The Whiskey Smash is a refreshing whiskey cocktail built on muddled mint and sugar, then lengthened with carbonated water. It's a lighter, herbaceous take on whiskey drinks with bright mint flavor.
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Muddle one lump of sugar in an old-fashioned glass with 1 oz.
carbonated water and 4 sprigs of mint.
Old Thompson Blended Whiskey, then ice cubes.
Stir and decorate with a slice of orange and a cherry.
Add a twist of lemon peel.
Serve immediately after preparing. Pre-muddle mint and sugar up to 2 hours ahead; add whiskey and carbonated water fresh to order.
cocktail shaker or mixing glass · muddler · bar spoon
A Whiskey Smash uses fresh mint and carbonated water for a lighter, more herbaceous profile. A Whiskey Sour relies on lemon juice and simple syrup for tartness and sweetness.
Fresh mint is essential to the drink's character. Dried mint won't muddle properly and lacks the bright aromatics; consider substituting basil or omitting mint altogether.
Muddle gently to release the oils without bruising the leaves, which can turn them bitter. Aim for 4–5 gentle presses, not a pulp.
Any whiskey works, but blended whiskey (as in this recipe) keeps the drink light. Bourbon adds more vanilla notes; rye adds spice. Avoid high-proof whiskeys unless you prefer a stronger drink.
Mix the whiskey, sugar, and muddled mint up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add carbonated water and ice just before serving to keep it fizzy.
