Strawberry Bourbon Smash Recipe

Juicy Strawberry Bourbon Smash Recipe for Breezy Summer Sips

Mixing strawberry bourbon smash creates a vibrant cocktail that dances between sweet and spirited.

Summer afternoons feel magical with this refreshing blend.

Ripe strawberries mingle perfectly with smooth bourbon, creating a drink that sparkles with complexity.

Muddled fruit and quality spirits combine in a glass that tells a delicious story.

Bartenders love crafting this cocktail for its simple yet sophisticated profile.

Each sip promises a delightful journey through fruity and boozy landscapes.

You’ll want to make this recipe for every celebration or quiet evening relaxation.

FAQs

  • What type of bourbon works best for this cocktail?

Choose a smooth, medium-bodied bourbon like Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace that won’t overpower the delicate strawberry and mint flavors.

  • Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?

Absolutely! Replace bourbon with sparkling water or ginger ale for a refreshing mocktail version that still captures the fruity mint essence.

  • How ripe should the strawberries be?

Use ripe, deep red strawberries that are slightly soft to the touch, which will provide the most intense sweet and natural flavor for the cocktail.

  • Do I need special bar tools to make this drink?

A standard cocktail shaker and muddler work best, but you can improvise with a mason jar and the back of a wooden spoon if needed.

Strawberry Bourbon Smash That Refreshes

  • Burst with Seasonal Freshness: This cocktail celebrates the vibrant flavors of ripe strawberries and crisp mint, perfect for enjoying during warm weather gatherings.
  • Quick and Simple Crafting: Anyone can master this recipe with just a few basic ingredients and minimal bartending skills, making it accessible for home mixologists of all levels.
  • Customize Your Cocktail: Easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup, or experiment with different bourbon varieties to create your unique twist on this refreshing drink.
  • Impressive Party Pleaser: Looks professionally crafted with minimal effort, making it an ideal beverage to serve guests and elevate your home entertaining game.

Ingredients for Strawberry Bourbon Smash

Base Ingredients:
  • Strawberries: Fresh berries that provide a sweet and fruity foundation for the cocktail.
  • Bourbon: A rich, smooth American whiskey that adds depth and warmth to the drink.
  • Mint Leaves: Fragrant herbs that contribute a refreshing and cooling flavor profile.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Simple Syrup, Lemon Juice, Club Soda: Sweet, tart, and bubbly components that balance and lighten the cocktail.
Garnish:
  • Mint Sprig, Strawberry Slice: Decorative and aromatic finishing touches that enhance the visual appeal and flavor of the drink.

How to Mix Strawberry Bourbon Smash

Step 1: Crush Strawberries And Mint

Grab a cocktail shaker and add fresh strawberries, fragrant mint leaves, and sweet simple syrup.

Use a muddler to gently press and crush the ingredients, releasing their vibrant flavors and aromatic essence.

Press firmly to break down the strawberries until they create a juicy, vibrant base for your cocktail.

Step 2: Pour In Spirited Goodness

Add smooth bourbon whiskey and tangy fresh lemon juice to the muddled mixture.

Drop several ice cubes into the shaker to help chill and blend the ingredients perfectly.

Step 3: Shake With Enthusiasm

Secure the cocktail shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.

Your goal is to combine all the flavors and create a frosty, well-chilled drink that’s refreshingly cold.

Step 4: Create A Stunning Pour

Grab a glass and fill it with fresh ice cubes.

Carefully strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass, ensuring a smooth and clean pour.

Step 5: Add Sparkling Finish

Top off your cocktail with a splash of crisp club soda, which adds a delightful effervescence and lightness to the drink.

Step 6: Decorate With Flair

Garnish your Strawberry Bourbon Smash with a delicate mint sprig and a beautiful strawberry slice.

These final touches not only make the drink look stunning but also enhance its aromatic profile.

