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A bourbon cocktail served over crushed ice in a short glass, garnished with fresh mint sprigs against a dark background.

TJ Smash

Bourbon, fresh lime, and mint with a heavy dose of Angostura bitters — spiced, cooling, and more complex than it looks.

This cocktail is part of our Date Nite collection, made to be sipped while you cook together.​

Build Your Drink

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces bourbon

  • ¾ ounce lime juice

  • ½ ounce simple syrup

  • 8–12 dashes Angostura bitters

  • 12 mint leaves

Cocktail Method

  1. Add bourbon, lime juice, simple syrup, bitters, and mint leaves to a shaker.

  2. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.

  3. Double strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.

  4. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Notes from the Bar

Heads up: We may earn a small commission on products we’ve linked here. We only recommend the real-deal favorites from our kitchen.

Bourbon Base

Choose a bourbon with good body but not too much oak. Something approachable and smooth works best.


Bitters Note

Don’t hold back on the Angostura. The heavier dose gives the drink its signature spiced complexity.


Mint Tip

Clap the mint between your palms before adding as garnish to release its oils and aroma.


Glassware

Traditionally served in a rocks or highball glass packed with crushed ice.


Variations

Try swapping lime for lemon for a brighter citrus note, or add a splash of soda water for a lighter, longer drink.

Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.

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A ritual we return to

Our cocktails are part of something bigger for us. They’re the beginning of Date Nite, a connection-centered experience we created to help you slow down, share a meal, and enjoy time with the one you love.

Each Date Nite is thoughtfully planned for you, so you are not stuck deciding what to cook or how to pull the night together. We pair one cocktail with a complete menu, a simple flow from prep to plate, and small details that make the evening feel easy and connected from start to finish.

It is not about perfection. It is about presence, and creating space to reconnect, whether that is with your partner or simply with yourself, over a really good meal.

Four nights.
No planning required.

Choose your menu, set the table, and enjoy the night.

Includes 4 complete menus, cocktail pairings, grocery lists, and more.

One-time purchase. No subscription.

Start with one free Date Nite menu
We created this for you — and the one you love.
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At Kevin & Kate, we share recipes, cocktails, and home inspiration designed to make every day feel a little more intentional. Date Nite brings connection back to the table — through good food, good drinks, and time well spent together.

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