Hardware Hammer Bourbon Smash
A robust bourbon smash infused with muddled fresh mint and lemon, inspired by the rugged charm of hardware stores and building supplies. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together bourbon, small wedges fresh lemon wedges, leaves fresh mint leaves 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 small wedges fresh lemon wedges
- 8 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 1 oz simple syrup
- as needed crushed ice
- 1 for garnish mint sprig
- 1 for garnish lemon twist
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a sturdy mixing glass, add 3 small lemon wedges, 8 fresh mint leaves, and 1 oz simple syrup. Muddle gently to release the citrus and mint oils without bruising the mint.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon and fill the mixing glass with crushed ice.
- Step 3: Stir vigorously with a bar spoon for 20 seconds until the glass feels cold and the ingredients are well combined.
- Step 4: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh crushed ice.
- Step 5: Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lemon twist, expressing the lemon oils over the drink before placing it on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hardware Hammer 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 Hardware Hammer Bourbon Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover hardware hammer 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 Hardware Hammer 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 Hardware Hammer 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 Hardware Hammer 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.
