Blueberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail

What Is Turbinado Sugar?

Turbinado sugar is raw. It looks like brown sugar, however the crystals are less processed, resulting in larger, coarser granules with a higher molasses content. The caramel and soft toffee taste complements the bourbon in this blueberry bourbon smash cocktail.

Did you know that turbinado comes from the first pressing of sugar cane? The resulting cane juice is boiled once, causing the sugars to crystallize, which are then whirled in a centrifuge to remove excess moisture. Because of the large and coarse grains, turbinado sugar crystals take a few more minutes to dissolve in hot water. 

Here are the ingredients to make this blueberry bourbon smash:

• Blueberries are one of my favorite fruits. Use the freshest, ripest blueberries; smaller ones without blemishes are the best, especially for the garnish.
• Bourbon - use your favorite bourbon. I used Maker's Mark. Other options are Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig, Four Roses, Knob Creek, and Woodford Reserve.
• Fresh mint leaves for muddling and a mint sprig for a garnish
• Fresh lemon is essential - lemon juice complements the blueberries; add a lemon wedge for garnish, if desired.
• Turbinado sugar for making turbinado simple syrup.
• Club soda - to finish with bubbles.
• Ice - remember the ice to chill this delicious cocktail!

A complete ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

What Is The Difference Between Bourbon & Whiskey?

While all bourbon is whiskey, not all whiskey is bourbon. Whiskey is a broad category of distilled alcoholic beverages made from fermented grain mash, including 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.
Bourbon 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 & Variations

• Fresh blueberries - If you don't have access to fresh blueberries, use thawed frozen wild blueberries, which have the most flavor. Or try any fresh berries you like, such as raspberries or blackberries, like in this Blackberry Bourbon Smash.
• Bourbon - You can use rye or whiskey, which will have different flavor profiles; I like the smooth finish and taste of Irish whiskey as an alternative to bourbon. Or try vodka or gin.
• Fresh lemon - Instead of lemon juice, you can use fresh lime juice and lime wedges.
• Fresh mint - Swap the mint for fresh basil or rosemary for a different herbal note.
• Club soda - Use sparkling water or ginger beer.
• Turbinado simple syrup - Regular simple syrup works just fine if you don't have turbinado sugar. For a different twist, try agave syrup, maple syrup or flavored simple syrup, like thyme or rosemary.
• Alcohol-free - Try a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative, or replace the bourbon with sparkling water, non-alcoholic ginger beer, or berry-flavored sparkling water. You may also enjoy this Watermelon Water or Blue Lagoon Mocktail.

How To Make This Blueberry Bourbon Smash

Here are the steps to make the turbinado simple syrup:

1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine the turbinado sugar and filtered water.
2. Step 2: Heat to medium, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
3. 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 blueberry bourbon smash:

4. Step 4: In a cocktail shaker, muddle 9 fresh blackberries, turbinado simple syrup, mint leaves, and lemon juice. 
5. Step 5: Add the bourbon and several ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
6. Step 6: Remove the top of the cocktail shaker and pour everything into a double old-fashioned glass. Don't strain this Blackberry Bourbon Smash for the best sipping experience.
7. Step 7: Add a few ice cubes, then pour a splash of club soda on top. Stir and garnish with the remaining blueberries on a cocktail stick, a sprig of fresh mint, and lemon wedges, if desired.

Storage

While this blueberry whiskey smash is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the turbinado simple syrup ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, and it will be ready to use whenever you're in the mood for a Blueberry Bourbon Smash.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker - I love this elegant cocktail shaker! A mason jar with a lid will do if you don't have a cocktail shaker.
• Muddler - if you don't have a muddler, use the clean handle of a mortar and pestle, the tip of a French rolling pin, or the tip of the wooden spoon handle to gently release the mint oils.
• Cocktail glass - I recommend a double old-fashioned glass or rocks glass to contain all the ice.