Whiskey Smash

The key to a good Whiskey Smash is using fresh lemons and mint.

Muddling will not only extract the juice from the lemon, but also the oils in the peel, which will create a more complex cocktail.

This cocktail works with any type of whisk(e)y, not just Bourbon. Try it with rye!

The ‘Smash’ is a type of cocktail which invites you to play around: Swap the bourbon for any other spirit, try different herbs, or even add a small amount of soda. Make it your own!

Try substituting the simple syrup with maple syrup. Bourbon and maple syrup go really well together!

Since all lemons are different, make sure to taste the cocktail before serving it. Add syrup or lemon juice to adjust.

You can alternatively use 1oz / 30ml of lemon juice if you want to control the acidity of the cocktail.

First printed in 1887’s edition of The Bartenders Guide by Jerry Thomas.

It is closely related to the Mint Julep. Indeed, Thomas describes the Smash as “a Julep on a small plan”.

Mint + Citrus + Spirit + Sugar is a combination that goes back even before the 1500s. Other cocktails, such as the Planter's Punch or the Mojito, use this same combination.

Early versions of the Whiskey Smash call for the use of seasonal fruit (oranges and berries, for example). These could be muddled or used as a garnish.

Dale DeGroff is credited with bringing back this cocktail in the 90s while working in the Rainbow Room in New York City.