There’s nothing quite like a refreshing cocktail to cool you off on a warm day. And what better way to enjoy the warm weather seasons than with a blackberry bourbon smash? With juicy blackberries and the warmth of bourbon coming together in a glass, this cocktail is the perfect mix of sweet and refreshing.

blackberry bourbon smash cocktail in a glass with blackberry garnish.

If you’re looking for a new cocktail recipe to try this summer, the blackberry bourbon smash is definitely worth adding to your list. Not only is it fruity and delicious, but it’s also simple to make.

A couple of weeks ago I shared a recipe for a bourbon smash cocktail. In that post, I mentioned a few possible variations of the classic recipe. I just had to give one of them a try. The resulting cocktail, this blackberry bourbon smash, was so tasty that I had to take some pictures and write a recipe for you. You too need to give this one a try!

two blackberry bourbon smash cocktails with fresh blackberry garnish.

I love cocktail recipes where, with just a few ingredients, you can create a drink that will impress your guests and keep all of you cool on hot summer days. Everyone needs a fruity cocktail recipe for summer.

While this blackberry bourbon smash is simple to make, it is unique and feels special and it’s definitely a drink recipe that will impress! And if you like blackberry cocktails, be sure to check out this blackberry margarita, blackberry basil sangria, and blackberry gin lemonade.

Give it a go and see for yourself why this blackberry bourbon smash is the perfect summer sipper.

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 How To Make

4 Recipe Variations

5 Frequently Asked Questions

6 More Summer Cocktails You Might Enjoy

7 Blackberry Bourbon Smash

Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe

The combination of sweet blackberries, tangy lemon juice, and bold bourbon creates the perfect balance of flavors.
This bourbon smash cocktail is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of muddling, you can have a delicious drink in no time.
It’s a unique and unexpected cocktail that will elevate any summer gathering.

Ingredients

To make the perfect blackberry bourbon smash, you’ll only need a few essential ingredients:

bourbon – I like Four Roses Single Barrel. (I share more info on this below.)
fresh mint
lemons
blackberries – Choose ripe, juicy berries for the best flavor.
simple syrup – Make your own with my easy simple syrup recipe.
club soda

How To Make

Let’s shake up a cocktail! I’ll walk you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Begin by adding the simple syrup, mint leaves, blackberries, and lemon wedges into a cocktail shaker.
Muddle them until the lemons and blackberries are slightly broken down and the mint is crushed.

blackberry bourbon smash ingredients in a glass cocktail shaker.

Add the bourbon and fill the shaker with ice; using a long cocktail spoon, stir vigorously until very cold.
Fill a rocks glass with ice and use a fine strainer to strain the drink into the glass.

cocktail shaker pouring blackberry bourbon smash into a rocks glass filled with ice.

Add a splash of club soda if desired.
Garnish with fresh blackberries and a sprig of fresh mint.

Recipe Variations

There are endless possibilities when it comes to making variations of the classic bourbon smash.

A great starting point is to wwap out the blackberries for other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches.
Another quick change would be to use limes instead of lemons.
For those who prefer a sweeter twist, adding an extra splash of simple syrup could do the trick. You could also experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Want a bit more kick? Adding a slice of jalapeño or muddled ginger can add some heat to the mix.
If bourbon isn’t your spirit of choice, try switching it out for vodka, rum (which would give you a mojito), or even tequila for a unique twist.
For a non-alcoholic version, use ginger ale or lemon-lime soda instead of bourbon to create a refreshing mocktail.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own. The possibilities are endless, and there’s no wrong way to make a blackberry bourbon smash. It’s the perfect summer cocktail recipe. With all of these fresh and exciting variations, you can keep the summertime sipping going all summer long!

hand holding blackberry bourbon smash cocktail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen blackberries in this recipe. (However, I highly recommend fresh ones.) If using frozen, you’ll want to let them thaw slightly before muddling and mixing.

Can I substitute another type of alcohol for the bourbon?

While bourbon is the traditional choice for this cocktail, you can experiment with other spirits like whiskey or rum. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will be different.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this drink?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of this drink by substituting ginger ale or lemon-lime soda for the bourbon.

What type of glass should I serve this cocktail in?

A rocks glass or a highball glass would be ideal for serving this blackberry bourbon smash.

The blackberry bourbon smash is the perfect summer sipper for any bourbon lover. With just a few simple ingredients, you can impress your guests with this delicious cocktail. The sweetness of the blackberries and the warmth of the bourbon create a perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

More Summer Cocktails You Might Enjoy

I hope you’ll try making this blackberry bourbon smash. It’s such a refreshing cocktail recipe. I know you’re going to love it. If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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