Whiskey Smash Recipe

Cocktail

1. 1

   Prepare glass

   Place a rocks glass or old-fashioned glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to chill. If using ice water, discard it before assembling the drink.

2. 2

   Muddle lemon and mint

   In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker, add the 4 lemon wedges and the 8 fresh mint leaves. Add the 0.5 oz simple syrup. Using a muddler, gently press and twist 6–8 times—enough to release lemon juice and bruise the mint without pulverizing the leaves, which can make the drink bitter.

3. 3

   Add bourbon and bitters

   Add 2 oz Maker's Mark bourbon to the mixing glass along with 2 dashes of Angostura bitters if using. Add a small handful of crushed ice to the mixing glass to help marry the flavors.

4. 4

   Light shake

   Cap the shaker and give the mixture a short, gentle shake (6–8 seconds). The goal is to chill and slightly dilute the mix while integrating the muddled ingredients—not to aerate heavily.

5. 5

   Assemble drink

   Discard the chilling ice from the prepared rocks glass if used. Fill the glass about three-quarters full with fresh crushed ice. Strain the contents of the shaker into the glass over the crushed ice, using a fine strainer if you want to keep out muddled solids; otherwise, a standard strainer is fine.

6. 6

   Garnish and serve

   Add a fresh mint sprig and a lemon wheel or wedge as garnish. Clap the mint sprig lightly between your palms once to release its aroma before placing it in the drink. Serve with a short stirring straw if desired.