Employee Benefit Blackberry Bourbon Smash
A rich yet fruity bourbon smash featuring fresh blackberries and a hint of citrus, ideal for unwinding with a smooth, balanced drink. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 8 minutes brings together bourbon, fresh lemon juice, blackberry puree 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
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz blackberry puree
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 4 fresh blackberries
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 lemon twist
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, muddle 4 fresh blackberries gently with 1/2 oz simple syrup to release their juice.
- Step 2: Fill the glass halfway with ice cubes, then pour in 2 oz bourbon, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1 oz blackberry puree.
- Step 3: Stir gently for 30 seconds to chill and integrate flavors.
- Step 4: Double strain into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Garnish by expressing a lemon twist over the surface, twisting to release oils, and resting it on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Employee Benefit Blackberry Bourbon Smash take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 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 Employee Benefit Blackberry Bourbon Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover employee benefit blackberry 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 Employee Benefit Blackberry 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 Employee Benefit Blackberry 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 Employee Benefit Blackberry 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.
