Bluegrass Bourbon Citrus Smash
A vibrant bourbon cocktail inspired by Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, combining fresh citrus and a hint of mint for a refreshing, balanced drink. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup (2:1 sugar to water) for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup (2:1 sugar to water)
- 6 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 2 oz club soda
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 lemon wheel
- 1 mint sprig
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle 6 fresh mint leaves with 3/4 oz simple syrup to release the mint oils without tearing the leaves.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey and 1 oz fresh lemon juice to the shaker, then fill it halfway with ice cubes.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until the shaker feels cold and frosty.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top the drink with 2 oz club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish by placing a fresh mint sprig upright and a thin lemon wheel on the rim of the glass.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bluegrass Bourbon Citrus Smash take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Bluegrass Bourbon Citrus Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover bluegrass bourbon citrus smash in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bluegrass Bourbon Citrus Smash?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bluegrass Bourbon Citrus Smash for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Bluegrass Bourbon Citrus Smash?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
