Blackberry Bourbon Smash mixes muddled blackberries, bourbon, and blackberry ginger ale into a refreshing summer cocktail. It comes together in one glass in about five minutes. If you like making your own cocktails at home, try my Blueberry Mojito or Strawberry Margarita on the Rocks recipe at your next party.
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Why this Recipe is a Keeper
This cocktail comes together in one glass with almost no effort. Here’s why it’s worth keeping on hand all summer.
- 5-Minute Cocktail: No shaking, no fancy bar tools required, just a quick muddle.
- Easy Ingredients: Blackberries, bourbon, and ginger ale are easy to find at any grocery store.
- Adaptable: Swap in your favorite seasonal fruit or mixer to make it your own.
- Crowd-Friendly: Multiply the recipe and serve a whole pitcher for a party.
What Is the Best Bourbon to Use?
A smooth, slightly sweet bourbon works best in this cocktail. Look for one with caramel or honey notes that complement the blackberries. That said, your favorite bourbon will work just fine here. This drink is forgiving and easy to make with whatever you already have on hand.
What Reader’s Are Saying…
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“This sounds like a perfect summer night drink! Pinning!” — Sarah
Ingredient Notes
A couple of fresh ingredients make this cocktail taste like summer.
This is an overview of key ingredients. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Fresh Blackberries: Look for plump, juicy berries. Some get muddled into the drink, and the rest become garnish.
- Blackberry Ginger Ale: This adds fizz and extra blackberry flavor without any extra mixing.
Variations and Substitutions
This cocktail is easy to riff on depending on what you have.
➡️ Swap the Fruit: Use blueberries or raspberries in place of the blackberries.
➡️ Add Fresh Herbs: Muddle in a few mint or basil leaves along with the berries.
➡️ Make it a Mocktail: Skip the bourbon and top with extra ginger ale for a non-alcoholic version.
➡️ Try a Different Mixer: Use club soda or regular ginger beer if you can’t find the blackberry variety.
Special Equipment Needed/Kitchen Tools To Make It Easier
A muddler makes quick work of releasing the blackberry juices.
- Muddler: A muddler crushes the blackberries gently, releasing their juice without turning them bitter.
How to Make the Recipe
These are just highlights. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Muddle the blackberries in a glass.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour in the bourbon.
- Top with blackberry ginger ale and garnish.
Prep Ahead and Short Cut Tips
A little prep ahead makes this an easy drink to serve a crowd.
➡️ Muddle Ahead: Muddle the blackberries in a pitcher up to an hour before serving.
➡️ Pre-Portion the Bourbon: Measure out the bourbon for each glass ahead of time for faster serving.
➡️ Make a Big Batch: Multiply the recipe and serve from a pitcher for parties.
Can I Use Frozen Blackberries?
Yes, frozen blackberries work in a pinch, though fresh ones muddle a little easier. Let frozen berries thaw slightly before muddling for the best texture. Either way, you’ll end up with a tasty blackberry bourbon smash. Fresh berries just make for a slightly prettier garnish.
How to Store, Reheat, and Use Leftovers
- Storing: This cocktail is best made fresh and enjoyed right away.
- Reheating: This drink is served cold, so no reheating applies.
- Using Leftovers: Save extra blackberries for topping a Blueberry Mojito. Or muddle them into a batch of Strawberry Jello Shots for another fruity drink.
Expert Tips for Making This Recipe
➡️ Make Fancy Ice Cubes: Freeze mint leaves or blackberries into the ice cubes for a pretty presentation.
➡️ Multiply for a Crowd: This recipe scales up easily in a large pitcher for parties.
➡️ Add a Lemon Twist: A thin lemon slice on top adds a nice citrus aroma.
➡️ Try a Salted Rim: A light salt or sugar rim on the glass adds a fun finishing touch.
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Bourbon Blackberry Smash
Equipment
- Glass
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Ingredients
- 6 Blackberries, divided (3 to muddle, 3 for garnish)
- Ice, as needed
- 3 ounces Bourbon
- Canada Dry Blackberry Ginger Ale®, as needed to top off the glass
- 1 Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle 3 of the blackberries in a glass using a muddler or the back of a spoon, until the juices release.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour in the bourbon.
- Top with Canada Dry Blackberry Ginger Ale® to fill the glass.
- Garnish with the remaining 3 blackberries and the lime wedge.
Christina’s Notes
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- Muddle Gently: Pressing too hard on the blackberries releases bitter seeds into the drink.
- Use Fresh Ice: Fresh ice keeps the drink from watering down too quickly.
- Layer the Bourbon Last: Pour the bourbon in before the ginger ale so the flavors blend instead of separating.
- Serve Immediately: This cocktail is best enjoyed right after mixing, since the ice and ginger ale lose their fizz over time.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
The perfect drink!
Thank you for this fun recipe! #client
This sounds like a perfect summer night drink! Pinning!