Whiskey Smash

Photo by Michael Piazza / Styled by Catrine Kelty

First mentioned in the 1840s and published in 1862, the drink was described as a “Julep on a small plan.” Revitalized in the late 1990s by New York City bartender Dale DeGroff, the Whiskey Smash now includes muddled citrus adding a refreshing tang to the crushed ice, simple syrup and mint.

Makes 1 drink

½ lemon, cut into wedges
6 leaves mint
2 ounces bourbon
¾ ounce simple syrup

Muddle the lemon wedges and mint. Add the bourbon and simple syrup, shake with ice and double strain into a double Old Fashioned or similar tumbler-style glass. Fill with crushed ice, garnish with a mint sprig and add a straw. 

(Note: Simple syrup is equal parts white sugar and water whisked together until the sugar is dissolved.)

This recipe appeared in the Summer 2022 issue as part of a larger story, Make This Summer a Smash.