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    Home » Recipes » Beverages » Blueberry Basil Bourbon Smash

    Blueberry Basil Bourbon Smash

    Published: Aug 13, 2015 · Last updated: Jan 27, 2021 by Marissa · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    957 shares
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    Jump to Recipe

    Bourbon lovers, rejoice! This blueberry basil bourbon smash makes an excellent and refreshing cocktail. Quality bourbon, fresh blueberries, and basil with a complementary blend of sweet and tart from maple syrup and freshly squeezed lemon. It's a perfect drink for summer!

    A serving tray with four glasses of blueberry basil bourbon smash. Garnished with fresh blueberries and lemon twist.

    Updated on July 28th, 2020: New written content, recipe instructions, and photos. Yay! See more details below the recipe.

    Originally published on August 13th, 2015.


    I love bourbon. I do. <3

    It's one of those liquors I really enjoy having year-round. It's great on its own (whether neat or on the rocks) to warm you up on a cold night. Made with the right blend of warm spices, it will also make a fantastic fall or winter cocktail. But before I get carried away with cold weather talk, it's the end of July and the thermostat is reading 93 degrees Fahrenheit as I type this. 

    Yes, bourbon is an excellent spirit for those cold and bitter seasons, BUT it's also an amazing base for a summer drink that will help you to cool right off. It's a common misconception that clear spirits are meant for summer and dark are for winter. I'm here to tell you that is very much not true! If you've never experienced a bourbon-based drink during the summer months, let me introduce you to one of my absolute favorites: the delectable blueberry basil bourbon smash.

    Four empty cocktail glasses and a wooden bowl with a wooden spoon resting inside.

    Tips on Making a Bourbon Smash

    The recipe for this cocktail calls for a combination of ingredients that give a perfect balance of sweet and tart:

    • blueberries
    • basil
    • bourbon
    • lemon
    • maple syrup

    You get some tartness from the blueberries and lemon - and the two together lighten the "warmness" of bourbon a bit. The maple syrup works as a great natural sweetener while adding some depth, and the basil brings it all home by adding a fresh layer of subtle herbal flavor. 

    When it comes to the fruit and basil, fresh is absolute best. Avoid using mushy blueberries or any basil leaves that have started to brown, as this will affect the end result. You won't have a good-tasting smash if you use older produce. Trust.

    For the bourbon, I recommend using something you wouldn't mind sipping on its own. Maker's Mark or Eagle Rare are a couple of great options, but feel free to use what you might already have on hand! Something to keep in mind is it doesn't have to be top shelf.

    Ingredients to make a blueberry basil bourbon smash.

    The Right Tools to Make a Great Smash

    For proper measuring, muddling, and shaking, you'll need a jigger, muddler, and cocktail shaker. The tools I linked to are what I use at home; I especially love the double jigger and shaker. For muddling, you could substitute the actual tool by using the back end of a wooden spoon (though I'd recommend cleaning the spoon immediately after using so the blueberry doesn't stain it).

    Part of the reason I love the Oggi shaker so much is because of its sleek design, but mainly (and more importantly), it does a great job at staying shut while shaking up cocktails and it being stainless steel allows me to know when I don't need to shake anymore (when it begins to frost on the outside).

    And there you have it! Maybe you've got these ingredients on hand and a bourbon smash is something you'd like to have tonight? You know I'm going to ask you to let me know how you liked it. So please definitely do that! And as always, drink responsibly. <3

    A serving tray with four glasses of blueberry basil bourbon smash. Garnished with fresh blueberries and lemon twist.

    By the way, if you love blueberries as much as I do, be sure to check out my recipes for blueberry oatmeal smoothie and blueberry mascarpone pie!


    Kitchen Tools Used:
      • Cocktail shaker
      • Muddler
      • Jigger
     
    A serving tray with four glasses of blueberry basil bourbon smash. Garnished with fresh blueberries and lemon twist.

    Blueberry Basil Bourbon Smash

    Bourbon lovers, rejoice! This blueberry basil bourbon smash makes an excellent and refreshing cocktail. Quality bourbon, fresh blueberries, and basil with a complementary blend of sweet and tart from maple syrup and freshly squeezed lemon. It's a perfect drink for summer!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 1 cocktail
    Author: Marissa

    Ingredients

    • 2-3 fresh basil leaves
    • ¼ cup fresh blueberries
    • ½ ounce maple syrup
    • juice from half a lemon
    • 2 ounces bourbon
    • 1 cup ice cubes
    • lemon twist, basil leaf, or blueberries for garnish, optional

    Instructions

    • Add basil, blueberries, and maple syrup to a shaker and use a muddler to release juices from the basil and blueberries.
    • Add in the lemon juice, bourbon, and ice cubes.
    • Top shaker with lid and shake for 10-15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker begins to frost.
    • Pour everything into a cocktail glass, garnish, and enjoy!*

    Notes

    A 10-ounce/double old-fashioned glass works perfectly for this recipe and is what I always use.
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @omgfoodblog and hashtag it #omgfoodblog!

