Cocktail of the Week: Berry Basil Bourbon Smash
An Independence Day-themed cookout left me with an influx of blueberries that will certainly rot in my fridge if not put to good use.
Ripe and juicy, the blueberries were in perfect condition to get smashed…in a cocktail!
Smash cocktails are easy to make and include fresh herbs and sweet seasonal fruit. Smashes are a family of cocktail perhaps best known by the springtime Mint Julep.
This July, I bring you: the Berry Basil Bourbon Smash. Try saying that 10 times fast.
Summer is also a great time to nurture a basil plant perched on a kitchen windowsill. Plus, there will likely be some type of seasonal berry tucked away in the fridge that pairs deliciously with bourbon.
To make two cocktails you will need:
■ Blueberries (a small handful or about 1/4 cup)
■ Blackberries (a small handful or about 1/4 cup)
■ Half a fresh lemon or 1 tbsp lemon juice
■ 5 oz bourbon
■ 1 oz simple syrup
■ 5 fresh basil leaves
■ Half a can of seltzer water or club soda
■ Additional fruit for garnish
Smash the blueberries, blackberries, lemon juice and picked basil in a cocktail shaker or bowl. Add simple syrup and continue to muddle or smash.
Pour bourbon into cocktail shaker. I added ice to the cocktail shaker before shaking, but that’s optional since you’ll be pouring the drink into a glasses filled with ice. Shake!
Dealer’s choice on the type of glass to enjoy the smash in. I strained the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice to keep with the bourbon base, but a highball glass works too.
Add a splash or two of club soda or seltzer water (I used La Croix passionfruit) to the two cocktails. Garnish with lemon wedge, extra berries or basil, and enjoy!