Blackberry Bourbon Smash

Certain flavor profiles pair so well it seems elemental- rum and pineapple, tequila and lime, and bourbon and blackberries. Blackberry season is one of the highlights of the summer. These plump juicy berries are great for snacking, dessert recipes, and to liven up salads. And they make a darkly delicious cocktail ingredient.

As a bartender (former) in Jack Daniel’s country, I learned how to make a proper drink by pairing classic spirits with flavors that naturally enhance them. I’m particularly fond of featuring fresh fruit in cocktails. Fruit adds natural sweetness and a bright pop of color. Some of my favorite fruity cocktails include Strawberry Sangria, Pomegranate Whiskey, and Watermelon Margaritas.

What makes a drink a smash?

A smash is a fruity, iced cocktail that often highlights seasonal fruit or herbal libations. It’s made for hot days, with a kick. While you can use vodka, whiskey, brandy, or even gin, we are focusing on the bourbon smash because of how well it pairs with summer blackberries.

It is called a smash because the fruit and herbs are gently pressed to release their juices and flavors. Fruit is usually included, but sometimes only as a garnish. Mint is a classic choice used in a smash cocktail, but other herbs such as basil are sometimes used.

Examples of smash cocktails include the classic Whiskey Smash, Mojito, and some varieties of mint Juleps.

What bourbon to Use

Life is too short for bad bourbon. This drink isn’t meant to mask a cheap whiskey either. I like a mid-level brand, even for cocktails. Well known mid-level brands of bourbon include:

• Basil Hayden
• Wild Turkey
• Maker’s Mark
• Four Roses
• Knob Creek
• Jim Beam

What is a bourbon?

A bourbon is a whiskey, but a whiskey is not necessarily a bourbon. Bourbon is an American exclusive. In fact, it legally required to be distilled in the US, with a minimum of 51% percent corn mash, and aged in charred, first-use American white oak barrels.

Recommended Bar Equipment

For this Blackberry bourbon cocktail, you’ll need a few cocktail tools. But if you’re not ready to invest, you can use one of our alternatives below!

• Cocktail Shaker: A cocktail shaker quickly chills cocktails by shaking them against ice, then has a strainer so you can pour out the cocktail without pouring out the ice as well. What can you use instead? Use a glass mason jar. Place the cocktail in the jar and fill it with ice. Screw on the top and shake away!
• A strainer: I use a cocktail strainer on my shaker, but cheesecloth or any fine mesh strainer will do well.
• Cocktail Muddler: A cocktail muddler is used to mash fruits and herbs in a glass or cocktail shaker to release their flavor. What can you use instead? Use a wooden spoon with a wider handle is good gently mash the berries and mint leaves. I use a rubber backed meat tenderizer (pictured above) because it’s gentle but effective and the right size.

Tips for a Great Bourbon Cocktail

Cocktail mixing is all about the proportions. A good bourbon cocktail is about how it tastes, not how strong it is. My standard mixed drink cocktail is 2 ounces of liquor for a regular sized rocks glass mixed drink, and the highball cocktail glass is usually about 2.5 ounces depending on the recipe or drink.

• If you don’t have a jigger, one fluid ounce equals to two tablespoons.
• Fresh mint leaves are important. You don’t want to use leaves that look wilted or overly dry.
• If you garnish with a fresh mint sprig, slap it gently a few times against your palm. This releases the aromatic oils but won’t flavor the drink (and you look like a pro!).
• If you use less ice or no ice, consider using 3 ounces because you will be adding more juice to fill the drink.
• Don’t smash the mint leaves too much as this will make the drink bitter. You just want to rub them enough to release the mint flavor.
• Lastly, I use soda water (any unflavored carbonated water) such as seltzer water. You can also use club soda if you like a mineral water.
• The red and green combination could really make this a fun holiday cocktail or punch for entertaining.