mint leaves, lime wedges or juice, and blackberries to a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler to gently press the ingredients against the bottom of the shaker until the blackberries are crushed and juicy.
Pro tip: No muddler? Use the end of a wooden spoon. Press gently so you don’t grind the mint or lime peel into tiny pieces.
2. Add bourbon and shake
Pour in the bourbon and add the ice cubes. Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for 15–30 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
3. Pour and finish
Remove the shaker lid and pour everything, including the ice and crushed fruit, into a double old-fashioned glass. Add the ginger beer or club soda to taste, then stir gently. Garnish with mint leaves and a whole blackberry, and serve immediately.
Pro tip: Use a roomy glass with space for the ice and topping. Add the ginger beer or club soda after shaking to keep its bubbles.
Expert Tips
- Taste a blackberry before choosing your syrup amount. Start with ½ ounce maple syrup for sweet berries or when using ginger beer. The full ¾ ounce may suit tart berries or the club soda version.
- Measure the bourbon. A jigger or small measuring cup keeps the drink balanced. Two ounces is also ¼ cup if that’s easier with the tools you have.
- Keep your topping cold. Refrigerate the ginger beer or club soda beforehand so it doesn’t warm the drink and melt the ice as quickly.
- Wake up the mint garnish. Lightly clap the mint between your palms before adding it to the glass to release its fresh scent.
Variations and Substitutions
- Club soda instead of ginger beer: Use the club soda option for a less sweet finish without the ginger flavor. Plain sparkling water also works.
- Frozen blackberries: Thaw them until soft enough to muddle, then drain excess thawing liquid before using.
- Lemon instead of lime: Replace the lime juice with the same amount of fresh lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.
- Another sweetener: Regular simple syrup can replace the maple syrup. Start with ½ ounce and adjust to taste, since the sweetness will be different.
- Another whiskey: Try rye whiskey for a spicier version. It changes the flavor, but still works with the blackberries, citrus, and mint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bourbon smash?
A bourbon smash is a cocktail made with bourbon, muddled fruit or citrus, a sweetener, and usually fresh herbs, served over ice. This blackberry version includes mint, lime, and maple syrup, with ginger beer or club soda for a bubbly finish.
Do you strain a blackberry bourbon smash?
A blackberry bourbon smash can be strained or served with the muddled fruit, depending on the recipe. This version is poured into the glass without straining, so blackberry pulp, seeds, and bits of mint remain in the drink.
What’s the difference between a bourbon smash and a mint julep?
A mint julep traditionally combines bourbon, sugar, mint, and crushed ice, while a bourbon smash commonly includes muddled citrus or other fruit. This blackberry bourbon smash adds berries and lime for a fruity, tart flavor, plus a splash of ginger beer or club soda.
More Recipes Like This
If you enjoy fruity cocktails with fresh citrus or a little fizz, here are a few more to try:
- Strawberry Mojito: Fresh strawberries, mint, and lime make this a good choice when you’re in the mood for another muddled fruit cocktail.
- Cranberry Moscow Mule: Try this cranberry and vodka cocktail if you love the ginger beer finish in your blackberry smash.
- Mango Mojito: Sweet mango and fresh mint give this rum cocktail a tropical flavor.
- Strawberry Margarita: A frozen berry cocktail for nights when tacos and tequila sound good.
- Grapefruit Gin Fizz: Bright grapefruit and a bubbly finish make a refreshing change from berry drinks.
Made this Blackberry Bourbon Smash? Leave a review and let me know how it turned out!
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the maple syrup, mint leaves, lime wedges or juice, and blackberries. Muddle gently until the blackberries are crushed.
- Add the bourbon and ice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15–30 seconds, until the shaker feels cold.
- Pour the full contents of the shaker into a double old-fashioned glass without straining. Top with ginger beer or club soda to taste. Stir and garnish with mint leaves and a whole blackberry.
Nutrition
Notes
- Sweetness: Start with ½ ounce maple syrup for sweeter berries or when using ginger beer. Use up to ¾ ounce according to your preference.
- Topping: Ginger beer adds sweetness and ginger flavor. Club soda gives a less sweet finish.
- Serving: Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and best carbonation.
