Lexington Bourbon Citrus Smash
A refreshing bourbon cocktail blending Kentucky's signature spirit with bright citrus and a touch of mint for a lively finish. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 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 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
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 6 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 2 oz club soda
- as needed ice cubes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, gently muddle 6 fresh mint leaves with 0.75 oz simple syrup to release the mint oils without tearing the 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 ice cubes and stir gently for 20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir lightly once to combine.
- Step 6: Slap a sprig of fresh mint between your hands to release aroma and place it upright in the glass as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lexington Bourbon Citrus Smash take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Lexington Bourbon Citrus Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover lexington bourbon citrus 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 Lexington Bourbon Citrus 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 Lexington Bourbon Citrus 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 Lexington Bourbon Citrus 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.
