Muddled Blackberry Bourbon Smash
A vibrant bourbon cocktail bursting with fresh blackberries and mint, muddled and served over crushed ice for a summery sip. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 8 minutes brings together bourbon, fresh blackberries, 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 220 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
- 6 fresh blackberries
- 6 fresh mint leaves
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 cup crushed ice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a sturdy mixing glass, place 6 fresh blackberries and 6 fresh mint leaves. Muddle gently with a muddler to release juices and oils, avoiding tearing the mint too much.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup into the mixing glass.
- Step 3: Fill the mixing glass halfway with ice cubes and stir gently for 15 seconds to chill and slightly dilute.
- Step 4: Fill a rocks glass with 1 cup of crushed ice. Double strain the cocktail into the glass to remove solids.
- Step 5: Slap a small mint sprig between your palms and garnish by placing it upright in the glass along with one blackberry on a cocktail pick.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Muddled Blackberry Bourbon Smash take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 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 Muddled Blackberry Bourbon Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover muddled blackberry 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 Muddled Blackberry 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 Muddled Blackberry 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 Muddled Blackberry Bourbon Smash?
Cocktails & Beverages 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.
