Grilled Citrus Whiskey Smash
A smoky twist on a classic smash, featuring charred citrus and smooth whiskey for a warm, layered cocktail experience. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 10 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, grilled orange slices, fresh lemon juice 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 180 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
- 2 slices grilled orange slices
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 6 leaves fresh mint leaves
- as needed ice cubes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Lightly grill 2 orange slices on a grill pan for 1-2 minutes per side until char marks appear; set aside to cool.
- Step 2: In a mixing glass, muddle 6 fresh mint leaves gently with 0.5 oz simple syrup and grilled orange slices to release oils and flavor.
- Step 3: Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey and 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice to the mixing glass.
- Step 4: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 5: Double strain into a rocks glass filled with one large clear ice cube.
- Step 6: Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and one grilled orange slice rested on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus Whiskey 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 Grilled Citrus Whiskey Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover grilled citrus 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 Grilled Citrus 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 Grilled Citrus 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 Grilled Citrus 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.
