Last updated August 29, 2021. Published January 26, 2018.
This fruity Whiskey Smash is made with vibrant blueberries and a linden flower simple syrup. I created this recipe when I owned a natural skin care line and the healing properties of herbs were a big part of my day-to-day.
Many of my early cocktail recipes were designed with the beneficial properties of botanicals in mind, from adaptogens to simple, soothing blends of fruits and flowers like this one.
Linden flower simple syrup
This syrup is easy to make by mixing dried linden flowers (I buy from Mountain Rose Herbs) with hot water and white sugar. Although the flavor imparted to this cocktail is mild, I chose these flowers for their calming, tension-taming properties.
Linden flowers have been used by herbalists throughout history to help with sleeplessness and anxiety and encourage relaxation. For these reasons, I thought they’d be a great addition to happy hour, and I named this blueberry whiskey concoction the Zen Smash.
To make the syrup, steep 2 tbsp of organic dried linden flowers in about 1 cup (8 ounces) of boiling water. After five minutes, strain out the flowers and add 1 cup of sugar to the liquid. Stir frequently until all of the sugar has dissolved. I find it easiest to make this syrup in a mason jar or 2 cup measuring cup. Store any leftover syrup in a closed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Learn more about edible flowers in my cocktail lover’s guide!
Recipe variations
A classic Whiskey Smash is made with whiskey (bourbon or rye, your choice), lemon wedges or juice, sugar, and mint. This template is easy to riff on by adding other fruits or making flavored simple syrups.
The easiest way to make a blueberry whiskey smash is to smash some blueberries along with lemon wedges and mint right in the cocktail shaker. However, you can also infuse the liquor with blueberries.
When I first made this recipe in 2018, I infused the whiskey with frozen blueberries (it makes for a really quick infusion) and then also muddled some blueberries for extra flavor. In recent years, I’ve created a simplified version so I wanted to update this old post to reflect that.
And while the linden flower simple syrup is a fun addition to the drink, because it doesn’t add a whole lot flavor-wise, it’s totally ok to use plain simple syrup instead!
To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water and stir until the sugar dissolves. Use warm or hot water to speed up the process. It’s not necessary to cook simple syrup. If you want the syrup to last longer than a few weeks, add an ounce of neutral-flavored liquor like vodka or grain alcohol.
The improved blueberry whiskey smash recipe
2 oz whiskey
3/4 oz linden flower simple syrup OR plain simple syrup
1/2 a lemon, cut into wedges
6-8 mint leaves
Handful of frozen blueberries
Muddle the lemon wedges and frozen blueberries in a cocktail shaker. Add the remaining ingredients and ice and shake hard until chilled. Fine strain into a double rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and fresh blueberries.
You might also enjoy these other blueberry cocktails and mocktails:
Blueberry Linden Flower Whiskey Smash
This fruity whiskey smash variation uses linden blossom simple syrup for its soothing and calming properties. Blueberries, whiskey, lemon juice and mint make this a refreshing summer cocktail.
Ingredients
For the cocktail:
- 2 oz whiskey
- ¾ oz linden flower simple syrup* (you can substitute plain simple syrup)
- ½ a lemon, cut into wedges
- 6-8 mint leaves
- handful of blueberries (frozen berries add more color)
*For the linden flower syrup:
- 2 tbsp dried linden flowers
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
For the linden flower simple syrup:
- Add the linden flowers to a mason jar or heatproof 2 cup measuring cup and pour the boiling water over them.
- Let the flower steep for about 5 minutes, then strain out the solids.
- Add the sugar to the liquid and stir until all of the sugar has dissolved. Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
For the cocktail:
- Muddle the frozen blueberries and lemon wedges in a cocktail shaker.
- Add the remaining ingreidents and fill the shaker 3/4 with ice.
- Shake until chilled, then double strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with mint and blueberries.
Notes
RECIPE:
100g sugar, 100 ml water, 2 tbsp dried organic linden flowers and leaves
- 2 oz blueberry-infused whiskey
- 1 oz linden flower simple syrup
- 1 oz lemon juice
- A handful of blueberries
- Several mint leaves
100g sugar, 100 ml water, 2 tbsp dried organic linden flowers and leaves
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