The smash is a category of cocktail that refers to a drink with a spirit, an herb, sugar, and a fruit. Today we're making a classic whisky smash with lemon and mint. But there's no reason not to try other combinations that strike your fancy: gin, basil & blackberry anyone?

The mint julep is a specific type of smash. It's a good idea to use whatever fruit is in-season and build the drink around that.

• Mint leaves, about 8
• Half a lemon, quartered
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons simple syrup or granulated sugar
• 2 ounces Bourbon whisky

Place mint, lemon and simple syrup in an old fashioned glass. Muddle until well mixed and the lemons have expressed their juice. Add Bourbon and stir. Pack with crushed ice or ice cubes. Garnish with mint.

Photos by Lisa Denkinger

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Off to Osaka Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/