Pro Tips for Strawberry Bourbon Smash

  • Use ripe, in-season strawberries for maximum sweetness and intense fruity notes.
  • Select a smooth, medium-bodied bourbon that complements the strawberry's natural sweetness.
  • Press strawberries and mint softly to release flavors without creating bitter undertones.
  • Use a fine-mesh strainer to ensure a silky, pulp-free cocktail with clean presentation.
  • Modify simple syrup quantity based on strawberry ripeness and personal taste preference.

Flavor Variations for Strawberry Bourbon Smash

  • Mocktail Mint Berry: Replace bourbon with non-alcoholic white grape juice, keeping the fresh strawberries and mint for a family-friendly version.
  • Spicy Citrus Smash: Swap bourbon for tequila, add a slice of jalapeño during muddling, and use grapefruit juice instead of lemon for a zesty kick.
  • Tropical Rum Remix: Use white rum instead of bourbon, incorporate pineapple chunks while muddling, and replace simple syrup with coconut sugar for a Hawaiian-inspired cocktail.
  • Low-Carb Berry Splash: Substitute simple syrup with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free club soda, and choose a low-carb bourbon for a keto-friendly option.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Bourbon Smash

  • Summer Sunset Sips: Serve this cocktail during golden hour on a breezy patio with friends.
  • Garden Party Delight: Pair with light appetizers like goat cheese crostini or prosciutto-wrapped melon for a sophisticated gathering.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Feature as a refreshing morning cocktail alongside eggs benedict or a summer frittata for a weekend treat.
  • Dessert Companion: Complement the drink with vanilla bean cheesecake or white chocolate strawberry tart to enhance the berry notes.

Storage Advice for Strawberry Bourbon Smash

  • Pour leftover cocktail into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake well before serving to remix ingredients.
  • Pour remaining mixture into ice cube trays, freeze solid, and use later in future cocktails or smoothies for added bourbon strawberry flavor.
  • Keep muddled strawberries and mint separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness for potential future cocktail preparation.
  • This cocktail is a cold drink and should not be heated. Always serve chilled with fresh ice for best taste and optimal drinking experience.
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Strawberry Bourbon Smash Recipe

Strawberry Bourbon Smash Recipe


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4.9 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Crafting a strawberry bourbon smash blends Southern charm with summer refreshment. Bourbon and fresh strawberries create a cocktail that delights senses and invites you to savor each sip.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Spirits:

  • 2 ounces (59 milliliters) bourbon

Fruits and Juices:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 ounce (15 milliliters) fresh lemon juice

Sweeteners and Mixers:

  • 1/2 ounce (15 milliliters) simple syrup
  • Club soda

Additional Ingredients:

  • 46 fresh mint leaves
  • Ice

Garnish:

  • 1 mint sprig
  • 1 strawberry slice

Instructions

  1. Crush ripe strawberries and fresh mint leaves with simple syrup in a cocktail shaker, pressing firmly to release their vibrant flavors and aromatic essence.
  2. Pour bourbon and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the muddled mixture, then add a generous handful of ice cubes.
  3. Vigorously shake the contents for 10-15 seconds until the exterior of the shaker becomes frosty and the drink is thoroughly chilled.
  4. Position a cocktail strainer over a tall glass filled with fresh ice, allowing the liquid to flow smoothly while capturing fruit pulp and herb fragments.
  5. Enhance the drink’s effervescence by gently topping with a light splash of crisp club soda, creating a refreshing texture.
  6. Create an elegant presentation by carefully positioning a delicate mint sprig and a sliced strawberry as a sophisticated garnish, inviting visual appeal and hinting at the cocktail’s robust flavor profile.

Notes

  • Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in your cocktail.
  • Gently muddle mint and strawberries to release essential oils without creating bitter undertones.
  • Opt for high-quality bourbon with smooth caramel or vanilla notes to complement the fruity elements.
  • Adjust simple syrup quantity based on strawberry sweetness and personal preference for balanced cocktail.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Shaking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 160 kcal
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 2 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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