Is there any cocktail more refreshing than a bourbon smash? In this cocktail, Basil Hayden® Kentucky Straight Bourbon is infused with fresh muddled cherries, basil, lemon wedges, and just a hint of honey syrup. For a more refined drinking experience, the recipe strains the muddled fruit and herbs out and serves the cocktail over a big rock to maintain maximum chill. The sweet-tart cherries and fragrant basil play nicely with the smooth, lightly spiced notes of the Basil Hayden®, but this bourbon’s versatility means you could swap in almost any of your favorite fruits or herbs.
To make the honey syrup, combine equal parts honey and water in a saucepan set over medium heat, and stir until the honey is dissolved. Let it cool and store in the fridge for about 2 weeks. Simple syrup would also work great here.
Add all the ingredients to an empty cocktail shaker.
With a muddler, gently press down on the contents of the shaker 4 or 5 times, just until everything is lightly muddled (too much will incorporate bitterness from the lemon pith).
Fill the cocktail shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously for 10 seconds—or until the sides of the shaker are frosty and cold.
Fine-strain the cocktail into a glass filled with one large ice cube. Garnish with additional cherries and fresh basil, and serve.