    Update Notes: This post was originally published on August 13th, 2015 and was republished on July 28th, 2020 with new and improved written content, recipe instructions, photography, and tips. Here's an original photo for this post!

    Blueberry Basil Bourbon Smash


     

     

    A serving tray with four glasses of blueberry basil bourbon smash. Garnished with fresh blueberries and lemon twist.
     

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dorothy Dunton says

      August 13, 2015 at 3:28 pm

      Hi Marissa! I'm not a huge fan of bourbon, but with blueberries, basil and maple how could I not like it! I've been on a basil binge this summer. We have an abundance (we picked enough to fill an eight quart bowl yesterday) of what the plant label said was grape tomatoes - they are actually small roma tomatoes and the other day we picked up a package of fresh mozzarella pearls so combining those with fresh basil was obvious! They make really fun appetizers/snacks on toothpicks, drizzled with a little olive oil and fresh cracked pepper!

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 13, 2015 at 10:10 pm

        Hi Dorothy! Wow, that's a lot of basil! I really love caprese salads so it sounds like you are doing it right making those appetizers! I would probably overload on eating them cause they sound so delicious. I have no self control when it comes to fresh mozzarella! 😀

        Reply
    2. Kristina says

      August 13, 2015 at 10:16 pm

      blueberry and basil (AND BOURBON)? yes please! this sounds fantastic, and perfect for today...

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 14, 2015 at 12:26 pm

        Thanks Kristina! I'm kind of in love with this cocktail right now. <3

        Reply
    3. Megan Marlowe says

      August 13, 2015 at 10:28 pm

      I love Blueberry + Basil! Add in bourbon = love at first sip!

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 14, 2015 at 12:27 pm

        Right!? It's a great combo! Thanks Megan!

        Reply
    4. Jackie says

      August 14, 2015 at 7:35 am

      This looks absolutely refreshing!

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 14, 2015 at 12:27 pm

        Thanks Jackie! I highly recommend it after a long day. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Lucy says

      August 14, 2015 at 11:39 am

      I love the combination of maple and bourbon! I am going to try this cocktail this weekend. Sounds so yummy!

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 14, 2015 at 12:27 pm

        Thanks Lucy! Let me know how you like it!

        Reply
    6. Jenn says

      August 14, 2015 at 4:29 pm

      I don't love bourbon all that much, but I think made like this, I would manage! 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 15, 2015 at 2:48 pm

        Thanks Jenn! I find I can't taste the bourbon when I make this drink, but I wonder how someone who doesn't like bourbon would react. I'll have to ask a friend of mine to try this next time she's over to get her opinion - she doesn't love bourbon either!

        Reply
    7. Choclette says

      August 14, 2015 at 4:38 pm

      So love the name of this cocktail, it makes me want to down one even though I have no idea if I like bourbon or not!

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 15, 2015 at 2:43 pm

        Thanks Choclette! There's only one way to find out if you like bourbon or not! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Sheena @ Tea and Biscuits says

      August 14, 2015 at 4:50 pm

      5 stars
      That is one fantastic looking cocktail, I bet it tastes great!

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 15, 2015 at 2:40 pm

        Thanks Sheena! It's one of my new favorites to make (and especially drink). I'm almost out of blueberries though!

        Reply
    9. Vicki says

      August 14, 2015 at 4:56 pm

      Wow! I love a good cocktail, especially a twist on classic flavours like this. We have almost exactly the same glasses! I'm going to give this a go this weekend for my boyfriend, Matt. He loves bourbon so this will be right up his street. I hope you have a great weekend 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 15, 2015 at 2:39 pm

        Thanks, Vicki! I hope you both enjoy it. 🙂 Enjoy your weekend!

        Reply
    10. Molly Kumar says

      August 14, 2015 at 6:53 pm

      Wow, such great combination - A must try!

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 15, 2015 at 2:39 pm

        Thanks Molly!

