Minted Bourbon Bluegrass Smash
A refreshing bourbon cocktail inspired by Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, combining fresh mint and lemon with a touch of honey sweetness. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon, leaves fresh mint leaves, 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 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
- 8 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
- 1 oz club soda
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, gently muddle 8 fresh mint leaves with 3/4 oz honey syrup to release the mint oils without tearing the leaves.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon 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 large ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top with 1 oz club soda and stir gently once to combine.
- Step 6: Slap a sprig of fresh mint between your palms to release aroma and garnish by placing it upright in the glass.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Minted Bourbon Bluegrass 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 Minted Bourbon Bluegrass Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover minted bourbon bluegrass 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 Minted Bourbon Bluegrass 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 Minted Bourbon Bluegrass 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 Minted Bourbon Bluegrass 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.
