Looking for a refreshing way to sip your bourbon? Look no further! This Fresh and Minty Bourbon Smash tastes exactly how it sounds—citrus-y sweet, ice cold, and minty fresh.
When it’s super hot (10 months out of the year where I live in Florida) and it’s time for Happy Hour, I can easily anticipate my husband’s response to the question “What do you want to drink?” It is always, always, “something refreshing”.
Which 9 times out of 10 means this Fresh and Minty Bourbon Smash.
It is EVERYTHING.
Fresh and Minty Bourbon Smash FAQs
What the heck is a Smash?
A “smash” cocktail consists of a spirit, a fruit, and an herb and there are TONS of different variations (check out this Citrus and Basil Gin Smash).
I’ve fallen somewhat in love with Smashes as of late, and I’m confident you will, too!
It’s even become an inspiration to my baking habit! (See my Rosemary Shortbread Cookies with Lemon Glaze).
Can I Make My Own Simple Syrup?
Absolutely! I encourage you to! For brown simple syrup, all you need is brown sugar and water. Use equal parts of these two ingredients and you’re on your way!
For this recipe, heat 3 tablespoons of brown sugar and 3 tablespoons of water in a pot on the stove until it begins to simmer. Whisk a couple of times until the sugar is completely integrated into the water. And voila! You’ve got simple syrup.
Or, just use 1/2 cup brown sugar in 1/2 cup of water, and keep some extra simple syrup in your fridge. You may just want more than one of these once you taste it!
How Do I Get The Freshest Smash Cocktail Possible?
Opt for fresh lemon instead of lemon juice, be generous with the mint, and choose a bourbon that you would also drink on its own. And as always, don’t skip out on the garnish! The fragrance of the mint with each sip adds to the overall experience. Plus we drink with our eyes first, right?
I would also consider a large piece of ice rather than smaller cubes or crushed ice. The bigger the ice, the slower it melts, so you can sip and enjoy it without your drink quickly watering down.
The ice cubes pictured in the recipe are made from a mold. We have these ice molds—they are inexpensive, and we get A LOT of use out of them. You can use them for making freezer bars, cake pops, and fresh fruit Popsicles, too!
What Liquor Should I Use In This Fresh And Minty Smash?
The freshness of the lemon and mint is an awesome balance to the more oaky whiskey. I prefer bourbon for this cocktail because its notes of caramel go perfectly with the brown simple syrup. But this cocktail only has 4 ingredients—and you’ll taste every one! Use a whiskey you know you like.
If you’re generally not a whiskey fan, go for bourbon. And don’t fret—you don’t have to love whiskey to love this cocktail!
For another whiskey cocktail idea, try this Reinvented Class: New Fashioned. Or if you’re not a whiskey fan, how about Sparkling Mulled Cranberry Cocktail or a Refreshing But Strong Limoncello Cocktail.
Fresh and Minty Bourbon Smash
Print Save RateIngredients
- 4 sprigs mint (plus more for garnish (optional))
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce brown simple syrup
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1 wedge lemon for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a lowball or Old Fashioned glass, muddle the mint with the lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Add whiskey ice and pour bourbon over top. Mix to combine.
- Option to garnish with lemon wedge and extra mint. Sip slow and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Making your own simple syrup is easy, cost-efficient, and preservative-free. I just use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water, boil for 15 minutes, and stir frequently. You can use brown sugar or granulated sugar. I usually have both on hand and LOVE the brown sugar simple syrup for this recipe.
- You can use any whiskey for this recipe. I really like Bourbon in this cocktail, but I’ve also tried it with Irish Whiskey and Scotch and they are all yummy!
- Still thirsty? Check out this awesome collection of my best cocktail recipes!
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