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Plump, juicy blackberries are muddled with fragrant mint to form the base of this irresistibly beautiful and refreshing Blackberry Bourbon Smash. This cocktail looks impressive enough for any celebration, but I just love how easy it is to make.
Homemade cocktails are one of the easiest ways to give your party some extra pizzazz. Anyone can crack open a bottled mix, but treating your guests to a handmade concoction creates an experience that’s worth the effort. And, this blackberry bourbon smash is a head-turner with its bejeweled color, fizzy bubbles and mint garnish. Right now, it’s neck-and-neck with these pineapple mint mojitos as my favorite cocktail.
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
This has been my cocktail of choice for the past few summers for a whole host of great reasons. Gigantic blackberries are available at bargain prices in my area, so it’s hard to resist stocking up. And, this delightful riff on a whiskey smash is one of my favorite ways to use the plump, ripe berries.
The end result is a seriously sippable, perfectly balanced, delightfully refreshing cocktail that makes even the hottest days a little more bearable. And, it’s pretty darn easy on the eyes, too. That makes it a winner in my book!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cocktail base — Fresh blackberries, mint leaves, and lime juice create the tangy fruit base for this cocktail.
The Liquor — I use bourbon whiskey in this blackberry sour. I love the warm notes of vanilla, caramel that bourbon brings. Though, I do prefer varieties that are less smoky.
The Bubbles — I love the way that a club soda adds some fizz to the mix. Sparkling water works, too.
Notes on Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Muddler
- Two sturdy glasses
How to Make Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Preparing the Ingredients: Start by cleaning the berries and mint. Trim the mint leaves, then squeeze the lime juice into a liquid measuring cup.
Muddling the Base: I divide the blackberries and fresh mint leaves between two glasses. Then I add half of the lime juice to each and use a muddler to crush the fruit.
Mixing the Cocktail: Next, you’re going to want to fill the glasses with ice cubes. Split the bourbon and club soda between them. And, add simple syrup to reach the desired level of sweetness.
Garnishing and Serving: I give each glass a stir to make sure everything is combined. Before serving, top each glass with a couple of mint leaves and place a lime wedge on each rim.
Expert Tip
When I first started making homemade cocktails, I was surprised to discover how approachable it was. While a lot of flashy mixology seems to be more about putting on a show, this step is not. Muddling makes a difference! And, it’s easily doable at home. Simply add ingredients to container and smash them to form a rough paste. Muddlers are handy, you can also use the handle of a wooden spoon for the task.
Make It Year-Round — I love these best when they’re made with fresh blackberries. But, you’ll find that this blackberry bourbon smash recipe works well with frozen blackberries, too! Just thaw them on the counter for 20 minutes before muddling.
Garnish This One — Save some fresh mint leaves for garnishing your cocktail glass. And, serve it with a lime wedge on the rim. The colors add beautiful contrast, and a hint of lime juice can brighten up the berry flavor in this drink.
Use Big Ice Cubes — Larger ice cubes are best for serving cocktails, especially in a warm environment. They take longer to melt which keeps your drink from getting watered down before you can enjoy it.
Serving Suggestions
When I’m pouring a round of these blackberry bourbon smashes, then I’m definitely going to be setting out some salty tortilla chips and salsa. The sweet-tart blackberries and smooth bourbon practically beg for something spicy and fresh on the side.
I adore this pineapple jalapeno salsa and my strawberry jalapeno salsa. And, the caramel notes in the bourbon play beautifully with the mellow, juicy sweetness in peach salsa. With a lineup like this, an easy brunch becomes a full-on celebration.
Make Ahead & Storage
Make Ahead: Fizzy cocktails like this blackberry bourbon smash are best enjoyed right away after mixing.
Storage: I don’t recommend pre-mixing and storing this cocktail. Make each one fresh to order for the best results!
More Fruit Cocktail Recipes
Frequently Asked Question
Yes, certainly. You are welcome to use another style of whiskey that’s not bourbon, although the flavor will be slightly different. And, this would also be tasty with vodka or rum!
Absolutely! To make this a mocktail while retaining the rich bourbon flavor, use an alcohol-free bourbon like Kentucky 74. Or, you can omit the bourbon and simply substitute for lemonade or lime juice.
As written, the recipe makes two cocktails. You can absolutely scale the ingredients based on how many cocktails you need. For a larger batch, I would recommend muddling and mixing the ingredients in a sturdy pitcher.
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
- 12 fresh blackberries
- 12 mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ice cubes
- 3 ounces bourbon whiskey
- 2-4 tablespoons simple syrup adjust to taste
- 2 ounces club soda or sparkling water, adjust to taste
- Optional garnish: sliced lime wedges
Instructions
- Divide the blackberries and mint leaves between two glasses. Pour half of the lime juice into each, then use a muddler (or the handle of a wooden spoon) to crush the fruit.
- Fill each glass with ice cubes, then add 1.5 ounces of bourbon, an ounce of club soda, and a tablespoon of simple syrup to each.
- Stir the cocktails and garnish with a wedge of lime and mint leaves. Taste and add more syrup or club soda, as desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Sounds delicious will try it
I hope that you love it as much as we do, Sandy!