Garage Celebration Whiskey Smash
A lively whiskey smash with fresh mint and lemon, perfect for celebrating outdoors with friends. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, 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 whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 8 leaves plus 1 sprig for garnish fresh mint leaves
- as needed crushed ice
- 1 for garnish lemon wheel
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 8 fresh mint leaves in a mixing glass and gently muddle with 0.75 oz simple syrup to release aroma without tearing leaves.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey and 1 oz fresh lemon juice to the mixing glass.
- Step 3: Fill the mixing glass halfway with crushed ice and stir gently for 20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice to the brim.
- Step 5: Strain the mixture into the prepared rocks glass over the crushed ice.
- Step 6: Slap a sprig of fresh mint between your hands to release oils and place it upright in the glass.
- Step 7: Garnish with a lemon wheel resting on the ice beside the mint.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garage Celebration Whiskey 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 Garage Celebration Whiskey Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover garage celebration whiskey 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 Garage Celebration Whiskey 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 Garage Celebration Whiskey 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 Garage Celebration Whiskey 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.
