The Whiskey Smash is a citrus-forward cocktail built on whiskey, fresh lemon juice, muddled mint, and sugar. It's a refreshing twist on the classic sour family that highlights bright herbal and spirit notes.
Recipe Source
Visit Mr. Boston DrinksFrom Mr. Boston Drinks · by Old Mr. Boston De Luxe Official Bartender's Guide
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Muddle 1 Lump of Sugar with
Carbonated Water and
4 Sprigs of Green Mint.
Boston Rye or Bourbon Whiskey, then a Cube of Ice.
Stir and decorate with a slice of orange and a cherry.
Twist lemon peel on top.
Use Old Fashioned cocktail glass.
Cocktails are best served fresh and consumed immediately; do not store.
cocktail muddler · jigger · bar spoon · cocktail glass
A Whiskey Smash includes muddled mint and often lemon juice instead of just lemon, making it brighter and more herbal than a traditional Sour.
Mint is central to the smash; dried mint won't deliver the same fresh aroma and flavor. Skip it rather than substitute.
Rye whiskey provides spice and dryness; bourbon adds sweetness and oak. Both work; choose based on your flavor preference.
Muddle gently to bruise mint and release oils without shredding leaves into bitter fragments.
Yes—it provides the effervescence that defines a smash and lightens the drink. Still water changes the character significantly.
