Bourbon Smash Recipe
Makers Mark, Muddled Mint, Orange, Lime with Simple Syrup and Angostura Bitters.
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Ingredients
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Bourbon Smash
Method
Bourbon Smash
Prepare citrus and mint
Place the 8 fresh mint leaves into a sturdy mixing glass or shaker. Add the orange wedges (use 3–4 wedges) and 2 lime wedges. Reserve one orange wedge and one lime wedge for garnish.
Muddle
Gently muddle the mint and citrus together using a cocktail muddler or the back of a wooden spoon. Press just enough to release the orange and lime juices and the mint oils — avoid shredding the mint into small bits (2–4 firm presses).
Add spirits and sweetener
Pour in 2 oz Maker's Mark bourbon and 0.75 oz simple syrup into the mixing glass. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
Shake with ice
Add a large handful of ice (about 3/4 to 1 cup) to the shaker. Cover and shake vigorously for about 10–12 seconds to chill, dilute slightly, and integrate flavors.
Prepare serving glass
Fill a rocks glass or double old-fashioned glass with crushed ice to the top.
Strain and build
Double-strain the shaken mixture over the crushed ice using a cocktail strainer and a fine mesh strainer (or a Hawthorne plus small sieve) to keep muddled solids out of the drink. If you prefer a more rustic presentation, you can single-strain and allow some small fruit bits in the glass.
Garnish and finish
Give the mint garnish a gentle slap between your hands to release aroma, then tuck the mint sprig into the glass. Add the reserved orange wheel or twist on the rim or floated on top. Optionally add one more dash of Angostura bitters on the top of the foam/ice for aroma.
Serve immediately with a short straw or stirrer so the drinker can adjust dilution. Enjoy responsibly.