Usually in the winter, I drink a lot of bourbon. Summertime, is usually reserved for gin, champagne and other light and refreshing drinks. Bourbon is warming and perfect for cold winter nights. This summer though, I’ve experimented with more cool and refreshing bourbon cocktails and I’m loving it. I have a lot of friends who don’t love bourbon (or whiskey) – I’m still trying to figure out why I’m friends with them (just kidding). Lucky for me though, I have many friends who do love bourbon. If you’re not too sure if bourbon is really your thing, it’s OK. I’d probably recommend you don’t experiment with bourbon or whiskey by drinking a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned; I think for non-bourbon believers, you sort of have to build you way up to those potent classic cocktails – like with this rosemary bourbon smash.
This cocktail is the perfect introductory drink if you’re trying to ease your way into bourbon. Not to mention, it’s wonderful if you need something refreshing on a hot summer day. I’ve made different variations of bourbon smashes before. This one, flavored with fig and sage, is probably one of my favorites.
The rosemary bourbon smash (with grapefruit) is wonderful because it’s the gift that keeps on giving. It’s made with this yummy rosemary simple syrup and you’ll definitely have some leftover. You can use it to add to teas or more cocktails!
Rosemary bourbon smash
Imbibe has a great article on the history of the smash cocktail, in case you’re wondering. As time moves on, there have been many variations of what a smash looks like – in terms of flavor. A go to rule when thinking of a smash is this: a smash is a julep but a julep isn’t always a smash. Does that make sense to you?
According to the Imbibe article, the first example of a smash was in 1862. I’m not sure when the idea for adding flavors came into the smash cocktail but I’m glad it did. Like I mentioned before, this is a great drink if you’re trying to ease into bourbon. It’s not a straight up bourbon drink but it still packs a bit of a punch. The flavor is softened a bit with an infused simple syrup and a splash of club soda. Cheers!
Ingredients
For the syrup
- Sugar
- Water
- Rosemary sprigs
For the cocktail
- 1 - 1.5 oz. bourbon
- 2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz rosemary simple syrup
- Club soda
- Rosemary for garnish
Instructions
To make the syrup
- Heat equal parts sugar, water and a couple of rosemary sprigs in small pot. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the rosemary to steep for a few of minutes. Let it cool then transfer to a jar.
To make the drink
- Combine bourbon, juice and simple syrup in a glass over ice; stir with a cocktail spoon. Top with club soda and garnish with a rosemary sprig.
