Bourbon Smash with Berries and Citrus
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Fresh berries, juicy orange and lemon slices, fresh mint, and smooth bourbon come together in this vibrant twist on a traditional bourbon smash cocktail.
Looking for a bourbon cocktail that’s fruity without being overly sweet? This berry bourbon smash strikes the perfect balance between citrusy brightness and rich whiskey warmth. The muddled berries add a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color, while the orange and lemon gives the drink a citrus-forward flavor that plays beautifully with the oak notes in the bourbon.
This easy and refreshing drink is bursting with flavor, making it perfect for warm evenings, summer gatherings, or a backyard cocktail hour. The berries and orange are a departure from the traditional bourbon smash recipe – which sticks to lemon and mint – but I love what they bring to this smash-style drink, so we’re going to be untraditional here.
This refreshing cocktail is easy to customize and even easier to sip. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this bourbon smash recipe is a fresh take on a summer classic that feels both familiar and new. Made with lots of fresh ingredients, it’s the perfect cocktail for non-bourbon drinkers and one of my favorite ways to drink bourbon in the hotter months.
Ingredients
This single spirit cocktail is made with lots of fresh ingredients.
- Bourbon – Choose your favorite bourbon whisky for this recipe. A blackberry or honey flavored bourbon would be delicious here, but will add a little sugar to your drink so add 0.25 ounces less of the simple syrup if you go this route.
- Simple Syrup – Classic simple syrup works the best in this recipe. It’s easily made at home with sugar and water. Get my instructions for making it in the microwave on my simple syrup recipe page.
- Strawberries – Use only fresh, ripe strawberries.
- Orange – You need a fresh navel orange or Cara Cara orange for this recipe.
- Lemon – Fresh lemon is a key ingredient. Feel free to substitute a Meyer lemon if you prefer something a little bit sweeter.
- Club Soda – Any plain fizzy water will work here. Club soda has the most bubbles and holds its fizz the longest, but you can use plain sparkling water if that’s what you have on hand.
- Mint – Fresh mint is another key ingredient. Don’t skip this or use dried mint.
How to Make a Bourbon Smash Cocktail
Place slices of orange, lemon, strawberry and the simple syrup into a cocktail shaker.
Muddle until the strawberries are crushed and the juices have been extracted from the citrus.
Bourbon Smash with Berries and Citrus
Ingredients
- ¼ fresh orange
- ¼ fresh lemon
- 1 large strawberry
- 4 fresh mint leaves
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1.5 oz bourbon , or whisky
- 1 oz club soda , or sparkling water
Instructions
- Cut the orange and lemon into quarters.¼ fresh orange, ¼ fresh lemon
- Place a quarter of the lemon and a quarter of the orange into a cocktail shaker.
- Cut the top off the strawberry and slice it into large pieces.1 large strawberry
- Add the berry pieces and simple syrup to the cocktail shaker.1 oz simple syrup
- Muddle until the strawberries are crushed and the juices have been extracted from the citrus.
- Add bourbon, 4 large mint pieces, and ice cubes to the cocktail shaker.4 fresh mint leaves, 1.5 oz bourbon
- Cover and shake well for 10-15 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda or sparkling water.1 oz club soda
- Garnish with a lemon wedge, orange slice, small strawberry, and/or mint sprig.
- Stir gently. Sip and enjoy.
Customize Your Cocktail
Using seasonal fruit is a great way to change up your cocktail. I’m using strawberries in this recipe, but a blackberry bourbon smash would also be delicious. Just swap the strawberries here for 4 or 5 fresh blackberries. Or make it a peach bourbon smash by leaving out the orange and swapping the strawberries for 3 large slices of ripe peach.
What to Serve with a Bourbon Whiskey Smash
A bourbon smash pairs beautifully with savory, rich bites that balance the drink’s bright and fruity profile. The fruitiness of the cocktail cuts through bold flavors, making it a versatile choice for appetizers or casual small bites. Try it with bacon wrapped date, savory spiced nuts, honey walnut phyllo cups, or these cheeseburger sliders.
Want More Smash Cocktails?
Smash cocktails are fun to customize and easy to make with any spirit. If you like this Bourbon Smash, try my Tequila Smash and Gin Basil Smash.
Don’t Miss These Bourbon Cocktails
If you enjoy this berry-orange bourbon smash, you might also love other bourbon-forward cocktails like the classic Old Fashioned, or Kentucky mule. For something a little cozier, try a Bourbon Hot Toddy with maple syrup in the cooler months. If you prefer more fruit-forward drinks, a Peach Old Fashioned, a Blackberry Mint Julep, or even a classic Mint Julep could be right up your alley. Bourbon is surprisingly versatile and pairs well with a variety of seasonal fruits, herbs, and mixers.
