Modern: Kentucky Bluegrass Smash

Name: Modern: Kentucky Bluegrass Smash
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 fresh blackberries; ¾ ounce Blackberry-Mint Simple Syrup; 2 ounces bourbon; ½ ounce fresh lime juice; ½ ounce elderflower liqueur, preferably St-Germain; ½ ounce elderflower liqueur, preferably St-Germain; 1 ounce club soda (or to taste); 1 mint sprig, for garnish; Grated lime zest, for garnish

Preparation info

Makes
1
Drink

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Spirits of '76

By Kim Laidlaw

Published 2026

About

A vibrant tribute to the Bluegrass State, this modern bourbon smash blends blackberry-mint syrup, elderflower liqueur, fresh lime, and a splash of club soda. With deep roots in Kentucky’s bourbon legacy and abundant summer berries, it’s a fresh, floral take that captures the spirit—and sweetness—of Southern hospitality.

Ingredients

5 fresh blackberries
¾ ounce Blackberry-Mint Simple Syrup
2

Americas
United States
Kentucky
Drinks
Vegan
Summer

Method

Fill a rocks glass with ice. In a cocktail shaker, muddle 4 of the blackberries and the simple syrup. Add ice and then add the bourbon, lime juice, and elderflower liqueur. Cover and shake vigorously until chilled. Strain into the ice-filled glass. Top with club soda. Garnish with the remaining blackberry, the mint sprig, and grated lime zest. Serve.