With a fun take on the classic Whiskey Smash, this Strawberry Whiskey Smash is filled with fresh strawberry flavor, and a touch of lemon and mint. In fact, this cocktail is my new favorite Summer drink, so I had to share the recipe!
Do you like Whiskey?
How about drinking whiskey straight?
Every once in a while I will, but it’s not my go-to… Especially during Summertime. I want to enjoy all the delicious ripe seasonal fruits the world has to offer and throw some in a drink!
Several months ago we got some amazing strawberries so I started to search for a fun, new drink recipe. Something a little different, like NOT a margarita! Gasp! (We love a good margarita if you’re new here!) π
I landed on a Strawberry Whiskey Smash.
A classic Whiskey Smash is strong, a little tart, and straight to the point. Adding sweet, ripe, fresh strawberries to the mix? It takes the drink to the next level.
A Strawberry Whiskey Smash is still strong, but it’s sweet too. It’s the perfect blend of a drink that you can sip but still really enjoy. Which to me, is the best Summer cocktail.
I found this recipe originally and showed it to my husband. He took one dismissive look, told me he would do “his thing,” and I would have a delicious drink in no time. He’s my part-time bartender. π
And he delivered. His version of this sweet drink is my new favorite, easy, alcoholic drink! He likes it best with fresh raspberries (homegrown from our backyard), but I like strawberries best, and this is my blog right?! π
So here it is, your new favorite summer cocktail: the Strawberry Whiskey Smash.
Let’s talk cocktail tools first.
You’ll need a few key things to make this recipe a success at home: a cocktail shaker, muddler, and cocktail strainer.
Don’t have those?
You could get a little creative for a muddler if you don’t have one, and smash the strawberries with a fork in a bowl instead. It’ll take extra work, and will be a little more messy, but it’s doable.
You could also strain the drink through a fine mesh strainer, instead of a cocktail strainer if you don’t have one. Again, it won’t work as well, but heck it’ll work.
As far as a cocktail shaker goes, for this recipe you could add all your ingredients to a mason jar, throw a lid on and shake it. It doesn’t have to be fancy. But, a cocktail shaker does have a great pouring spout, so if you plan on making more drinks at home, I’d recommend buying one someday still!
As far as ingredients goes, the star of the show is the strawberries.
Be sure you have nice, ripe, juicy, dark strawberries. A Strawberry Whiskey Smash will taste about a million times better with strawberries like that.
For simple syrup, you can either buy it or you can make your own (my husband always makes ours) which is really easy and a lot cheaper.
It’s a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. So add a cup of water and a cup of sugar to a pot on the stove, and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. You have simple syrup when the sugar has disappeared entirely and your mixture is clear. Wait till it’s cooled to use it in any cocktails. It should last about a month in the fridge.
For this recipe, you can use whatever whiskey you prefer. Of course, the higher quality the whiskey, the better the flavor will be (at least for some, I prefer the cheap stuff!). My husband prefers bourbon, like Jack Daniels or Jim Bean.
Last, let’s talk Mint. I don’t love mint. So I like to throw a couple little mint leaves in at the end. If you love mint and prefer a stronger mint flavor, you can add your mint leaves into your cocktail shaker with the simple syrup and strawberries during the muddling step. Both works, again, it’s just personal preference!
Now, be careful who you share these drinks with! My Dad loves these now and is inspired to make all sorts of flavors. My Mom… needs to stick to her 1/2 bottle of hard cider. π
If you love strawberries, aren’t afraid of a stronger cocktail, and are looking for a fun new Summer drink, give this Strawberry Whiskey Smash a try!
And if you want even more fun drink recipes, our Blue Margarita is a must-have, and I can’t forget our Blackberry Basil Margarita or Orange thunder.
- 6-8 strawberries, sliced or diced (about 3/4 cup)
- 2 shots of simple syrup (3 oz)
- 3 shots of whiskey (4.5 oz)
- juice of 1 lemon
- ~4 mint leaves
- ice
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To a cocktail shaker, add your strawberries and simple syrup. Mash your strawberries with your muddler till your strawberries are broken down, infusing the strawberry flavor into the simple syrup.
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Add your whiskey and lemon juice and put your cocktail shaker lid on. Shake well for a minute till combined.
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Remove the lid and place your strainer on top of your cocktail strainer. Pour over two small glasses filled with ice cubes.
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Gently rub the mint leaves between your fingers to activate the mint scent. Add 1-2 mint leaves to each drink.
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Sip and enjoy!
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