With just 5 ingredients and a few minutes needed to throw it together, this blackberry smash is the perfect cocktail for Spring and Summer entertaining. Thanks to the use of the new Crown Royal blackberry whiskey, the fresh berry flavor is bold and delicious!
I love the flavor of fresh, juicy berries in a cool, refreshing cocktail. Add in some lemon for tartness, mint for a cool burst, and of course whiskey for the smooth finish!
Using Crown Royal’s new blackberry whiskey makes for the perfect base for a blackberry whiskey smash! However, there are definitely other options you can use if you can’t get your hands on a bottle, so I’ll give you some other options below.
This drink is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, smooth, and refreshing, and is perfect for Spring (including Easter) or those warm Summer nights too!
If you cannot find blackberry Crown, you can use 1 ounce blackberry syrup (omit the simple syrup) along with regular whiskey, rye whiskey, or bourbon. You can also substitute another brand of blackberry flavored whiskey, bourbon, vodka, gin, or even brandy!
You can swap lime juice for the lemon juice instead for a whiskey-based mojito!
Natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave can be swapped in for the simple syrup, or you can muddle the fruit with 1 tsp of regular sugar. Regardless of what you use, feel free to adjust to taste for sweetness preference
Basil is a good alternative if you don’t like mint
Fizzy variation. Add 1-2 ounces of club soda or sparkling water to create a fizz whiskey smash
Spicy variation. Add some fresh ginger in with the berries before muddling
Step By Step Instructions
Add fresh blackberries, lemon juice, and mint to the bottom of a shaker or a lowball cocktail glass (if you don’t care about straining)
Muddle the berries and mint leaves using a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon, until the berries produce juice and the mint is bruised
Add the Crown blackberry whiskey, simple syrup, and a couple ice cubes to the shaker
Shake for 20-30 seconds until well chilled and mixed, then strain into a whiskey glass (or similar) filled with crushed ice (or just gently stir everything in the glass if not using a shaker)
Garnish with a sprig of mint, fresh blackberry, and/or a slice of lemon (optional) and enjoy!
A blackberry smash is a refreshing cocktail that combines fresh blackberries, mint leaves, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bourbon or whiskey.
It’s a delightful blend of fruity sweetness, herbaceous freshness, and whiskey’s rich depth, making it a perfect summer sipper.
How Do You Make a Blackberry Smash?
To make a blackberry smash, muddle fresh blackberries and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker. Add your bourbon or whiskey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Fill the shaker with ice, shake well, and strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with blackberries and mint sprigs if desired.
Can I Use Frozen Blackberries in a Blackberry Smash?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries in a blackberry smash. Allow the blackberries to thaw slightly before muddling them in the cocktail shaker.
Frozen blackberries may release more moisture, so you may need to adjust the amount of simple syrup to balance the sweetness.
What Type of Bourbon or Whiskey Should I Use for a Blackberry Smash?
The choice of bourbon or whiskey for a blackberry smash depends on your personal preference and flavor profile. However, Crown Royal blackberry whiskey is a great choice given the inherent blackberry flavoring and smooth finish.
A bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes also complements the fruity sweetness of the blackberries, while a rye whiskey adds a spicier kick to the cocktail.
Can I Make a Blackberry Smash Without Alcohol?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic mocktail version of a blackberry smash by omitting the bourbon or whiskey.
Simply muddle the blackberries and mint leaves with lemon juice and simple syrup, then top with soda water, ginger beer, or lemon-lime soda for a refreshing mocktail.
How Can I Customize the Flavor of a Blackberry Smash?
You can customize the flavor of a blackberry smash by experimenting with different herbs, such as basil or thyme, in place of mint, or using lime juice instead of lemon.
Additionally, you can add a splash of fruity liqueur like Chambord or Creme de Cassis for extra berry flavor, or infuse the bourbon or whiskey with additional herbs or spices.
What Are Some Variations of a Blackberry Smash?
