Delicious Strawberry Jam Bourbon Smash Recipe: Your Ultimate Guide to a Refreshing Summer Cocktail

This invigorating drink perfectly balances robustness with delightful sweetness. Premium bourbon gracefully mingles with the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries, zesty lemon, and aromatic mint.

Welcome, cocktail enthusiasts, to a truly special jam session this week – and yes, we mean that in more ways than one! Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary concoction that perfectly captures the essence of spring and summer in a glass: the Strawberry Jam Bourbon Smash.

The inspiration for this week’s featured cocktail struck me instantly during a recent grocery store visit. As I stepped into the produce section, I was greeted by an impressive pyramid of stacked strawberry containers, their vibrant red hues practically calling my name. The irresistible, sweet aroma swirling through the air was simply impossible to ignore. It was a clear sign: I *must* have strawberries!

In my enthusiasm, I admit, I may have gone a little overboard. I bought far too many containers – more than any two people could realistically consume before they started to lose their freshness. If you know me, you know my fruit drawer sometimes becomes a forgotten abyss, a place where otherwise perfectly good produce sometimes meets its untimely end. It’s a common culinary dilemma, isn’t it? The best intentions sometimes lead to wasted produce, and I’m always on a mission to prevent that.

Sure enough, a few days later, my bounty of strawberries began to soften and show signs of that unwelcome fuzz. A disheartening sight, perhaps, but certainly not the end of the world! While I might occasionally let fruit linger a bit too long, I absolutely refuse to let it go to waste. This led to a delightful solution: jam! Specifically, I whipped up a batch of this fantastic Small-Batch Strawberry Jam from Chocolate Moosey. The entire process was surprisingly quick, taking me a mere 20 minutes from start to finish. Not bad for a homemade preserve, and the result? Simply divine! It truly is the best damn jam I’ve ever spooned into my mouth.

With an abundance of delicious homemade jam on hand, the next step was clear: it was time to smash! This Strawberry Jam Bourbon Smash is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s incredibly refreshing, featuring a perfect balance of sweetness from the strawberries and jam, with a bright, tart hint from fresh lemon wedges, and bursting with the invigorating aroma of fresh mint. There’s something inherently satisfying about “smashing” ingredients together, especially if you’ve had a long or challenging day. It’s a small, joyful act of creation that leads to something truly delicious.

What Exactly is a “Smash” Cocktail?

The name “smash” cocktail isn’t just a clever descriptor; it refers to a specific technique. At its core, a smash cocktail involves muddling fresh fruit and herbs with a spirit and sometimes a sweetener. The primary goal of muddling is to gently bruise the ingredients, coaxing out their essential oils, juices, and flavors without pulverizing them completely. This technique ensures a fresh, vibrant taste profile that can’t be achieved with pre-made juices or syrups alone.

In the case of our Strawberry Jam Bourbon Smash, we use a muddler to gently press and break down the fresh strawberries, lemon wedges, and mint. When you muddle mint, for instance, it forces the leaves to release their natural aromatic oils, infusing the drink with that characteristic refreshing coolness. This is precisely why classic cocktails like Mojitos are so incredibly tasty and aromatic – the muddled mint makes all the difference.

The innovative addition of strawberry jam here serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it naturally sweetens the drink, providing a richer, more nuanced sweetness than plain simple syrup. Secondly, the sugars and pectin in the jam actually assist in breaking down the other components during the muddling process, helping to extract even more flavor from the strawberries and lemon. Don’t own a fancy muddler? No worries at all! You can absolutely still create this delightful smash. Simply reach for your trusty wooden spoon and get to work – it works just as effectively in a pinch!

Crafting Your Perfect Strawberry Jam Bourbon Smash

The Power of Fresh Ingredients

The success of any great cocktail, especially a smash, hinges on the quality and freshness of its ingredients. For this recipe, perfectly ripe strawberries are paramount. They bring a natural sweetness and vibrant fruit flavor that pairs beautifully with the bourbon. Fresh lemon provides that crucial tartness, balancing the sweetness and adding a bright, zesty counterpoint. And, of course, fresh mint leaves are non-negotiable. Their cooling, aromatic properties elevate the drink from good to truly exceptional.

