Classic Cocktails & Drinks With A Funky Twist

Whiskey Smash

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Posted: 04/25/24

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

A whiskey Smash is a cocktail even non-whiskey lovers will enjoy! Like a Mint Julep, the fresh combination of mint and citrus complements the whiskey beautifully in a drink that is light, classy, and just as easy to make as it is to enjoy.

two glasses of whiskey smash with ice, mint and lemon

The Whiskey Smash cocktail gets its name from muddling (or smashing) fresh lemon with fresh mint and simple syrup. These unlikely ingredients together create a unique thirst-quenching whiskey cocktail you’ll want to serve up all summer long.

Whiskey Smash Ingredients

  • Whiskey: A good quality bourbon whiskey makes all the difference in this cocktail. We love Knobb Creek, but find a bourbon that is in your budget that you enjoy the flavor of.
  • Mint leaves: Grab some fresh mint leaves from your garden or grocery store, some for muddling and a few for garnish.
  • Lemons: Cut two wedges of lemon to muddle. Using fresh lemons rather than bottled lemon juice makes such a difference in the refreshing flavor of this cocktail.
  • Simple syrup: Make your own simple syrup to keep on hand for sweetening all of your favorite cocktails, it balances the tartness of the other ingredients.

Homemade Simple Syrup

Simple syrup adds just enough sweetness to this cocktail. Compared to using granulated sugar, making a simple syrup by combining sugar and water allows it to dissolve in cold liquids like cocktails. It can be used in so many cocktails and can be stored for weeks in your refrigerator.

How to Make Simple Syrup

An essential for any bar, simple syrup is easy to make at home. With just two ingredients, it is a bar staple.
Learn the simple syrup ratio and how to make it at home!
two glasses of whiskey smash with ice, mint, lemon, and whiskey

How To Make a Whiskey Smash Cocktail

Here is how this simple whiskey cocktail comes together. For the full list of ingredients and their measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  1. Mix: In a mixing glass, combine the lemon wedges, simple syrup, and mint leaves.
  2. Muddle: Gently muddle together in the glass to release the juices and oils.
  3. Add the whiskey: Add your whiskey and crushed ice, and give it a good stir to combine.
  4. Strain and enjoy: Strain the mixture into a glass over crushed ice and garnish with fresh mint. Cheers to a delicious and invigorating cocktail that’s sure to be a hit!

Pro Tip!

If you don’t have a muddler, use the handle of a wooden spoon or the back of a spoon. You want to do this gently enough to release the oils and juices of the fresh ingredients, but not completely mush the ingredients.

How To Serve

Any small glass tumbler will be suitable to serve a yummy whiskey smash. Serve with plenty of ice to keep the cocktail icy cold. Garnish with fresh mint to add a dash more flavor and color to the cocktail! Tip: gently rub the mint leaves between your fingers before adding to the cocktail to release the oils of the mint, making it more fragrant!

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Whiskey Tumblers

These glass tumblers are perfect for all of your whiskey drinks. JoyJolt glassware is such good quality.
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Whiskey Smash vs Whiskey Sour

Both popular whiskey cocktails, the difference between these two cocktails lies in how they are made and the ingredients. As you’ve learned in this whiskey smash recipe, the fresh ingredients, including mint, are muddled together. In a whiskey sour, no mint is used and the drink is topped with a frothy egg white.

Variations

  • Strawberry Whiskey Smash: Add three strawberries in step one and then muddle.
  • Cherry Whiskey Smash: Add three cherries and 1/2 ounce cherry juice in step one and then muddle.
  • Blackberry Bourbon Smash: Add 6-8 blackberries and 1/4 of a lime instead of a lemon in step one and then muddle.
Glass of whiskey smash with ice, whiskey, mint, and lemon

Other Whiskey Drinks

If you make this whiskey smash recipe or any of our other cocktails, leave a comment and let us know what you think.

two glasses of whiskey smash with ice, mint and lemon
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Whiskey Smash

Serves: 1 cocktail
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 3 minutes
Total: 3 minutes
A whiskey smash is a fresh combination of mint, citrus, and whiskey that is light, classy, and just as easy to make as it is to enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce simple syrup
  • 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
  • 1/4 of a lemon cut into two wedges
  • 3 or 4 fresh mint leaves

Instructions

  • Add the lemon wedges, simple syrup, and mint leaves to a mixing glass.
  • Muddle together.
  • Add bourbon and ice and stir.
  • Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice and garnish with mint leaves.
Course: Drinks
two glasses of whiskey smash with ice, mint and lemon

Did You Make This

Whiskey Smash

I’d love to see what you made! Tag me @shakedrinkrpt and hashtag it #shakedrinkrepeat!

Nathan Longley has been his wife’s personal bar tender for as long as he can remember. While he most often enjoys a cold beer, he is known to love our vodka gimlet.

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