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Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Muddled blackberries and mint shaken with bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup into one of the best summer cocktails in the American repertoire. The blackberries make the drink a deep purple color and add a fruity tartness that balances the oak-and-vanilla of the bourbon perfectly. Make a pitcher for any backyard gathering.
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Ingredients
- 12 fresh blackberries
- 4 oz bourbon
- 2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup, equal parts sugar and water
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- 2 cups ice
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle blackberries and mint leaves with simple syrup until berries are broken down.About 3 min
- Add bourbon, lemon juice, and a generous handful of ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.About 2 min
- Double-strain (through the shaker strainer and a fine mesh strainer) into ice-filled glasses. Garnish with fresh mint and a blackberry.About 3 min
Tips
- Double-straining removes seeds and mint bits for a smooth drink.
- Use good bourbon — a mid-range bottle makes a noticeable difference.
- For a mocktail, replace bourbon with ginger beer or sparkling water.
Ring the changes
- Use rye whiskey for a spicier, drier smash.
- Add a splash of Chambord for extra berry intensity.
Keeping it
Mix and serve immediately. A pitcher of the blackberry base (without ice and bourbon) keeps refrigerated for 2 days.
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More from the same crop
A sweet-savory flatbread that proves blackberries have a place in savory cooking: caramelized onions, creamy goat cheese, and fresh blackberries on a crispy crust, finished with honey and thyme. The combination is genuinely stunning — the tart berries, sweet onions, tangy goat cheese, and herby thyme create something that tastes far more sophisticated than the effort warrants.
45 min · medium · Blackberry
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