Chicago-Inspired Spiced Bourbon Smash
A vibrant bourbon cocktail with a nod to Chicago’s lively food scene, featuring fresh citrus and warming spice notes. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together bourbon, fresh lemon juice, cinnamon simple syrup 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 190 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
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup
- 6 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 1 oz club soda
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shaker, gently muddle 6 fresh mint leaves with 3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup to release the oils without tearing the leaves.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon and 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice to the shaker. Fill with ice cubes to the brim.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until the shaker feels cold and slightly frosted.
- Step 4: Double strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh large ice cubes to keep the drink crisp.
- Step 5: Top with 1 oz club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon for 10 seconds to combine without losing carbonation.
- Step 6: Express a lemon peel over the glass to release oils, then place it on the rim as garnish alongside a sprig of mint.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chicago-Inspired Spiced Bourbon Smash take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Chicago-Inspired Spiced Bourbon Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover chicago-inspired spiced bourbon 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 Chicago-Inspired Spiced Bourbon 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 Chicago-Inspired Spiced Bourbon 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 Chicago-Inspired Spiced Bourbon 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.
