Rosemary-Citrus Bourbon Smash
A vibrant cocktail combining bourbon with fresh citrus and fragrant rosemary for a herbaceous, bright flavor. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 8 minutes brings together bourbon, 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 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
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 3 pieces fresh orange segments
- 1 fresh rosemary sprig
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 orange wheel
- 1 for garnish rosemary sprig
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, muddle 3 fresh orange segments and 1 fresh rosemary sprig with 3/4 oz simple syrup to release oils and juices.
- Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes to the brim. Add 2 oz bourbon and 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and combine flavors without diluting.
- Step 4: Double strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 5: Garnish with an orange wheel on the rim and a fresh rosemary sprig tucked alongside it for aroma.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rosemary-Citrus 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 Rosemary-Citrus Bourbon Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover rosemary-citrus 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 Rosemary-Citrus 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 Rosemary-Citrus 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 Rosemary-Citrus 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.
