Blackberry Bourbon Smash
A bold, balanced cocktail that brings together bourbon, blackberries, mint, and citrus for a refreshing take on the classic smash.
Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.
Ingredients
2 ounces bourbon
½ ounce lime juice
6–7 mint leaves
2–3 blackberries
¾ ounce simple syrup
1 ounce club soda
Instructions
In a cocktail shaker, add the lime juice, mint leaves, blackberries, and simple syrup.
Muddle until well incorporated.
Add the bourbon and ice, then shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Pour the entire contents of the shaker into a highball glass.
Top with club soda.
Garnish with a sprig of mint.
Notes from the Bar
Bourbon, Rye, or Whiskey—Your Call
Most of the magic here happens while the beef short ribs are braising, so we don’t have a separate make-ahead step this week. If you want, you can cook the meat in advance and just prep your toppings before you eat or save the whole experience for a leisurely weekend. Either way, you’ll follow the recipe straight through to the plating slide.
No Muddler? No Problem.
If you don’t have a muddler, use the back of a wooden spoon, a cocktail spoon, or even the bottom of a sturdy utensil. The goal is to gently mash the berries and mint to release flavor, not pulverize them. If you'd like to get one, here's the muddler we have.
DIY Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is just equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved. Combine ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water in a small saucepan, stir over medium heat until clear, and let cool. Store extra in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Make It a Mocktail
Want a zero-proof version? Skip the bourbon and use a splash of black tea or pomegranate juice with a dash of apple cider vinegar to add complexity and balance.
Club Soda Tips
Add your club soda at the very end to keep the bubbles fresh. For an extra layer of flavor, you can use flavored soda water like lime or berry.
Garnish Freely
A fresh sprig of mint adds aroma, but if you have extra blackberries or a lime wheel, go ahead and fancy it up. Presentation always makes the moment more fun.
Heads up: We may earn a small commission on products we’ve linked here. We only recommend the real-deal favorites from our kitchen.
Make It a Date Nite
This cocktail is part of something bigger for us. It's a ritual we return to week after week.
Each week, we create a Date Nite designed around one drink, one thoughtful menu, and the feeling of slowing down together. The kind of night where the table is set with intention, the music hums softly in the background, and the evening unfolds without rushing.
For this Date Nite, we’ve paired a cocktail with a cozy, make-ahead-friendly menu, so you can enjoy the process without spending the whole night in the kitchen. We also include little touches we love like timing notes, a head start option, and a playlist to set the mood. Feel to pair the meal with any of our cocktails.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And turning an ordinary night at home into something that feels quietly special.
Each Date Nite includes a curated menu, cocktail pairing and a playlist, as well as another thoughtful extras like make-ahead tips, leftover ideas or table talk prompts to carry the night.
Kevin & Kate
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