Whiskey Smash

Whiskey Smash is a classic cocktail that combines whiskey, lemon juice, and mint. It is usually prepared with bourbon, but rye whiskey is a suitable replacement. To make the cocktail, lemon wedges and mint are first muddled in a shaker.

Whiskey, simple syrup, and ice are added next, and all the ingredients are shaken until chilled. The mix is strained into an old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice and garnished with a mint sprig. The drink is a distant cousin to the legendary Mint Julep.

It was first featured in The Bartenders Guide by Jerry Thomas. The Guide was published in 1887, but it is assumed that this cocktail and its many variations existed well before the book was published.