Okay, so I admit it I originally wanted to make a Blackberry Bourbon Smash because of how beautiful it is. While I do enjoy a sip of Bourbon every now and then, I would never call myself an actual bourbon lover. But once I smashed and swirled up a BBS or Blackberry Bourbon Smash, I was surprised at how much I loved it, plus it didn’t hurt that it was really fun to make. And bonus a Blackberry Bourbon Smash is definitely one of those cocktails that appears more impressive and difficult to whip up than it actually is, which makes it perfect when entertaining guests.
While the recipe in itself is on the simpler side there are a few things to note. First, the key to a great Blackberry Bourbon Smash is definitely the ice. You want that perfectly shaved ice that makes you almost feel like you’re eating a snow cone. So where do you find this ice, you ask? I’ll let you in on a secret: if you have a local Whole Foods, the seafood department will give it to you for free. Just be sure to ask for the ice that’s NOT touching the fish!
Another important part to this smash is the fresh, high quality blackberries. They’re really the hero to this cocktail story, so it’s worth using high quality, organic blackberries at the height of the season. Once you snag your black berries the rest is pertty simple: muddle the blackberries with fresh mint, pour the mixture into your glass, top it with shaved ice, add bourbon, stir, garnish, and enjoy. One quick note; if you are a regular bourbon drinker, you’ll probably opt for no simple syrup, but if you need a little something sweet to combat the bourbon, just dd simple syrup to taste. Though I’d suggest waiting until after you stir together your blackberry mixture, bourbon and ice to see if you need the simple syrup…I actually enjoyed the drink without. Cheers, friends! Truly, MKR
- Fresh blackberries (for muddled mixture and garnish)
- A few leaves fresh mint, to muddle
- Bourbon of choice
- Simple syrup
- Fresh mint, to garnish
- Muddle blackberries and a few mint leaves to get a jam-like consistency.
- Fill each glass with a good amount of muddled blackberry mixture. Add ice to the top of glass.
- Pour 2 oz. of bourbon (if you love bourbon, you don't need to add simple syrup).
- Stir together to see if you want to add simple syrup (if you love bourbon, you're not going to want to add simple syrup) .
- Garnish with a mint sprig and extra blackberries.
- Enjoy!
- You'll need 2 pints of blackberries for 4 glasses (if you're going to reserve some for garnish).
I usually don’t drink but this looks and sounds incredible. I may just have to give it a try. I also did not that you could get the ice out of the seafood department at Whole Foods. I usually just take a hammer to a bag of ice trying to make the perfect crushed ice. Thanks for sharing the recipe and the advice.
Sound yummy 🙂