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Home » Drinks » Cocktails » Bourbon & Whiskey Cocktails

Blackberry Bourbon Smash

Published: Oct 21, 2021 · Modified: Jan 28, 2024 by Ali

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This blackberry bourbon smash cocktail is an easy-to-make craft cocktail. Make with a homemade brown sugar blackberry and rosemary simple syrup, dash of fresh lime juice, bourbon and a splash of club soda. This is a cocktail that is meant to impress your guests.

Overhead photo of a blackberry bourbon smash cocktail, garnished with blackberries and fresh rosemary, on a wooden cutting board.

Fancy cocktails don’t have to be difficult to make. But sometimes taking the extra step to make a creative flavored simple syrup is worth it. Such as this blueberry simple syrup used in this blueberry gin cocktail, or this thyme simple syrup for this grapefruit crush cocktail, or this rosemary simple syrup for this rosemary gimlet.

If you enjoy bourbon-based cocktails, try this blood orange bourbon sour or this pineapple old fashioned.

Why this is the best blackberry bourbon smash:

  • No artificial flavors! Everything is made from scratch. Fresh blackberries are used for the real blackberry flavor.
  • Blackberry + Rosemary. Blackberry and rosemary are the perfect pair. You’ll love the combination of these two flavors.
  • It’s a smash cocktail without the smashed fruit. All the flavor comes from the syrup, not from muddled blackberries. This means the blackberry taste packs more of a punch, and the cocktail is smoother, without pieces of fruit.
  • No complicated ingredients. All the ingredients are easy to find in a grocery store. There’s no need to buy fancy flavored syrups online.
  • It takes 20 minutes to make. Even though this drink may seem elaborate, it is actually quick to make!

Ingredient Notes:

Overhead photo of the ingredients needed for the cocktail.
  • Brown sugar: If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute this for granulated sugar. However, the brown sugar does give a richer, slightly caramel flavor that is perfect for this drink.
  • Lime juice: Freshly squeezed juice only!
  • Rosemary: Fresh rosemary only. Dried rosemary doesn’t work for this drink.

How to make the smash cocktail:

First, start by making the rosemary and blackberry syrup. This simple syrup is kind of a combination of this rosemary simple syrup and blackberry simple syrup, but uses brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.

Heat the rosemary, blackberries, brown sugar and water on a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Blackberries, rosemary and brown sugar simmering on a pan, they syrup is a golden yellow color.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and press the blackberries with a fork to break them down, releasing their juices. Continue to gently simmer for 10 minutes to let everything infuse.

Blackberries simmering on a pan, turning the syrup a deep red color.

Remove the pan from the stove and strain out the blackberry and rosemary remnants.

For the cocktail, add the syrup, lime juice, bourbon and ice to a cocktail shaker and shake for 5-10 seconds. Strain and serve.

FAQ:

Can I muddle blackberries into my drink?

Yes! If you want, add a few muddled blackberries to your cocktail. However, don’t replace this for the syrup as the flavor will not be the same. The blackberry rosemary syrup is essential.

Can I use whiskey instead of bourbon?

Yes, this cocktail would also go well with whiskey.

A red, blackberry cocktail sitting on a wooden cutting board, being stirred with a long metal spoon, yellow flowers and a candle in the background.

Expert Tips:

  • Simmer and break down the blackberries. Make sure to gently simmer the syrup for the full 10 minutes until the blackberries are fully broken down. This ensures the blackberries release all their juices and the flavor can infuse with the fresh rosemary.
  • Store leftover syrup in the fridge. Store any leftover syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a couple weeks. This recipe makes a tiny bit more than the syrup required for the cocktail in case you want to add a bit extra for more sweetness.
Overhead photo of a bourbon cocktail on a wooden board, next to rosemary, blackberries and a candle.

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Up close overhead photo of a blackberry bourbon smash cocktail, garnished with blackberries on a cocktail pick, and rosemary floating in the glass.

Blackberry Bourbon Smash


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  • Author: Ali
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cocktails 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This blackberry bourbon smash cocktail is an easy-to-make craft cocktail that will impress your guests.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Blackberry & Rosemary Simple Syrup:
    • ⅔ cup blackberries
    • ¼ cup fresh rosemary
    • ½ cup brown sugar
    • ½ cup water
  • Blackberry Bourbon Smash:
    • 3 oz blackberry & rosemary syrup
    • 2 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
    • 4 oz bourbon
    • 8 oz club soda
    • handful of ice

Instructions

  1. Make the blackberry and rosemary syrup: Heat the blackberries, rosemary, brown sugar and water on a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Continue to simmer for 10 minutes, breaking the blackberries down with a fork as they heat up. The syrup should turn a dark reddish-purple color. Remove the syrup from the stove and let it cool slightly. Pass the syrup through a fine mesh strainer and discard the blackberry and rosemary pieces. Let the syrup cool while you prepare the rest of the cocktail ingredients. 
  2. Make the cocktail: Add the blackberry & rosemary syrup, lime juice, bourbon, club soda and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake for a few seconds, until the outside of the cocktail shaker is frosted. Strain and serve into a glass filled with fresh ice. Enjoy responsibly!

Notes

  • When heating the syrup, make sure to fully smash the blackberries as they warm up, releasing their juices. 
  • If you want, add a few muddled berries to each cocktail, but don’t replace this for the simple syrup. 
  • Store any leftover syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a couple weeks.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cocktail
  • Calories: 217
  • Sugar: 35.7g
  • Sodium: 12mg
  • Fat: 0.2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2.1g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Leave a comment if you tried this recipe!

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Ali in a white tank top wearing sunglasses, with trees with yellow leaves in the background.

Hi, I'm Ali! Full-time nurse, lifetime foodie. Join me as I create, eat and drink the most delicious brunch, cocktail & dessert recipes! More about me —>

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