Whiskey Smash
A fresh, aromatic drink of bourbon, lemon and mint, muddled into balance and served over crushed ice.
Ingredients
- Bourbon60 ml
- Lemon4 wedges
- Mint, fresh leaves8 leaves
- Simple syrup (1 part Sugar, 1 part Water)22.5 ml
- Aromatic bitters (Angostura)e.g. Angostura2 dashes
- Mint, to garnish (optional)1 sprig
- Lemon, to garnish (optional)1 wedge
Method
- Gently muddle the lemon wedges and mint leaves in the bottom of the shaker to release the citrus oils and mint aroma without making the mint bitter.
- Add the bourbon, simple syrup and Angostura bitters.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake hard for 15–20 seconds, until well chilled.
- Double strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon wedge.
About this drink
The Whiskey Smash is an American classic, first set down by Jerry Thomas in his groundbreaking bartender's guide of 1862. It is a close cousin of the Mint Julep and the Whiskey Sour, where citrus acidity and the scent of mint meet the depth of whiskey. Its simplicity has made it a fixture of cocktail bars around the world, whether you choose bourbon, rye or Irish whiskey.
