How To Make A Blackberry Whiskey Smash

This week on Mixed Drink Monday we are introducing the Blackberry Whiskey Smash! Drink-wise, you will need Canada Dry Club Soda and Backwoods Bourbon Whiskey.

 

This recipe makes 4 servings, but you need to make the Blackberry Simple Syrup first. Don’t worry, it’s not hard!

 

 

FOR THE BLACKBERRY SIMPLE SYRUP:

• 12 oz. fresh blackberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water (optional, see recipe notes)

FOR THE BLACKBERRY WHISKEY SMASH:

• 1 cup whiskey
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 3/4 cup blackberry simple syrup (recipe above)
• 1 cup tonic water or sparkling wine (optional, see recipe notes)

 

 

TO MAKE THE BLACKBERRY SIMPLE SYRUP:

1. Put the blackberries, sugar, and water (if you’re using it, see recipe notes) in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook for 15-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until blackberries have softened and you have a thick syrup.
3. Strain syrup through a mesh sieve to separate any seeds or lumps from the syrup. You can discard the leftover pulp, although I like to freeze it in ice cube trays and pop a cube or two in smoothies.
4. Let syrup cool on the counter for 20 minutes or so before you make the drinks.

 

TO MAKE THE BLACKBERRY WHISKEY SMASH

1. Combine all ingredients in a large shaker and add a handful or two of ice cubes. Depending on the size of your shaker, you may have to shake the drinks in two batches.
2. Shake to combine and chill drinks.
3. Pour over ice into glasses. Top each drink with a splash of tonic water or sparkling wine (optional) and serve immediately.

 

NOTES

If you have especially juicy, height-of-the-season blackberries, you may not need to add water to your simple syrup. If you’re using frozen or out-of-season blackberries, or if you just want to cut the sweetness of the syrup a bit, add 1/2 cup of water when you make your blackberry syrup.