A Whiskey Smash (on Tap) Recipe
Traverse City Straight Bourbon, lemon, mint, tonic
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Ingredients
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Cocktail Base
Aromatics & Garnish
Top & Serve
Method
Cocktail Base
Measure and combine
Add 2 oz Traverse City Straight Bourbon, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice and 0.5 oz simple syrup to a mixing glass or cocktail shaker.
Muddle mint
Place 6 of the fresh mint leaves into the mixing glass. Gently muddle with a wooden muddler or the back of a spoon 4–6 times — press to release oils but avoid shredding the leaves to prevent bitterness.
Shake with ice
Add a handful of ice to the shaker (enough to fill about half the shaker). Shake vigorously for about 10–12 seconds until chilled and slightly diluted.
Aromatics & Garnish
Lightly slap the remaining 2 mint leaves and the mint sprig between your palms to activate the oils; set aside for garnish. Reserve the lemon wheel for garnish.
Top & Serve
Prepare glass
Fill a double Old Fashioned glass (or a rocks glass) with crushed ice to the top.
Double-strain into glass
Double-strain the shaken mixture over the crushed ice to remove mint fragments and small ice chips, allowing a clean pour and cold texture.
Top with tonic
Gently pour 2 oz chilled tonic water over the back of a spoon onto the top of the drink to preserve effervescence and create a layered look. Stir once gently with a bar spoon to integrate — one or two slow turns.
Garnish and finish
Nestle the lemon wheel on the ice, then finish by placing the slapped mint sprig on top (stem down) so the aromatic oils sit above the drink. Serve immediately.