Whiskey Smash
The Whiskey Smash is a refreshing libation that is more defined by its preparation than its ingredients. The Smash-style cocktail is crafted by (you guessed it) muddling ingredients such as citrus, berries, and herbs directly in the shaker tin to add additional flavor. The Whiskey Smash particularly benefits from the incorporation of the mint, however the subtle addition of the oils released from lemon wedges brings out a more intense flavor than you would get by simply juicing the lemon. After you have muddled the mint and lemon wedges, add the remaining ingredients and ice into your tin and shake the mixture. Depending on the type of presentation you are going for, you can either pour the contents of your shaker (muddled ingredients and all) directly in your double rocks glass or goblet, or you can strain the cocktail for a cleaner presentation. If you opt for the latter, I recommend double-straining your cocktail through a fine mesh strainer so your libation is free of debris. Finally, don’t forget to garnish your Whiskey Smash with a lemon wheel and a bouquet of mint — I like to feed the mint through the center of the wheel place it directly on top of the cocktail. But don’t take my word for it, make one and try it yourself!
Whiskey Smash
In your shaker, muddle the mint leaves and lemon wedges and combine with the simple syrup and whiskey.
8 Mint Leaves
3 Lemon Wedges
0.75 oz of Simple Syrup
2 oz of Whiskey
Add ice to your shaker and shake until it develops a frost. Double-strain the contents (by pouring them from the shaker through a fine mesh strainer) into your double rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a bouquet of mint and a lemon wheel.
TIP(S):
Equal parts simple syrup to lemon juice — depending on the size of the lemon, 3 wedges should give you roughly 0.75 to 1 oz of lemon juice. You can adjust amount of simple syrup to balance the overall flavor.
