A brandy smash is a refreshing, spirit-forward cocktail where fresh mint and sugar are muddled together and combined with brandy and carbonated water. The drink balances herbal mint aromatics with the warmth of brandy for an elegant, crushable smash.
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Muddle 1 lump sugar with 1 oz.
carbonated water and 4 sprigs of fresh mint.
Add : 2 oz.
Boston Five Star Brandy and ice cubes.
Stir and decorate with a slice of orange and a cherry.
Add a twist of lemon peel on top.
Use old-fashioned cocktail glass.
Serve immediately after preparation. Pre-muddled mint-sugar bases can be chilled for up to 2 hours before adding brandy and carbonated water.
cocktail muddler · jigger · bar spoon
Both use muddled mint and sugar, but a smash traditionally uses brandy or whiskey with carbonated water, while a mojito uses rum and lime juice for a tart profile.
Gently press the mint 3–4 times to release oils without crushing leaves into powder, which turns the drink bitter.
Muddle and chill the mint-sugar base up to 2 hours ahead; add brandy and carbonated water just before serving to preserve fizz.
A smooth, approachable brandy like cognac or a five-star brandy works well; avoid overly harsh or heavily oaked varieties.
It's balanced—the sugar and mint provide sweetness, while brandy adds warmth and slight spice, with carbonation adding refreshment.
