It’s hard to beat a classic cocktail – they are classics for a reason. And this Whiskey Smash recipe is just such a classic. It is fresh, delicious, and so easy to make at home. Grab the ingredients for this weekend!
Using Fresh Lemons
As mentioned above, we are using fresh lemons that are cut into wedges in this cocktail. Muddling the whole lemon wedge with simple syrup and mint leaves brings the perfect fresh flavor to this cocktail. I would not recommend replacing this with bottled lemon juice. Don’t you think sometimes the best cocktails are the simplest? These few fresh, simple ingredients combined with the whiskey make an ice-cold refreshing beverage that you will love over and over again.
Bourbon whiskey: It is important to use one that you truly love. I love to recommend that you visit a local distillery. They often let you sample so you can find a bourbon you really love and then you are supporting a local business too!Mint leaves: I love growing fresh mint in the summer so I always have mint on hand for my cocktails. You can also buy a small plant to keep in your window for that fresh mint taste all year long.Lemon: A key to this recipe is muddling an actual fresh lemon with the mint. This way you get the flavor from the juice as well as the rind.Simple syrup: This is where the cocktail gets its sweetness. I love to make my own Simple Syrup because it is so easy, but if you don’t, find a bottle when you are picking up your whiskey.
Muddle. Add the lemon wedges, mint leaves, and simple syrup to a mixing glass. Gently muddle them together. If you don’t have a muddler, use the end of an ice cream scoop or wooden spoon.Add the whiskey. Stir in your bourbon whiskey.Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass. Add lots of ice and garnish with an extra mint leaf or two and enjoy.
How to Serve
Serve your whiskey smash cocktail in a glass tumbler, such as a rocks glass, with lots of ice. Garnish it with a few mint leaves and enjoy immediately while the drink is cold.
Whiskey Smash vs. Whiskey Sour
While both delicious, a Whiskey Sour and whiskey smash. A whiskey sour is made with lemon juice while a whiskey smash is made with actual fresh lemon muddled with mint (hence the word “smash” in the name of the cocktail). A classic whiskey sour also contains egg white which is not an ingredient in the whiskey smash recipe.
3/4 cup simple syrup1 1/2 cups whiskey1 1/2 lemon, cut into wedges20 mint leaves
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