blueberry basil bourbon smash
Did anyone else feel TOTALLY useless on Friday?
I don’t know what in the world came over me, but my motivation and desire to do anything fell right into the shitter and pressed flush without my permission. Apparently many of us were feeling that way: my mom, my coworkers, random customers at The Day Job. New moon blues? Friday blues?
Either way, I tested this cocktail Friday afternoon, but the light was miserable so the photos sucked. Sometimes one can work with shit conditions, other times the shit conditions are overbearing. That bizarre, collective braindead mood didn’t help anything.
So I tossed aside my plans, tried to forgive myself for the uncontrollable blah, and moved on. And today, Saturday, things felt much better.
Time and grace, folks. Time and grace.
I don’t work with blueberries a lot in the cocktail world – I actually don’t see blueberry cocktails very often as a rule, oddly enough – they’re pretty swell paired with bourbon, I’ve learned. This light yet robust sip is campfire-warming, but cool enough for these shit-hot days. A fun twist on the usual bourbon smash, with my favorite little summer greenfolk: basil! Those leaves add a nice earthiness to round out the flavors.
Bourbon, Smash!
Like most of my drinks, this fella is simple. If you ever mix you probably have most of this on hand already, and if not, a quick grocery trip won’t leave your bank card pleading for mercy.
Then, once you’ve got your shit on hand, mix up your drink. Muddle some fresh basil with lemon juice, blueberries, and honey. Add in the bourbon, shake it up, and strain into your ice-laden glass. Or, you can choose not to strain it to add some texture. Either way works fine.
Top with plenty of bubbly water, some fresh berries, and basil leaves, and you’ve got yourself a lovely weekend treat!
Now, if you don’t have blueberries or don’t prefer them (fucking weirdo), blackberries are my next best friend in this drink. And, of course, a Strawberry Basil Smash isn’t a bad idea, either, if you’re feeling that route more.
Pssst…This will knock the socks off your 4th of July guests if you’re planning a soiree!
Tried this recipe out? Leave a rating and comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
Need some bourbon with your bourbon?
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blueberry basil bourbon smash
Ingredients
- 6 basil leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1 1/2 oz bourbon
- 1-2 tbsp honey
- sparkling water, to top
- fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the basil, blueberries, honey, and lemon juice until nice and smooshy. Add the bourbon. Fill with ice and shake until cold. Pour or strain into the prepared cocktail glass.
- Top with sparkling water and garnish with fresh basil as desired.
