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The Whiskey Smash (or Bourbon Smash) is an uncomplicated cocktail, with complex flavor. A citrusy spin on a mint julep it combines muddled mint and lemon with bourbon and simple syrup. Served over ice it makes the ultimate refreshing evening sipper. We give this classic recipe a Florida twist by using local bourbon and a homemade orange blossom honey simple syrup made from local Florida honey. Help support local and enjoy your Florida Whiskey Smash.
What Ingredients Do I Need For A Whiskey Smash?
The Alcohol
The Whiskey: This recipe is whiskey heavy, so you want to make sure you use a quality bourbon. Our go-to Florida whiskey is Florida Double Cask Bourbon from St. Augustine Distillery, but Florida Reserve Bourbon from Timber Creek Distillery and Old St. Pete Sweet Corn Whiskey from St. Petersburg Distillery are also great options.
Recommended Florida Bourbons:
- Florida Double Cask Bourbon from St. Augustine Distillery
- Florida Reserve Bourbon from Timber Creek Distillery
- Old St. Pete Sweet Corn Whiskey from St. Petersburg Distillery
Get these bottles delivered right to your door by DRIZLY. Click and use code DRIZLYDEAL for $5 off of your first order.
The Mixers
The Mint: Most mint sold in stores is spearmint, which is exactly what you want for use in cocktails, drinks and cooking. It is more delicate and sweeter than it’s more pungent sister peppermint. The USA produces 70% of the worlds mint. The main mint growing states are Washington, Oregon, Indiana and Idaho, so buying local for this ingredient isn’t easy. If you really want to try to keep things local, then you might have to try growing the mint in your garden.
The Citrus: Most US lemon farms are out west in California, but there are some 600 acres of lemon groves right here in the south of Florida. (This pales in comparison to the roughly 500,000 acres we have for growing oranges and grapefruits!) If your local store or market sells Florida lemons, then great- if not you may have to make do with those from our Californian cousins. For this Whiskey Smash recipe, you need to use freshly squeezed juice. Bottled lemon juice has an artificial taste that will ruin your cocktail. You can squeeze lemons with your hands, but this won’t yield as much juice. Not to mention you will make a mess! We recommend buying a juicer, they are a game-changer. We use a Zulay citrus press which has the added bonus of being a robust two in one design that handles both lemons and limes with equally perfect results.
Recommended Juicer: Zulay Premium Citrus Press
The Sweetener: Honey simple syrup goes great in whiskey cocktails, as they compliment and bring out the honey notes in the whiskey. For this recipe we use our homemade orange blossom honey simple syrup which adds a subtle orange undertone that goes beautifully in the whiskey smash cocktail. There is some great local honey in Florida, especially orange blossom honey (naturally given the number of orange groves we have). Our favorites are Winter Park Honey, Bee-Haven and McCoy’s Honey.
Recommended Florida Orange Blossom Honey:
Winter Park Honey – Florida Raw Orange Blossom Honey
Bee-Haven – Raw 100% Pure Orange Blossom Honey
McCoy’s Honey – All-Natural Florida Raw Orange Blossom Honey
What Equipment Should I Use for a Whiskey Smash?
The Muddler: You can use the end of a rolling pin, or a wooden spoon and it will get the job done. If you enjoy muddled drinks like this Whiskey Smash or Mojitos then you might want to get yourself a muddler. You can pick one up pretty cheap from Amazon, we like the finish on the lacquered walnut muddler from Winco. It’s very affordable too!
Recommended Muddler: WINCO Wooden Muddler (Lacquered Walnut)
The Shaker: Get yourself a good quality cocktail shaker that stands out on your bar cart. Our favorite shaker is the beautifully designed patterned brass shaker from Absolut Elyx Boutique. You can get $15 off your first order by using this link.
Recommended cocktail shaker: ABSOLUT ELYX BOUTIQUE Brass Patterned Cocktail Shaker. (Use this link to get $15 off your first order)
The Strainer: As this recipe involves mint being muddled you will need a fine mesh strainer to make sure you don’t end up with tint bits of mint leaf in your cocktail. A mini cocktail strainer works best and there are plenty of affordable options on Amazon.
Recommended Strainer: MAKERSTEP Stainless Steel Mesh Strainers (Set of 3)
The Glass: Serve your whiskey smash in a double Old Fashioned glass (also called rocks glass). Typically holding between 10-12 oz these are perfect for drinks on the rocks, or spirit forward cocktails such as a Whiskey Smash or an Old Fashioned.
Recommended Glass: MARQUIS By Waterford Double Old Fashioned Glasses, Set of 4
How Should I Serve My Whiskey Smash?
Shaken or Stirred: Shake this cocktail to ensure the juices and oils from the lemon and mint mix well with the whiskey and simple syrup. If you are looking for a standout cocktail shaker, then we love the beautifully designed shakers from Absolut Elyx Boutique. The patterned brass designs are stunning. You can get $15 off your first order by using this link.
Straight up or on the rocks: Serve your Whiskey Smash over ice cubes or crushed ice for the ultimate refreshing sipper.
The Garnish: Slide a wedge of lemon and a sprig of mint down the side of the glass. If you want to be more ambitious then you can always try a lemon rose garnish to really impress your friends.
We hope you enjoy our Florida Whiskey Smash recipe below, and as always drink local and drink responsibly. Cheers!
This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when purchases of recommended products are made. This is at no additional cost to you, and every penny we make goes back into buying and trying more tasty Floridian tipples.
Florida Whiskey Smash
Ingredients
- 2 oz Florida Bourbon
- 1 oz Honey Simple Syrup
- 3-4 sprigs of mint
- ¼ Lemon (Cut into 2 or 3 pieces)
Instructions
- Step 1: Add mint and lemon pieces to a cocktail shaker
- Step 2: Using a muddler, muddle thoroughly to release the juice and oils
- Step 3: Add the whiskey and simple syrup and fill shaker with ice
- Step 4: Shake for 20-30 seconds
- Step 4: Strain into an old-fashioned glass (rocks glass) filled with ice
- Step 5: Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon wedge (Optional)
Other Florida Cocktail Recipes To Try:
Old Fashioned Floridian (Orange Old Fashioned)
Thanks For Supporting Local Florida!
