Blueberry Basil Bourbon Smash Recipe

A Blueberry Basil Bourbon Smash is bourbon forward, yet fruity with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a perfect happy hour sipper.

The Perfect Anytime Cocktail

Looking for the perfect drink to serve any time of the year? Look no further than this Blueberry Basil Bourbon Smash cocktail.

This refreshing cocktail starts with a homemade blueberry basil simple syrup. The sweetness of the blueberries pairs well with the wonderful aroma of fresh basil.

This slightly sweet and aromatic simple syrup softens the bite of the bourbon. Finally, the tartness of the lemon adds a little zing to the finish.

Such a great combination of flavors. You and your guests will definitely be coming back for more!

Making Your Own Simple Syrup

One of the things I really like about this cocktail recipe is that I make my own simple syrup. It’s very easy to do and you can use just about any combination of fresh herbs and fruits to infuse it.

Simply combine sugar and water with your fresh ingredients (in this case, blueberries and basil) and heat until the sugar is reduced and the fruit starts to break down. Let it cool and strain into a small bowl or container. 

The end result is your own homemade simple syrup.

To Shake or Not to Shake

I like my cocktails super cold. That often means either using small ice cubes or using a cocktail shaker.

However, for this drink, you definitely want to give it a good shake with a cocktail shaker. Using the shaker allows all the flavors from the muddled ingredients to combine evenly with the bourbon. Plus, it makes the drink nice and cold before you pour it over ice in a rocks glass.

Tips and Tricks

• If fresh blueberries are out of season, you can substitute frozen blueberries that have been defrosted.
• If I’m going to be making multiple cocktails, I will buy a basil plant from the grocery store. I’ve found that they are much less expensive at my grocery store than buying a plastic container of basil. Plus, I feel the basil has a much fresher flavor coming straight from the plant.
• Since this cocktail is spirit forward, I recommend using a quality bourbon. My brands of choice are Woodford Reserve or Maker’s Mark.
• If you’re going to be serving this drink at a cocktail party, I suggest pairing it with these Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates. They’re a perfect combination of salty, sweet and savory which goes really well with the fruitiness of this cocktail. These Baked Brie Bites are also an excellent choice.
• Some of my other favorite spirit forward cocktails that are also great to serve at a cocktail party include a Classic Cosmopolitan, a Jameson Old Fashioned, or a Rosemary Infused Cranberry Bourbon Martini.

Ingredients Needed to Make a Blueberry Basil Bourbon Smash

Full instructions can be found below in the printable recipe card

• Fresh blueberries
• Fresh basil leaves
• Sugar
• Water
• Bourbon
• Fresh lemon juice

How to Make a Blueberry Basil Bourbon Smash Cocktail

To Prepare the Blueberry Basil Simple Syrup

• Combine blueberries, basil leaves, sugar and water in a small sauce pan.
• Bring mixture to a boil over high heat.
• Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking until blueberries burst.
• Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or strainer into a bowl and allow to cool.

To Make a Cocktail

• Combine bourbon, simple syrup, lemon juice, blueberries and basil leaves in a cocktail shaker.
• Muddle together with a wooden muddler or wooden spoon until blueberries have broken down.
• Fill the cocktail shaker nearly to the top with ice cubes.
• Cover and shake for about 20 seconds.
• Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
• Garnish with a lemon wedge and basil leaves, if desired.