Blackberry Bourbon Smash Recipe

Looking for a cocktail that's refreshing enough for a summer afternoon but still has a little something extra? Meet the Blackberry Bourbon Smash.

Fresh blackberries, bright lemon, mint, and bourbon come together in a cocktail that's fruity, refreshing, and just the right amount of sweet. It's easy enough to make at home but feels special enough to serve at your next gathering.

What Is a Bourbon Smash?

A smash is a classic style of cocktail that combines a spirit with fresh fruit, herbs, citrus, and ice. The ingredients are muddled together to release their flavors, creating a refreshing drink with plenty of fresh character.

For this version, we're using blackberries and mint to complement the rich, slightly smoky flavor of bourbon.

Blackberry Bourbon Smash Ingredients

You'll need:

• 2 oz bourbon

• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

• ½ oz simple syrup

• 5–6 fresh blackberries

• 6–8 fresh mint leaves

• Ice

• Fresh blackberries and mint for garnish

How to Make a Blackberry Bourbon Smash

1. Muddle the fruit and mint.
Add the blackberries, mint leaves, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Gently muddle until the blackberries release their juice and the mint becomes fragrant.

2. Add the bourbon.
Pour in the bourbon and fill the shaker with ice.

3. Shake it up.
Shake well for about 10–15 seconds to chill the cocktail and combine the flavors.

4. Strain over ice.
Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice and strain the cocktail into the glass.

5. Garnish and serve.
Add a few fresh blackberries and a sprig of mint. For an extra pop of lemon, add a small lemon wedge.

Then it's time to enjoy! 🥃

Bartender Tips

Don't over-muddle the mint.

When working with fresh herbs, gentle is better. You want to release the oils and aroma without completely pulverizing the leaves, which can make the drink taste bitter.

Adjust the sweetness.

Blackberries can vary quite a bit in sweetness. If your berries are particularly tart, add a little more simple syrup. If they're naturally sweet, you may find that ½ oz is plenty.

Use fresh lemon juice.

This is one cocktail where fresh citrus really makes a difference. The acidity from the lemon helps balance the sweetness of the berries and brings everything together.

Want It a Little Lighter?

If you prefer a lighter cocktail, you can add a small splash of ginger beer or club soda after straining.

This gives the drink a little extra lift while keeping the blackberry, lemon, and bourbon flavors front and center.

Make It for a Crowd

The Blackberry Bourbon Smash is also easy to turn into a batch cocktail for entertaining.

Instead of muddling individual drinks, prepare a larger batch of the bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and blackberry mixture ahead of time. Keep it chilled until you're ready to serve, then pour over ice and garnish each glass individually.

Tip: Add fresh mint closer to serving time so it stays bright and fresh.

Why We Love This Cocktail

The Blackberry Bourbon Smash checks all the boxes:

✔️ Easy to make
✔️ Fresh ingredients
✔️ Beautiful color
✔️ Not overly sweet
✔️ No complicated ingredients
✔️ Easy to customize

It's the perfect cocktail for a backyard gathering, summer dinner, girls' night, or simply sitting outside with a drink at the end of a long day.

Cheers From Your Private Bar!

We love cocktails that are approachable enough to make at home but still feel like something special.

If you make our Blackberry Bourbon Smash, tag Your Private Bar and let us know what you think!

Cheers!