As an aspiring home bartender I’m regularly confronted by all sorts of mixology and craft bartending terms that I simply don’t understand. That’s why when I recently encountered the Smash cocktail, I set out to figure out what this mysterious Smash is and how can I make one?
What is a Smash Cocktail?
As with so many different cocktails finding an exact definition is a fool’s errand, but after pulling together some research from a variety of sources, I’ve narrowed the definition of the Smash cocktail down to the following:
The Smash is a family of cocktails that generally include:
- spirit
- sweetener
- herb
- seasonal fruit
- ice
- water
Don’t freak out about what appears to be a load of ingredients, because smash drinks are easy to make, especially for the beginner. One easy way to think of the Smash cocktail: It’s like a Mint Julep with seasonal fruit.
Friendly to Cocktail Novices
[glossary_exclude]Since the definition of the Smash drink is fast and loose, you can’t do anything wrong. For example, ice can be served in the drink or strained; the seasonal fruit can be muddled in glass or act as a garnish. Essentially you can do pretty much anything you want with a Smash. And I like that.
Smash Cocktails: Perfect for Summer
If you ask me Smash cocktails are made for warm weather enjoyment and (hopefully) Summer is around the corner. These drinks are sure to be warm-weather pleasers so I’ve done some experimentation to find some easy smash cocktail recipes using a range of different spirits. Take a look at these and let me know what you think![/glossary_exclude]
The Gin, Cucumber & Basil Smash
Ingredients
- 2 oz. London Dry Gin
- 1 oz. Carbonated Water
- 1 Sugar Cube
- 4 Basil Sprigs
- 2 Cucumber Slices (1/4″)
- Ice
Equipment
- Muddler
- Rocks Glass
Preparation
- Muddle sugar, carbonated water, mint sprigs and cucumber in an old-fashioned glass.
- Add gin
- Top with crushed ice
- Stir
The Whiskey Smash
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz Simple Syrup (1 to 1 ratio)
- 1/4 lemon, cut up
- 4 Sprigs of Mint
- Crushed Ice
Equipment
- Mixing Glass
- Boston Shaker
- Muddler
- Hawthorne Strainer
- Rocks Glass
Preparation
- Muddle 3 sprigs of mint and lemon in mixing glass
- Add simple syrup, Bourbon & crushed ice
- Cover with Boston Shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass.
- Garnish with 1 sprig of mint
The Strawberry Lemonade Smash
Ingredients
- 3 Hulled Strawberries
- 2 oz. White Rum
- 1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 oz. Simple Syrup
- 1 Strawberry for Garnish
- Crushed Ice
Equipment
- Muddler
- Boston Shaker
- Mixing Glass
- Highball Glass
- Hawthorne Strainer
Preparation
- Muddle 3 hulled strawberries in a cocktail shaker
- Add 2 oz. white rum, 1 oz. fresh lemon juice, and 1 oz. simple syrup.
- Fill with ice, cover, and shake until outside of shaker is frosty (approx 30 sec.)
- Fill a highball glass with crushed ice.
- Strain strawberry mixture into glass.
- Garnish with a strawberry.
The Jalapeno Tequila Smash
Ingredients
- 2 Lime Slices
- 2 Orange Slices
- 1 Fresh Jalapeño Pepper Slice
- 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
- 1 1/2 oz. Tequila
- 1/2 cup Soda water
- Ice
Equipment
- Muddler
- Mixing Glass
- Bar Spoon
- Rocks Glass
Preparation
- Muddle lime,lemon and jalapeño slice with simple syrup in a Mixing Glass.
- Add Tequila and Soda Water
- Stir until thoroughly chilled
- Pour Into Rocks Glass
- Serve
Conclusion
Despite the vague definition of this family of cocktails, I hope that I’ve answered the question What is a Smash Cocktail? to your satisfaction. Hopefully you now have a better understanding of the Smash and where it may fit into your cocktail rotation.