        Reply
    11. Dini @ The Flavor Bender says

      August 14, 2015 at 6:58 pm

      This sounds SO GOOD! I absolutely LOVE those flavours! It's exactly what I need this Friday. 😀 I need to get my hands on that shaker too. I am in desperate need of one! 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 15, 2015 at 2:38 pm

        Thanks Dini! I really love the one I purchased; it actually stays shut and doesn't leak when you shake it! 😀

        Reply
    12. Whitney says

      August 14, 2015 at 10:25 pm

      Oh my my my! This is a drink I could get behind!

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 15, 2015 at 2:38 pm

        Yay, bourbon party!

        Reply
    13. Brian Jones says

      August 15, 2015 at 1:17 am

      I'm always in for a bit of bourbon fun, not that easy to get decent bourbon out here in Rural Hungary but usually have some knocking around so will certainly have a sup of this later 😀

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 15, 2015 at 2:37 pm

        No worries, Brian - just hop on a plane to the states and I'll have one ready for you when you get here!

        Reply
    14. Cristie @ Little Big H says

      August 15, 2015 at 1:51 am

      I need one of these right now! I'm loving the sound of the blueberry and basil combo.

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 15, 2015 at 2:37 pm

        Come on over, Cristie! I'll make one for you. 🙂

        Reply
    15. Jennifer says

      August 15, 2015 at 8:55 am

      I would not have thought of using basil and blueberries together but it makes sense - sounds delicious!

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 15, 2015 at 2:36 pm

        Thanks Jennifer! I really love the combination of the two.

        Reply
    16. J @ A Hot Southern Mess says

      August 15, 2015 at 9:50 am

      Oh my gosh! This drink is speaking to me! I love anything and everything basil and the blueberry smash...love them! I will be over in 15 minutes!

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 15, 2015 at 2:24 pm

        Thanks J! I'll have one ready for you!

        Reply
    17. Melanie @ Nutritious Eats says

      August 15, 2015 at 11:31 am

      This sounds awesome! My go-to is wine or beer , but I love a good cocktail.

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 15, 2015 at 2:24 pm

        Thanks, Melanie! I love a good wine or beer! Though I admit beer doesn't love me as much these days. 😉 I may have had a bottle of rose to my face last night. 🙂

        Reply
    18. pam (Sidewalk Shoes) says

      August 18, 2015 at 12:54 pm

      This is going on my list next! I would love it if you would link it up to Tipsy Tuesday at Grey is the New Black - a weekly cocktail linkup.

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 18, 2015 at 1:51 pm

        Thanks Pam! I'm very much interested in the linkup - I'll check it out!

        Reply
    19. Meredith @ The Weekday Gourmet says

      August 20, 2015 at 4:04 pm

      I've never cared for bourbon before but this drink is looking like it will change my mind!

      Reply
      • Marissa @ omgfood says

        August 20, 2015 at 7:26 pm

        Thanks Meredith! Bourbon tends to be my liquor of choice when I'm not in the mood for wine or tequila! 😉

        Reply
    20. Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life says

      February 21, 2016 at 11:09 pm

      This sounds so good! I love cocktails with blueberries! This is going on my must try list!

      Reply
      • Marissa @ OMG FOOD says

        February 21, 2016 at 11:22 pm

        Thanks, Michelle! I love them too. 🙂 Let me know how it is when you make it!

        Reply
    21. Healing Tomato says

      February 22, 2016 at 10:25 pm

      5 stars
      Ok, how did you come up with blueberry and bourbon mix? You are so awesome for making a very delicious drink. It looks very classy and creative. I can see Don Draper drinking this

      Reply
      • Marissa @ OMG FOOD says

        February 23, 2016 at 2:50 pm

        Thanks so much, Rini!

        Reply
    22. Nicole says

      August 16, 2020 at 8:36 pm

      5 stars
      I made this tonight and it is delightful!! I don't tend to make cocktails at home much, but this was easy and delicious. Possibly my new favorite cocktail!

      Reply
      • Marissa @ OMGfood says

        August 16, 2020 at 10:11 pm

        This makes me so happy! So glad you decided to go for it <3 I look forward to you making me one when hanging out is a thing we can do again lol

        Reply
    23. Bret says

      June 03, 2021 at 9:18 pm

      5 stars
      Awesome drink! Very refreshing.

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Summer Cocktails Round-Up says:
      September 5, 2015 at 11:10 am

      […] Blueberry Basil Bourbon Smash from OMGFood […]

      Reply

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