Downers Grove Ginger Bourbon Smash
A warming yet invigorating bourbon cocktail with fresh ginger and a hint of honey, inspired by the spirit of a cozy neighborhood tavern. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, fresh lime juice, ginger 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 210 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
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz ginger syrup
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 6 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 1 oz club soda
- enough to fill glass crushed ice
- 1 for garnish mint sprig
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 6 fresh mint leaves and 1/2 oz honey syrup into a mixing glass. Gently muddle the mint to release oils without tearing.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 3/4 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz ginger syrup into the glass.
- Step 3: Fill the mixing glass halfway with ice cubes and stir gently for 20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice to the brim and strain the cocktail over the ice.
- Step 5: Top with 1 oz club soda and give a light stir to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish with a fresh mint sprig, lightly slapped to release aroma, placed upright in the glass.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Downers Grove Ginger 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 Downers Grove Ginger Bourbon Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover downers grove ginger 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 Downers Grove Ginger 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 Downers Grove Ginger 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 Downers Grove Ginger 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.
