Hey there, friends! If you're looking for a fruity, refreshing cocktail with a kick, you've come to the right place. I'm sharing one of my absolute summer favorites: the Blackberry Bourbon Smash. It's a delightful mix of juicy blackberries, zesty lime, fresh mint, turbinado simple syrup, and smooth bourbon. Perfect for sipping on a warm evening or impressing guests at your next gathering!
I stumbled upon the most vibrant, juicy blackberries last week on a hot sunny day at the farmer's market. I was inspired to make this delicious summer cocktail-refreshing with the tart fruitiness of blackberries with the warm, rich, oaky twist of bourbon. Be sure to try this Blueberry Bourbon Smash if you love blueberries!
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And so, I present to you the Blackberry Bourbon Smash! This effervescent summer cocktail with seasonal fruit has become a favorite at our summer gatherings and happy hours at home, and I'm thrilled to share it with you. Another summer cocktail you'll enjoy is this Hugo Spritz or 3-2-1 Aperol Spritz.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- There's so much to love about this Blackberry Bourbon Smash. Its bubbly, refreshing profile similar to this Strawberry Elderflower Gin Fizz, captures the essence of summer, and the use of fresh blackberries gives it a stunning hue that's sure to impress.
- The turbinado simple syrup adds a subtle caramel and toffee flavor, perfectly complementing the bourbon and adding an extra layer of indulgence.
- This cocktail is easy to make but tastes like something you'd order at a high-end bar-a true treat for any occasion. And considering the rising price of cocktails at bars and restaurants, I'd rather enjoy this one in the comfort of home at a fraction of the cost!
- This simple cocktail is refreshing and full of depth, making it a versatile choice for any season, especially blackberry season (hello, summer). What's better than the sweet blackberries of late summer?
Looking for more refreshing summer cocktails? Try this bubbly strawberry Rossini cocktail, this refreshing Hugo Spritz, Aperol Spritz, or Tinto de Verano.
Delicious! The blackberry, bourbon, and mint work so well together to make a refreshing drink.
- Harriet
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients to make this blackberry bourbon smash:
- Blackberries are one of my favorite fruits. Use the freshest, ripest blackberries you can find; smaller ones without blemishes are ideal, especially for the garnish.
- Bourbon - use your favorite. I used Maker's Mark. Other options are Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig, Four Roses, Knob Creek, and Woodford Reserve. You don't need to use top-shelf bourbon for this recipe.
- Fresh mint - for muddling and a mint sprig for garnish.
- Fresh lime - for lime juice and a lime wedge for a garnish.
- Turbinado sugar to make turbinado simple syrup.
- Club soda - for a bubbly finish.
- Ice - don't forget the ice to chill this delicious cocktail!
A complete ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
What Is Turbinado Sugar?
Turbinado sugar is raw and looks like brown sugar, but the crystals are less processed. This results in larger, coarser granules and a higher molasses content. The soft toffee and caramel taste complements the bourbon in this blackberry bourbon smash cocktail.
Turbinado comes from the first pressing of sugar cane. The resulting cane juice is boiled once, causing the sugars to crystallize. The crystals are then whirled in a centrifuge to remove excess moisture, creating turbinado sugar.
Because of the large and coarse grains, the sugar crystals take a little longer to dissolve in the hot water, just a few more minutes.
What Is the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey?
While all bourbon is whiskey, not all whiskey is bourbon. Whiskey is made from fermented grain mash, such as barley, corn, rye, and wheat.
Bourbon is a specific type of American whiskey with at least 51% corn in its mash bill. It must be aged in new, charred oak barrels, distilled to no more than 160 proof, and entered into the barrel at no more than 125 proof. It also must contain no additives.
It has no minimum aging period, although to be labeled as "straight bourbon," it must be aged for at least two years. As a result, bourbon has a distinctive sweet and rich flavor profile, often characterized by notes of caramel, vanilla, spice, and oak, setting it apart from other types of whiskey.
Substitutions and Variations
- Fresh blackberries - If you can't find juicy, fresh blackberries, use thawed frozen blackberries. Or try any fresh berries you like, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a different berry flavor.
- Bourbon - You can use rye or whiskey with different flavor profiles. I like the smooth finish and taste of Irish whiskey as an alternative. You can also try vodka or gin.
- Club soda - Use sparkling water.
- Fresh lime - You can use fresh lemon juice and lemon wedges.
- Fresh mint - Swap the mint for fresh basil or rosemary for a different herbal note.
- Turbinado simple syrup - Regular simple syrup works just fine, or use maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Alcohol-free - Try a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative, or replace the bourbon with sparkling water, berry flavored sparkling water, or non-alcoholic ginger beer. Ginger beer is usually non-alcoholic, but some brands may contain a small amount of alcohol. You may also enjoy this Watermelon Water or Blue Lagoon Mocktail.
- Club soda - Use ginger beer for a spicy and refreshing twist.
- Turbinado simple syrup - Try a flavored simple syrup like thyme or rosemary simple syrup.
How to Make a Blackberry Bourbon Whiskey Smash
Here are the steps to make the turbinado simple syrup:
- Step 1: Combine the turbinado sugar and filtered water in a small saucepan.
