u003cstrongu003eWhat is the best bourbon?u003c/strongu003e

There really isn’t a “wrong” bourbon to use. It really is all based on your preference. Below are my favorites to use in this classic cocktail.u003cbr/u003e-Maker's Mark 46u003cbr/u003e-Breckenridgeu003cbr/u003e-Woodford Reserveu003cbr/u003e-Buffalo Trace

Blackberry Bourbon Smash

By Ashley McCrary

Published Jun 20, 2022 Updated May 15, 2024

5 from 1 vote

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Everyone needs a signature cocktail, and let me tell you- this Blackberry Bourbon Smash is about to be yours! This is beauty in drink form. Creamy coconut milk, fresh blackberries, a bit of honey, mint leaves, and lemon citrus to brighten it up, this is the drink of summer!

Whether you’re planning a staycation or a vacation or anything in between, this beautiful bourbon smash is the definition of delicious!

two martini glasses filled with blackberry bourbon smash and topped with mint leaves on a white surface with scattered blackberries.

What Makes This Recipe Great

This flavor-packed blackberry bourbon smash is super easy to make, serves like the fanciest cocktail, and is easy to make in big batches for all your friends and family.

Throwing a baby shower? A bridal shower? Need a signature event cocktail? Or just a fun drink to serve at your BBQ? This beautiful beverage will be a hit for any gathering all summer long!

an overhead shot of the top of a bourbon smash garnished with mint leaves.

Ingredient Notes

Bourbon: Use your favorite. I love Maker’s Mark 46, Breckenridge, Woodford Reserve, or Buffalo Trace. Add an additional 1/2 ounce if you want it strong.

Lemon Juice: The citrus adds the perfect amount of brightness to this drink. Use fresh lemon juice for best results.

Coconut Milk: You can use coconut milk from the can or the carton, whichever you prefer! Keep in mind, canned coconut milk is a bit thicker.

Mint Leaves: Use these for garnish!

Blackberries: Blackberries are in season during summer so you should be able to find super juicy delicious berries at your local grocery store!

Honey: Use a bit of honey for extra sweetness, but if the blackberries provide enough sweetness for you, you can leave this out.

Sparkling Water: Use plain sparkling water just to top of this drink. Make sure you do this step after you’ve shaken and poured your other ingredients.

Recipe Step by Step

Add all the ingredients to a shaker and shake vigorously for 60 seconds.
Strain over a glass of ice. Garnish with mint leaves and blackberries.

a close up of a cocktail class filled with pink liquid and a sprig of mint

Mac’s Pro Tips

Make a Big Batch: If you’re making this cocktail for a large group, follow these ingredient amounts and instructions to make enough to serve 16 people!

32 oz bourbon
8 oz fresh lemon juice
16 oz coconut milk
3-4 mint leaves per drink
3-4 blackberries per drink
8 tsp honey for extra sweetness (optional)
Ice
Top each bourbon smash with a little sparkling water

Add all the ingredients to a large pitcher and whisk vigorously for 60 seconds.
Strain over each glass filled with ice. Garnish with mint leaves and blackberries.

Recipe FAQs

What is the best bourbon?

There really isn’t a “wrong” bourbon to use. It really is all based on your preference. Below are my favorites to use in this classic cocktail.
-Maker’s Mark 46
-Breckenridge
-Woodford Reserve
-Buffalo Trace

What makes a drink a smash?

The bourbon smash is a long loved drink that has a few elements that give it its title. In order to be a smash, it must be made with ice, in-season fruit, a spirit (like bourbon!), and is popularly garnished with mint, and a splash of seltzer water on top.

How many calories are in a this smash?

There are 181 calories in one drink.