Blackberry Bourbon Smash with Fresh Basil

This blackberry bourbon smash with fresh basil is such a refreshing summer bourbon cocktail recipe. It takes advantage of in-season produce and herbs paired with a slightly sweet and spicy to create this refreshing drink.

This is one of the best summer bourbon cocktail recipes.

No expert mixology skills required. It might sound a little too fancy for your home bartending experience, but I can assure you, it isn't! This is such an easy bourbon cocktail recipe, you will be making it on repeat.

Take advantage of the in-season produce. I love taking advantage of in-season produce for whatever recipe I can, especially cocktail recipes. It adds such a fun, seasonal twist to traditional cocktail recipes, and this is no different.

What is bourbon smash?

Here's an "outline" to help you make a bourbon smash. Citrus, sweetener, fresh fruit, fresh herb (mint or basil), and bourbon.

A bourbon smash is a very open-ended cocktail! You can really let your creative mixology skills show off with a bourbon smash.

What makes a drink a smash?

Based on my research, a smash is technically liquor, sugar, fresh fruit, and mint. However, you can really swap out the mint for other fresh herbs and be sure to use in-season fruit!

Here’s what you need for this blackberry bourbon smash with basil.

Blackberries. You can use fresh or you can thaw some frozen blackberries.

Honey Syrup. I love the combination of honey and berries, so instead of simple syrup, I opt for honey syrup. To make honey syrup, simply stir together equal parts honey and hot water.

Fresh Lemon. You have to add a bit of fresh lemon juice to complement the blackberries and cut through the sweetness of the honey.

Fresh Basil. Absolutely fresh basil is needed, and there are no substitutions other than fresh mint if you want.

Bourbon. Bourbon is a bit sweeter than whiskey, so it is the perfect pairing to go with the recipe.

Club Soda.

How do you make a blackberry smash?

Here's how to make this blackberry bourbon cocktail.

1. In your glass, muddle together your blackberries, lemon juice and basil leaves.
2. Add in your honey syrup and ice.
3. Pour in 2 oz. of bourbon and top with club soda.
4. Give it a stir, garnish and cheers!

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Want some more refreshing cocktail recipes?

• Strawberry Moscow Mule
• Blueberry Vodka Lemonade
• Pineapple Ranch Water
• Raspberry Margarita on the Rocks
• Watermelon Vodka Martini