This year was a great year for blackberries and the bushes nearby were loaded. After picking 4lbs worth, and after a vinegar bath, I had to make a refreshing Blackberry Bourbon Smash. I had some simple syrup already made, but if I was making a fresh batch I would have tossed some mint and blackberries into the syrup while it was being made to infuse it with some extra tasty flavour.
If you’d prefer a more traditional bourbon smash, don’t use a tall glass and don’t top up with club soda.
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- ¾ oz simple syrup or to taste, depending on how big the lemon is.
- 8-10 mint leaves plus 2 mint sprigs for garnish
- Dozen blackberries depending on size
- half a lemon quartered
- club soda* for topping up
Instructions
- In a shaker, muddle the lemon, mint, and about 4-5 blackberries in simple syrup. Be sure to hit each lemon piece at least once (but don't over-muddle).
- Add the bourbon and fill the shaker with ice, shake for 8-10 seconds and strain into a tall glass over fresh ice.
- Top up with club soda and stir to mix.
- Garnish with some mint sprigs and some fresh blackberries.
Notes
We prefer tall glasses for more "juice," but if you prefer a more traditional bourbon smash, don't use club soda, instead just pour the shaken mix over ice into a rocks glass and then garnish.
BLACKBERRY BOURBON SMASH