- Step 2: Heat to medium-low, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Step 3: Remove from the heat and let it cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.
It's simple to make the blackberry bourbon smash:
- Step 4: Muddle 4 fresh blackberries, turbinado simple syrup, mint leaves, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker.
- Step 5: Add the bourbon and several ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
- Step 6: Remove the top of the cocktail shaker and pour everything into a double old-fashioned glass. I prefer not to use a cocktail strainer when making this fruity smash, but you can if you want to.
- Step 7: Add a few ice cubes, then pour a splash of club soda on top. Stir and garnish with the remaining blackberries on a cocktail stick, a sprig of fresh mint, and a lime wedge, if desired.
For best results, serve this cocktail immediately.
Expert Tip
Serve this blackberry bourbon smash in a double old-fashioned glass so you have plenty of room for ice. After pouring the drink into the glass, I like adding a few ice cubes before topping it with club soda. Remember to stir!
Then, clap the mint before garnishing the cocktail to release the oils and fragrance from the mint, enhancing the cocktail experience.
Cheers to creating an exceptional summer cocktail! Whether you're hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, this Blackberry Bourbon Smash brings a touch of elegance and a burst of refreshing fruity blackberry flavor to your glass. Happy mixing!
Recipe FAQs
A "smash" is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 19th century. The key components include fresh fruit, a spirit (in this case, bourbon), a sweetener like simple syrup, and fresh herbs, all muddled together to release their flavors.
Absolutely! The combination of bourbon and blackberry is a match made in cocktail heaven. The sweet-tart blackberries perfectly balance the smooth, rich, and slightly oaky bourbon notes.
While this cocktail is best enjoyed fresh on a hot summer day, you can prepare the turbinado simple syrup beforehand. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four weeks, and it will be ready to use whenever you're in the mood for a Blackberry Bourbon Smash.
More Cocktail Recipes
If you try this recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
EQUIPMENT
INGREDIENTS
For the Turbinado Syrup
- ½ cup filtered water
- 1 cup organic turbinado sugar or demerara sugar
For the Blackberry Bourbon Smash
- 7 blackberries divided
- 6 mint leaves plus extra for garnish
- ¾ oz turbinado simple syrup
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice ½ large lime - save a lime wedge as a garnish
- 2 oz bourbon
- Ice Several large ice cubes
- 1 ounce club soda
INSTRUCTIONS
For the Turbinado Syrup
- Combine the organic turbinado sugar and filtered water in a small saucepan on medium-low heat. Occasionally stir until the sugar dissolves.½ cup filtered water, 1 cup organic turbinado sugar
- Let the syrup cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks.
For the Blackberry Bourbon Smash
- Place 4 blackberries, 6 mint leaves, turbinado simple syrup, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker and muddle gently.7 blackberries, 6 mint leaves , ¾ oz turbinado simple syrup, ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- Add the bourbon and several ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.2 oz bourbon
- Add a few cubes of ice to a glass. Remove the top of the cocktail shaker and pour everything into a double old-fashioned glass. Add additional ice.Ice
- Pour club soda on top. Stir and garnish with mint leaves and a lime wedge, if desired. Serve immediately.1 ounce club soda
NOTES
- Don't strain this Blackberry Bourbon Smash for the best sipping experience.
- Serve this blackberry bourbon smash in a double old-fashioned glass so you have plenty of room for ice. After pouring the drink into the glass, I like adding a few ice cubes before topping it with club soda. Remember to stir!
- Then, clap the mint before garnishing the cocktail to release the oils and fragrance from the mint, enhancing the cocktail experience.
NUTRITION
Resplendent Kitchen offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site as a courtesy. Although resplendentkitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information from online calculators, these figures are estimates.
Jenni BEEEEE says
This is just soooooo good it is a little bit bad it’s so good! We picked blackberries in our neighborhood and followed the recipe (went just a little light on the simple syrup because our blackberries are so sweet). This is amazing! ???? I wish I could post a photo of it!
Emily Miller says
Thank you so much, Jenni, I am thrilled to hear it! If you have a photo of it, share on Instagram and tag me @resplendentkitchen, I'd love to see it!
Chenee says
Absolutely delicious and the perfect summertime cocktail!
Emily Miller says
Thank you so much for your review, Chenee! Cheers!
Harriet says
Delicious! The blackberry, bourbon and mint work so well together to make a refreshing drink.
Emily Miller says
Thank you, Harriet, it's such a refreshing combination!
Kushi says
This cocktail is so gorgeous and delicious.
Emily Miller says
Thank you very much, Kushi.
Gianne says
The fresh blackberries combined with the smooth bourbon create a perfect balance of sweetness and bold flavors. It's a refreshing and delightful drink that's perfect for any occasion.
Emily Miller says
Thanks so much for your review, Gianne!
Nathan says
I absolutely love this cocktail, not too strong and just the right amount of fruity flavor. I'll be drinking this all summer for sure!
Emily says
I hope you enjoy this bourbon whiskey smash as much as we have! Let me know in the comments!