Bourbon Selection: A Key Component

When choosing your bourbon, opt for a good quality spirit that you enjoy drinking on its own. The caramel, vanilla, and oak notes inherent in bourbon complement the sweet and tart fruit flavors wonderfully. You don’t need an overly expensive bottle, but a smooth, well-rounded bourbon will make a significant difference to the overall taste profile of your smash. A medium-bodied bourbon will allow the fruit and mint to shine without being overwhelmed.

Step-by-Step Muddling Mastery

Once you’ve gathered your fresh ingredients, the muddling process is where the magic truly happens. Add your halved strawberries, lemon wedges, mint, and strawberry jam to a sturdy cocktail shaker or a robust mixing glass. Now, with your muddler (or wooden spoon), gently but firmly press down on the ingredients. Twist and press, rather than pulverizing them. The goal is to release the juices from the fruit and the aromatic oils from the mint. You want to see the strawberries break down, the lemon wedges yield their juice, and the mint leaves look slightly bruised, but not shredded to pieces. This usually takes about 15-20 seconds of focused muddling.

Shaking and Serving Your Smash

After your ingredients are thoroughly muddled, it’s time to add the star spirit: bourbon. Pour in the specified amount of bourbon into your shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and secure the lid. Now, give the mixture a few vigorous shakes – about 10-15 seconds should do the trick. This not only chills the drink but also helps to further integrate all the wonderful flavors and slightly dilute the cocktail to perfect drinking strength.

Prepare your serving glass, ideally a mason jar or a classic rocks glass, with a generous amount of large ice cubes. Large ice cubes are preferred as they melt slower, preventing your drink from becoming watered down too quickly. Strain the muddled mixture into your prepared glass, ensuring any small fruit bits or mint leaves are caught, leaving you with a smooth, flavorful liquid. Top off your smash with a splash of club soda or seltzer water. This adds a delightful effervescence and lightness, making the drink even more refreshing.

Finally, for that extra touch of elegance and visual appeal, garnish your Strawberry Jam Bourbon Smash. A fresh sprig of mint, gently clapped between your hands to release its aroma, and a beautiful fresh strawberry perched on the rim or floating within the drink will make it look as good as it tastes. Because, let’s be honest, cocktails should always look fancy, whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a moment of solitude.

Variations and Tips for Your Smash

• Berry Bliss: While strawberries are fantastic, feel free to experiment with other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or even blueberries, adapting the jam flavor accordingly.
• Citrus Swap: Not a lemon fan? Try lime wedges for a different kind of tang, or even a thin slice of orange for a sweeter, more aromatic citrus note.
• Herbaceous Twists: Beyond mint, consider adding a couple of basil leaves or even a sprig of rosemary for an unexpected herbaceous depth.
• Batch It Up: For entertaining, you can muddle a larger batch of fruit, jam, and mint in a pitcher. Just before serving, add the bourbon and ice, stir well, and top with club soda in individual glasses.
• Make It a Mocktail: Omit the bourbon for a delicious non-alcoholic strawberry smash that everyone can enjoy. Simply muddle, strain, and top with extra club soda or sparkling water.
• Ice Matters: The type of ice can impact your drink. While large cubes are great for slow dilution, some prefer crushed ice for a colder, faster chill. Experiment to find your preference.

This Strawberry Jam Bourbon Smash is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the moment, celebrate fresh flavors, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a beautifully crafted drink. Cheers to smashing good times!

Want more bourbon cocktail inspiration? Try these delicious recipes:

Heather Christo- Bourbon Cherry Coke
Foxes Love Lemons- Meyer Lemon Vanilla Bean Bourbon Smash
Hungry Couple-Honey Grapefruit Bourbon Smash
Bake Your Day- Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade