Strawberry Whiskey Smash (with Video)
Strawberry Whiskey Smash Recipe
Whiskey, scotch, bourbon and whisky (without an) e all suffer from the same problem.
If you are served a cheap, poor quality version the first time you are served one of those spirits, it’s easy to assume that they are all horrible, nose-wrinkling, throat-scorching liquors that taste faintly like what you would assume paint thinner tastes like.
However, good whiskeys (scotches and bourbons, too) don’t deserve to be lumped in with the swill. A good whiskey has a pleasant taste with no harsh after bite, and can be nicely blended into a perfectly sippable cocktail.
So I wanted to create a whiskey-based cocktail recipe that even non-whiskey drinkers would enjoy, to help convert those of you who may have been “burned” by a bad whiskey.
Also, many people are intimidated by whiskey – they are told there are “right” and “wrong” ways to enjoy it (and of course, there are always the purists who insist that it should never be altered), but this cocktail is going to set the record straight and bring both whiskey drinkers and those on the fence together over a glass. (Except for the purists – but they are never any fun at parties anyways…)
The original Whiskey Smash was created by Jerry Thomas in 1862 in his Bar-tenders Guide, as a hybrid between a whiskey sour and a mint julep.
This Strawberry Whiskey Smash is inspired by Dale DeGroff’s version which he served in the 80s at the Rainbow Room (at Rockefeller Center – made infamous in Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential).
Our Strawberry Whiskey Smash is refreshing, with a perfect sweet and tart balance.
What kind of whiskey is best for a whiskey smash? Any whiskey that you enjoy will be great in this recipe – but there’s no need to use the top shelf stuff. (I love Laphroaig when I’m just sipping my whiskey, but I would find it way too expensive to include in a cocktail.) I tend to use Jameson when making whiskey cocktails because it’s super smooth and the price point is perfect. You can also make this recipe with gin, vodka or rum.
Can I use mint extract in place of the fresh mint? Yes, but I’d personally skip the mint if you had to use an extract. Mint extract could easily overpower this cocktail, and it lacks the complexity of real mint (which is grassy, fresh, and slightly sweet).
Do I have to use simple syrup in a whiskey smash? No – you can use maple syrup or honey, however it will slightly change the taste of your cocktail. Some people like adding powdered sugar, but personally I’d rather use a syrup/liquid sweetener to avoid a gritty texture and to ensure that the cocktail is perfectly consistent.
Other delicious whiskey cocktails to try:
- Whiskey Sour
- Sugar Plum Whiskey Smash
- Cinnamon Toast Chocolate Chai Cocktail from Whisky and Sunshine
- Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour from Cookie and Kate
- Mint Julep Margaritas
- Cinnamon Vanilla Black Russian
I also used whiskey in our Irish Bread Pudding with Bailey’s Butter Sauce!
Tip: I often order my liquor from Drizly because they have a quick delivery time (sometimes within 40 minutes) and no expensive mark-ups. Purchasing from them supports local retailers, too. You can order the Whiskey needed for this recipe from them.
Check out our quick recipe video for how to make your own Strawberry Whiskey Smash and then don’t forget to scroll down to grab your free recipe printable:
Ingredients for a Strawberry Whiskey Smash
- Strawberry, chopped or mashed
- Pinch mint leaves
- Lemon juice
- Simple syrup <– make your own with equal parts water and sugar
- Jameson, or other favorite whiskey
- Ice, for serving
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.
Tip: you can add ice to the cocktail shaker to help mash up the mint and strawberry a bit more, but since I was serving this cocktail on the rocks, I didn’t want to risk watering it down any more.
Note: you can spice this recipe up by adding a touch of balsamic vinegar or some fresh ground pepper.
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful:
- Liquid measure (shot measure/jigger)
- Cocktail shaker <– this is the one I used in this recipe
- Ice maker
I really loved using my gorgeous Omishome Bartending Kit to make cocktails. The pretty bamboo holder contains all of the tools you need to make perfect cocktails, and those pretty gold tools add a touch of class to your home bar set-up.
How to Make a Strawberry Smash Whiskey Cocktail
Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously.
Pour into a glass filled with ice and garnish with mint and a strawberry.
To make your own homemade simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. (I tend to use 1 cup of each.)
Cook over medium heat until mixture has reduced by at least half, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
Cool and store in the fridge for up to a month.
Pin this delicious Strawberry Lemonade Cocktail made with Whiskey:
Grab your free printable recipe card for our Strawberry Whiskey Smash cocktail recipe:
Strawberry Whiskey Smash
A refreshing strawberry whiskey cocktail with a hint of mint and lemon - it tastes just like strawberry lemonade.
Ingredients
- 1 strawberry, chopped or mashed
- Pinch mint leaves
- 1 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz Jameson
- Ice, for serving
For a full pitcher:
- 4 strawberries, chopped or mashed
- Small handful mint leaves
- 6 oz lemon juice
- 6 oz simple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups Jameson
- Ice, for serving
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously.
- Pour into a glass filled with ice and garnish with mint and a strawberry.
Notes
To make your own homemade simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. (I tend to use 1 cup of each.)
Cook over medium heat until mixture has reduced by at least half, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
Cool and store in the fridge for up to a month.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 141Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 6mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 0gSugar: 11gProtein: 0g
This strawberry lemonade cocktail is the perfect drink for new whiskey drinkers and is a classic for a reason!
For more delicious whiskey cocktails, check out our Champagne Julep Cocktail or our Cinnamon Vanilla Black Russian Cocktail.
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