The Blackberry Smash is a delicious blend of whiskey, blackberry and lemon. A great year-round cocktail.
I first published the Blackberry Smash cocktail a few years ago, but when I served it to guests recently, several said they’d never seen it on the blog. That’s not surprising—blog readers change over time—so I’ve decided to revisit favorite recipes from the archives and share one each month. The Blackberry Smash is a standout among the many cocktails I’ve created since starting my Friday Cocktails series nearly five years ago.
From July, 2014
I’m occasionally invited to meet cookbook authors and restaurant people in Denver. Recently I was asked to meet Charlie Garrison from Garrison Brothers, a Texas bourbon distillery. I enjoy these outings but they’ve become more time-consuming since I moved farther south—what was once a short drive is now a two-hour roundtrip—so I’ve been more selective about attending. When the PR firm suggested that Charlie could visit me instead, I gladly accepted.
Charlie’s visit was delightful. We chatted at length about bourbon and the craft of distilling, and I had the chance to sample Garrison Brothers bourbon neat. It was my first true experience of sipping a quality bourbon straight up instead of using it purely for cocktails, and it was impressive—aromatic, balanced and richly flavored. Charlie is warm and unpretentious, the kind of person who makes a conversation enjoyable and informative.
The story behind the distillery is as charming as the whiskey. Charlie described how an idea from one brother convinced the rest of the family to dive into the business—an endeavor that raised a few eyebrows at first, since bourbon is so closely associated with Kentucky. Garrison Brothers made a conscious, well-considered decision to craft fine bourbon in Texas, and the result reflects their attention to detail.
Garrison Brothers is family-run, using on-site grown grains and Hill Country rainwater in a corn-to-cork process. They were named the 2014 American Micro Whiskey of the Year and they hand-number and sign bottles, emphasizing the unique quality of each barrel. The craft of whiskey-making involves many variables—grain selection, barrel supply, and climate all affect the final product—so I came away with a deeper respect for the craft.
Charlie brought two sample bottles from different years. Even though they were the same brand, the differences in color and taste were noticeable: one was lighter and slightly sweeter, while the other had a deeper profile. He explained how variations in temperature, grain mix and cask aging can create subtle differences from year to year. One distinctive choice the distillery makes is to use sweet mash—fresh grain each year—instead of the more common sour mash method. That decision contributes to a sweeter, more nuanced bourbon.
Although bourbon of that quality is often enjoyed neat or over ice, I wanted to showcase it in a cocktail. A cloyingly sweet, overly fruity drink would mask the bourbon, so I made a Blackberry Smash that balances tart blackberries with lemon, mint and a touch of sugar so the bourbon remains front and center. The result was a bright, refreshing cocktail that complemented the whiskey instead of hiding it.
Garrison Brothers involves volunteers in bottling each year, and those helpers are rewarded with the chance to taste and take home bottles—memories and camaraderie often accompany the work. Charlie even showed me two bottles with different seals; one seal was slightly off, likely the result of a worker having a good time during their shift. It was a small, human detail that made the visit memorable.
If you have the chance to try Garrison Brothers bourbon, seek it out. Their distribution has expanded slowly; ask at local stores and bars. In the meantime, the Blackberry Smash is an accessible way to enjoy a high-quality bourbon in a lively, seasonal cocktail.
More Delicious Smash Cocktails
- Bourbon and Peach Jam Smash
- Tequila Smash
- Vanilla Old Fashioned Cocktail
- Cherry Old Fashioned Smash Cocktail
- Sparkling Blackberry Smash Cocktail
PIN IT! ‘Blackberry Smash Cocktail’
Blackberry Smash Cocktail
Barb
5 mins
5 mins
10 mins
Ingredients
- ½ lemon sliced
- 4 fresh blackberries
- 1 mint sprig
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce simple syrup See Notes
Garnish
- 2 mint leaves
Instructions
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Muddle lemon slices, blackberries and mint in a cocktail shaker. Add bourbon and simple syrup, then fill the shaker with ice. Shake at least 10 times and strain into a short glass filled with ice.
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Garnish with mint leaves and serve immediately.
Notes
I usually make at least a cup of simple syrup at a time so it’s ready in the refrigerator when I need it. To make simple syrup, combine equal parts water and sugar and heat until the sugar dissolves. Chill before using.
For a quick method, heat half the water with the sugar until it dissolves, then pour that hot syrup over the remaining water in the form of ice cubes to cool it instantly. Store refrigerated for up to two weeks.
Nutrition
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