Bourbon Smash

A lemony, minty bourbon cocktail that tastes bright and refreshing but still feels warm and cozy.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A chilled Bourbon Smash cocktail in a rocks glass with crushed ice, a fresh mint sprig, and a lemon wheel on a wooden kitchen counter in soft natural light

Jump to Recipe

If bourbon and lemonade had a very charming friend who shows up with a bunch of mint from the backyard, this would be it. A Bourbon Smash is one of those drinks that feels fancy, tastes bright, and takes about as much effort as making a strong cup of tea.

We are mixing lemon and mint (nothing aggressive), adding bourbon, a little sweetness, and shaking it until it goes ice-cold and a little frothy. The result is crisp, citrusy, and aromatic, with bourbon doing that cozy vanilla caramel thing in the background.

Bourbon, fresh lemons, a small bowl of mint, and a jar of simple syrup arranged on a clean kitchen counter

Why It Works

Bright flavor fast: Fresh lemon and mint wake up bourbon instantly.
Balanced, not cloying: Just enough sweetness to round the edges and keep it sippable.
Flexible: Make it stronger, lighter, more herbal, or bubbly with a simple tweak.
Low effort, high reward: A few fresh ingredients and a good shake, and you are in business.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Cocktails are best fresh, but you can still prep smart:

Make-ahead base (no ice): Mix bourbon + simple syrup + lemon juice and refrigerate in a sealed jar. It is best within 24 hours for the brightest flavor. Shake with ice right before serving.
Mint tip: Do not muddle mint ahead of time. It can turn bitter and muddy. Muddle per drink.
Simple syrup note: A basic simple syrup is 1:1 sugar and water. Stored in a clean jar in the fridge, it will keep for about 2 to 4 weeks.
Cut lemons: Store wedges or half lemons wrapped tightly or in a container for 2 to 3 days.

Common Questions

What is a Bourbon Smash?

A smash is a simple cocktail built around muddled fresh ingredients (usually citrus and herbs) plus spirit, sweetener, and ice. This version is in the classic whiskey smash family, just made with bourbon for that cozy vanilla caramel vibe.

Do I need a cocktail shaker?

It helps, but you can fake it. Use a sturdy mason jar with a tight lid. Shake hard, then strain.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

You can, but fresh is noticeably better here because lemon is the whole point. If bottled is what you have, add a little extra mint and a thin lemon peel garnish to boost the aroma.

What bourbon is best for a smash?

Use something you like to drink neat. A classic 90 to 100 proof bourbon holds up well to citrus and ice. You do not need the top shelf bottle, just avoid anything that tastes harsh.

How do I make it less sweet or more sweet?

Start with 1/2 ounce simple syrup. Taste after shaking (a tiny sip off a clean bar spoon is fine) and add more syrup in 1 teaspoon increments if needed.

Can I make it sparkling?

Yes. Shake everything except the sparkling water, pour over fresh ice, then top with 1 to 2 ounces club soda.

Why does my drink taste bitter?

Most likely the mint was over-muddled. Press gently just to bruise the leaves. Also avoid pulverizing the lemon peel if you are muddling wedges.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with a lid)
Muddler (or the handle of a wooden spoon)
Jigger or measuring spoons
Fine mesh strainer (optional, but nice for less mint bits)
Rocks glass

I love drinks that feel like a recipe, not a performance. The Bourbon Smash is my go-to when I want something refreshing but still a little cozy. It is what I make when the kitchen is half-clean, the playlist is doing the heavy lifting, and I have exactly one lemon left that needs a purpose. Muddle, shake, taste, adjust. That last part is the whole personality of this drink.

Bourbon Smash

(4.8 Reviews)

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 0 mins

Total Time 5 mins

Servings 1 cocktail

Ingredients

6 to 8 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 a juicy lemon) or 2 to 4 lemon wedges
2 oz bourbon
1/2 oz simple syrup (or 2 tsp maple syrup or honey syrup)
Ice (crushed is classic, cubes are totally fine)
Optional: 1 to 2 oz club soda for a lighter, bubbly version
Garnish: mint sprig and a lemon wheel (optional but highly recommended)

Fresh mint leaves and lemon wedges on a wooden cutting board beside a small paring knife on a kitchen counter

Instructions

Muddle gently. Add the mint and lemon juice (or wedges) to a cocktail shaker. Muddle with a light hand just until the mint is fragrant and the lemon is incorporated. You are bruising, not obliterating.
Add bourbon and sweetener. Pour in the bourbon and simple syrup.
Shake hard. Fill the shaker with ice and shake for about 10 to 15 seconds, until the outside feels very cold.
Strain and serve. Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice or cubes. Strain the cocktail into the glass. If you muddled wedges and want a cleaner sip, use a fine mesh strainer to catch pulp and mint bits. If you want it bubbly, top with club soda.
Garnish and sip. Clap a mint sprig between your palms (it wakes up the aroma), add it to the glass, and finish with a lemon wheel.