Bourbon Smash Recipe
A refreshing summer classic where simplicity is king. Maker’s Mark paired with lemon juice and fresh mint. Bring on the summer!
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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Method
Cocktail
Prep
If you haven't already, make simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heat until sugar dissolves, cool. Juice fresh lemons to yield at least 0.75 oz per cocktail. Lightly clap the mint leaves between your hands to release oils.
Muddle
In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, add the fresh mint leaves and simple syrup. Gently muddle the mint about 6–8 times — just enough to bruise the leaves and release aroma and oils without shredding them bitter.
Build and shake
Add the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and a small handful of crushed ice (about 1/4 cup) to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice, cap it, and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until well chilled.
Serve
Fill a rocks glass or double old-fashioned glass with crushed ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass over the crushed ice, using a fine strainer if you prefer to keep mint fragments out. If desired, gently top with about 1 oz club soda for a lighter finish.
Garnish & finish
Garnish with a lemon wheel or wedge on the rim and a sprig of mint. Before placing the mint sprig, clap it once between your palms to activate the aroma and position it near the drink's surface for aroma on each sip.
Notes
Adjust sweetness by increasing or decreasing simple syrup in 0.25 oz increments. For a more citrus-forward Smash, increase lemon juice to 1 oz. To make multiple servings, multiply ingredients proportionally and lightly muddle mint in batches.