Dubuque Honey Bourbon Smash
A smooth bourbon cocktail sweetened with honey and brightened by fresh lemon and mint, inspired by the welcoming spirit of Dubuque. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 10 minutes brings together bourbon, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup (1:1 honey 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 220 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
- 0.75 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey to water)
- 6 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 1 oz club soda
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shaker, gently muddle 6 fresh mint leaves with 0.75 oz honey syrup to release the mint oils without tearing the leaves.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon and 1 oz fresh lemon juice to the shaker.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Step 4: Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Step 5: Top with 1 oz club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a thin lemon wheel floating on top for aroma and visual appeal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dubuque Honey Bourbon Smash take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Dubuque Honey Bourbon Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover dubuque honey 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 Dubuque Honey 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 Dubuque Honey 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 Dubuque Honey Bourbon Smash?
Cocktails & Drinks 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.