There are numerous variations of the blackberry smash that you can explore. For example, you can substitute other fruits like raspberries or strawberries for blackberries, or use different sweeteners like honey or agave syrup instead of simple syrup.
You can also swap in vodka or gin for the alcohol to create different flavor profiles that way. Get creative and tailor the cocktail to your taste preferences!
Recipe Pro Tips
Feel free to use some frozen blackberries instead of some of the ice in the glasses. This will reduce dilution, as well as adding flavor and visual appeal
Storage and Serving Tips
Serve in a lowball glass, such as a whiskey glass, rocks glass, old fashioned glass, or similar
This cocktail is best served fresh due to the fresh fruit in it. However, you can make it up to 24 hours in advance (without ice) and store it in a pitcher in the refrigerator. Then, stir, strain if desired, and pour into individual glasses filled with ice for serving
To make a pitcher of blackberry whiskey smash, the proportions are about 2 cups blackberry whiskey, ½ cup lemon juice, ¼ cup mint leaves, 1 cup of blackberries, and ½ cup simple syrup (or to taste). You can add 1-2 cups lemon lime soda, ginger ale, or blackberry/lemon sparkling water to make a weaker fizzy version
This blackberry smash is made even better thanks to the use of Crown Royal blackberry whiskey! Juicy fresh blackberries are complemented by fresh mint, tangy lemon, and that fruity, smooth whiskey finish.
It is actually a very simple cocktail to make, with 5 ingredients and only about 5 minutes to throw everything together. I love the kind of “rustic” charm it has too, from the chunks of fresh fruit in it. It’s just one of those drinks that screams Summer (but it’s equally good for Spring as well).
Whether you make it with Crown or another whiskey or bourbon of your choosing, this blackberry whiskey cocktail is sure to be a new favorite!
Blackberry Smash (With Crown Royal Blackberry Whiskey)
This blackberry smash features Crown Royal blackberry whiskey for the perfect complement. With just 5 ingredients, it’s a simple yet delicious Spring and Summer cocktail!
Shake for 20-30 seconds until well chilled and mixed, then strain into a whiskey glass (or similar) filled with crushed ice (or just gently stir everything in the glass if not using a shaker)
Garnish with a sprig of mint, fresh blackberry, and/or a slice of lemon (optional) and enjoy!
Notes
If you do not have blackberry Crown, you can use 1 ounce blackberry syrup (omit the simple syrup) along with regular whiskey, rye whiskey, or bourbon. You can also substitute another brand of blackberry flavored whiskey, bourbon, vodka, gin, or even brandy!
You can swap lime juice for the lemon juice instead for a whiskey-based mojito!
Natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave can be swapped in for the simple syrup, or you can muddle the fruit with 1 tsp of regular sugar. Regardless of what you use, feel free to adjust to taste for sweetness preference
Basil is a good alternative if you don’t like mint
Fizzy variation. Add 1-2 ounces of club soda or sparkling water to create a fizz whiskey smash
Spicy variation. Add some fresh ginger in with the berries before muddling
Feel free to use some frozen blackberries instead of some of the ice in the glasses. This will reduce dilution, as well as adding flavor and visual appeal
This cocktail is best served fresh due to the fresh fruit in it. However, you can make it up to 24 hours in advance (without ice) and store it in a pitcher in the refrigerator. Then, stir, strain if desired, and pour into individual glasses filled with ice for serving
To make a pitcher of blackberry whiskey smash, the proportions are about 2 cups blackberry whiskey, ½ cup lemon juice, ¼ cup mint leaves, 1 cup of blackberries, and ½ cup simple syrup (or to taste). You can add 1-2 cups lemon lime soda, ginger ale, or blackberry/lemon sparkling water to make a weaker fizzy version
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any additions or garnishes, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
Delicious! Truly one of my favorite new cocktails and I’ll probably have to try some of the alternative options when I run out of Crown!