Food

How to Make a Whiskey Smash: Classic Whiskey Smash Recipe

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Sep 3, 2024 • 1 min read

The Whiskey Smash is a simple and refreshing summertime cocktail.

Learn From the Best

What Is a Whiskey Smash?

A Whiskey Smash is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and mint leaves. Smashes can be built in a cocktail glass, served with pieces of lemon and mint floating in the drink, or made in a cocktail shaker and strained for a cleaner presentation. The Whiskey Smash is similar to a Mint Julep—which is basically a Smash minus the lemon—and the Mojito, which is made with lime juice and ice cubes instead of lemon and rum rather than whiskey.

3 Whiskey Smash Variations

Though a classic Whiskey Smash is made with just lemon and mint, as with any of the best whiskey drinks, this whiskey cocktail can be dressed up with seasonal fruit.

  1. 1. Try grapefruit or orange juice, or orange slices, instead of the lemon wedges.
  2. 2. Muddle berries, like fresh strawberries or blueberries into the whiskey drink.
  3. 3. Add a dash of Angostura Bitters or swap the simple syrup for maple syrup.

Classic Whiskey Smash Cocktail Recipe

36 Ratings | Rate Now

makes

1 cocktail

prep time

5 min

total time

5 min

Ingredients

  1. 1

    In a rocks glass, use a muddler to mash the mint leaves with the lemon and simple syrup.

  2. 2

    Add crushed ice to fill halfway, then pour Kentucky bourbon (or rye whiskey) over and stir.

  3. 3

    Add more crushed ice to fill and garnish with mint sprigs.

Learn more about mixology from award-winning bartenders. Refine your palate, explore the world of spirits, and shake up the perfect cocktail for your next gathering with the MasterClass Annual Membership.