Whiskey Smash

The Julep on a small plan.

whiskey smash cocktail recipe

The layman’s Mint Julep, the Whiskey Smash comes with all of the flavor of its more famous relative but without the associated frippery (tin cups, Derby hats, et al.). Jerry Thomas called it, “The Julep on a small plan.” A few slices of muddled lemon and a fistful of mint helps lift and brighten the flavors, making this potent number dangerously easy to toss back.

Ingredients

Serving: 1

  • 2 ounces bourbon or rye
  • 2 ounces bourbon or rye
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup (1:1, sugar:water)
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup (1:1, sugar:water)
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • 2 wheels lemon
  • 2 wheels lemon
  • 1 sprig mint
  • 1 sprig mint

Garnish: mint sprig and lemon wheel

Directions
  1. In a rocks glass, gently muddle mint with simple syrup to release oils.
  2. Add lemon pieces and muddle to release juice.
  3. Add crushed ice or small ice cubes and pour bourbon over.
  4. Swizzle gently to mix.
  5. Garnish with a mint spring and lemon wheel.