It’s time to kick back and relax with this refreshing and bright Whiskey Smash cocktail. It has the classic flavor you love with a fun and festive St. Patrick’s Day twist.
A whiskey smash is a classic cocktail with just four ingredients: whiskey, mint, lemon, and simple syrup or sugar.
You don’t need any fancy equipment to make it, and you’ll feel like quite the accomplished home bartender when you shake it up.
If you aren’t a fan of whiskey and have wondered “how do you make whiskey tasty,” a whiskey smash is the perfect place to start.
The brightness of the lemon and crispness of the mint make it more refreshing than boozy, so it’s dangerously easy to drink.
If you are a fan of whiskey, you may have noticed similarities to what is in a whiskey sour or mint julep. All three are very quenchable options.
But if you ask me, a whiskey smash is the best way to drink whiskey, especially if you are new to whiskey drinks.
How to Make a Whiskey Smash
This is a classic whiskey smash cocktail recipe with a few festive tweaks.
I replaced the lemon with lime to make it green, used agave instead of simple syrup because I rarely have prepared simple syrup on hand, and for St. Patrick’s Day, I used Irish whiskey.
If you are trying a whiskey smash for the very first time, I’d recommend starting with the classic recipe using lemon and regular whiskey (or bourbon) instead of the lime and Irish whiskey.
If, however, you are already well acquainted with this cocktail and want to try a fun holiday twist with this green version, by all means, CHEERS!
The Ingredients
- Fresh Mint Leaves. Mint teams up with the lime and agave to give this cocktail its signature refreshing and cool taste.
- Lime. Adds brightness and citrus flavor to the cocktail. It gives the whiskey smash punch!
- Light Agave Nectar. A whiskey smash isn’t overly sweet by any means. The agave is here to make the smash taste balanced.
- Whiskey. Irish whiskey is smooth, light, and ideal for mixing into cocktails.
The Directions
- Muddle the mint leaves, lime, and agave in a cocktail shaker or jar. Top with the whiskey and ice.
- Cover and shake. Pour the cocktail into a glass, top with ice, and garnish with mint. CHEERS!
What to Serve with a Green Whiskey Smash
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Cocktail Shaker. I love this one! The shaker never sticks together when you try to open it, doesn’t leak, and is super easy to clean.
- Muddler. To release flavor from the ingredients.
- Jigger. For the most accurate measurements.
Easy-To-Use Jigger
This two-sided jigger is easy to use and dishwasher-safe. Perfect for all your favorite cocktail recipes!
Whiskey Smash
Ingredients
- 8 fresh mint leaves plus additional for garnish
- 1/4 lime (for a green version) or lemon (for a classic version) cut in half
- 2 teaspoons light agave nectar or simple syrup
- 2 ounces Irish whiskey (for the green version); use bourbon or whiskey of choice for the classic version
- Crushed ice
Instructions
- Place the mint leaves, lime wedges, and agave in the bottom of a cocktail shaker or mason jar. With a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, mash 4 to 5 times, just enough to release juices and oils. Add the whiskey and top with a small handful of crushed ice.
- Cover and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to combine. Transfer to an old-fashioned or similar glass. Pile more crushed ice on top. Garnish with additional mint sprigs. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- TO MAKE A CLASSIC WHISKEY SMASH: For each drink, use 1/2 lemon instead of the 1/4 lime and 2 ounces regular whiskey or bourbon (I like Bulleit) in place of Irish whiskey. Or you can do lemon and Irish whiskey, which would be a delicious happy medium.
Nutrition
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Now I’m not Irish at all, but all I have to say to this is YES! :D It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?? ;)
That’s exactly right, Marina! :)
I just got some fresh mint sitting in my window cill! Time to put it to use…
Also, these pictures look awesome.
Thank you so much, Kevin! This would definitely be a good way to use up that mint.
This is such a fun drink! The mint, lime, and agave make me think tequila, but I love the use of whiskey here-what a festive twist :)
Thanks so much, Medha!
We’re Old Fashioned drinkers so this sounds right up our alley – will try this definitely. Off topic: I had a meeting this morning and I left some of your Banana Pancakes for him. I had frozen some of those leftover when we had them the first time…really good then. He put them in the toaster oven and treated them like toast timewise. Said they were even better than fresh – go figure. Good weekend wishes.
I hope you enjoy it, Chris! And thanks for the tip about the banana pancakes in the toaster oven! :) Wishing you a nice weekend as well.
Kate, I am so glad you mentioned that about Maker’s Mark! That slipped my mind. I removed it. Also, that tour sounds like it would be amazing!
Sounds interesting Erin. I love mojitos and this sounds like a mojito with whiskey instead of rum. Will give it a try. Happy St. Paddy’s! :)
That’s very true, Ana! I hope you enjoy it!
That is a beautiful way to celebrate saint patties day (: I think I could have a few of those ;)
Trevor LOVES whiskey, so I think he’d be all about this cocktail! Hope you had fun celebrating!!!
nice drink, thank you, love the mint
Thanks, Sabrina!
This looks amazing — I was just about to make it when I realized I was out of Jameson! Oh, well, this gives me an excuse to grab another bottle!
CHEERS Brian. Best reason ever (and you’ll have some leftover too :) ).
First of all, Love this site!! I think you have great tasting gluten free recipes here that are a relief for those of us celiac and allergic to wheat. However, I’m wondering how the whiskey drink is gluten free as most whiskey and bourbons are not. I like the taste of whiskey/bourbon but have not found one that is gluten free. And, have not tolerated those that others have touted as “gluten free due to the distillery process”, I’m very sensitive to gluten/wheats so just curious if this has been tested on those of us who are seriously gluten free. Look forward to your input.
Hi Naomi! The only input that I have is from this article I found online: https://www.beyondceliac.org/gluten-free-diet/is-it-gluten-free/liquor/whiskey/ I am not a health professional so you would need to consult them about any medical questions regarding diet. Hope this helps!