Craving a refreshing summer cocktail that's bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Blackberry Bourbon Smash! This easy recipe combines sweet summer blackberries with the smooth warmth of bourbon, a touch of tart lime, and a hint of honey for a perfectly balanced drink. It's ready in minutes and perfect for sipping on a warm evening.
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Bourbon makes the best cocktails. So does tequila, vodka, gin.... I'm a cocktail connoisseur. Good thing I get to recipe test cocktails as my job.
This blackberry bourbon smash is one of my favorite cocktails lately. Not only is it super pretty, it makes use of summer berries. Which, admittedly, I hoard in my freeze all winter long.
But! If you're serving this at a BBQ or summer dinner party, using fresh berries for garnish along with fresh mint leaves, really ups the presentation.
Try it as a refreshing beverage with Blackstone chicken fajitas or jalapeno cheddar burgers.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact amounts.
- bourbon: I use Kentucky bourbon and for this cocktail I used Evan Williams. I also like Larceny, Forty Creek, and 4 Roses. Use your favorite bourbon.
- blackberries: I thawed fresh blackberries and it worked perfectly. You can also use fresh berries, but it doesn't really matter because you're muddling them anyway. So, fresh or frozen, it's your choice!
- lime: fresh lime juice always has the zippiest fresh taste but use bottle lime juice if you have it.
- honey: honey adds a touch of sweetness to this cocktail. Skip it if you prefer it tangy.
Substitutions
- blackberries: I think this cocktail would also work with raspberries, similar to my raspberry Collins cocktail.
- lime: try lemon juice instead.
- honey: I also tasted this with simple syrup which is easy to make with just sugar and water.
Garnishes are fun, they make drinks look pretty! Try lime or lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
Instructions
Prep Tips
Don't have a cocktail shaker? Use a jar with a lid.
- Add the blackberries, honey, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker or a jar that has a lid.
- Use a muddler or something similar to break up the blackberries. You can add mint at this time if you have it.
- Add the bourbon and ice.
- Shake for 30-60 seconds to combine and chill all the ingredients.
- Swipe a lime wedge over the rim of your glass.
- Gently stamp and roll the glass in sugar and lime zest. Add ice to the glass.
- Strain the cocktail mixture over the ice.
- Fill with sparkling water.
Garnish with your choice of garnishes. I used a lime wedge, blackberries on a cocktail pick, and fresh oregano leaves (because I love them and they have taken over my garden!).
Tips for making a blackberry bourbon smash
- Use fresh or frozen berries and you can make this drink any time of the year.
- It's worth using a cocktail shaker or something similar. Shaking the ingredients with ice helps combine and cool them as well as slightly dilute the drink. Strain it over fresh ice for a refreshing cocktail.
- Garnishes make the drink look really pretty - always a nice touch for dinner parties.
What to serve with a blackberry smash
This drink makes me think summer and is perfect for a cocktail hour with a few nice appetizers. Try tortilla chips with pineapple salsa or pita chips with whipped ricotta.
Want to try another bourbon cocktail? Try a Kentucky mule next.
Storage
This cocktail is best served at the time it's made.
FAQs
While this recipe was developed using Kentucky Bourbon, substitutions like whiskey or vodka will work just as well, altering the taste slightly.
Recipe
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
- 6-8 blackberries
- ½ oz lime juice
- 2 teaspoons honey or simple syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 2 ounces sparkling water
- ice
rim:
- granulated white sugar
- lime zest
Instructions
- On a small plate, combine the sugar and lime zest. Rub the lime wedge around the rim of the glass. Roll and gently stamp the glass in the sugar and lime to coat.
- Add the blackberries, lime juice and honey to a cocktail shaker, or jar with a lid.
- Using a muddler, muddle the ingredients together, squishing the blackberries so they release their juice.
- Add the bourbon and ice. Shake.
- Add ice to the rimmed glass. Strain the cocktail mixture over the ice.
- Top with bubbly water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.
Equipment
Notes
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
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Liz says
Hi I was just wondering where I can get that exact cocktail shaker you use? Thank you.
Jacqueline Piper says
Hi Liz!
My shaker was a gift, but this style seems kind of hard to find online. I'll link the two places we've seen them. These are not affiliate links. https://barproducts.com/products/barconic%C2%AE-two-piece-shaker-with-built-in-strainer
https://barsupplies.com/products/two-piece-shaker-w-built-in-strainer-barconic%C2%AE
Hope that helps!
Jacqueline