Strawberry Lemonade Whiskey Smash

This strawberry lemonade whiskey smash is bright, citrusy, and perfectly balanced with fresh berries and smooth whiskey. It’s a refreshing, lightly sweet cocktail that’s easy to shake up for warm weather gatherings or relaxed evenings at home.

A whiskey smash is one of the simplest ways to build a layered cocktail without complicated ingredients. By combining fresh fruit, citrus, and good whiskey, you get a drink that feels thoughtful and refreshing at the same time.

This strawberry lemonade whiskey smash leans into seasonal flavor with muddled berries and bright lemon, creating a cocktail that works just as well for entertaining as it does for a quiet night on the patio.

Why This Strawberry Lemonade Whiskey Smash Works

• Fresh strawberries and lemon create a natural balance, delivering bright acidity and gentle sweetness without tasting overly sugary.
• Whiskey adds warmth and depth, grounding the citrus and fruit so the cocktail feels layered instead of one note.
• Shaking with ice lightly dilutes and chills the drink, blending everything into a smooth, refreshing cocktail with a clean finish.

What is a whiskey smash?

A classic whiskey smash usually consists of whiskey, mint, lemon, and simple syrup. I wanted to incorporate some fun flavors for summer and add some fresh strawberries and lemon, because both are naturally lower carb and pair well with bourbon.

If you’re not into whiskey, make a vodka strawberry lemonade instead and swap out the bourbon for vodka, rum, or even tequila too.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Whiskey-
• .75 oz. Lemon Juice- Fresh squeezed lemon juice is always the best. You will need about 1 lemon to get enough juice.
• 1 oz. Honey Syrup – Or swap with simple syrup as the base.
• 2 Fresh Strawberries- Remove the tops from the berries and toss them in whole or halved.
• Fresh Mint Leaves – For Garnish
• Lemon Peel- I like to make a lemon peel rose. Check out my rose garnish tutorial!
• Crushed Ice- This is the ice I like to keep in the glass, but I shake the cocktail over ice cubes as to not dilute the drink.

How to Make a Strawberry Lemonade Whiskey Smash

• Strain and serve. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon slice, strawberry, or mint if desired.
• Muddle the strawberries. In a cocktail shaker, add fresh strawberries and gently muddle until they release their juices. Avoid over-mashing so the drink stays fresh tasting.
• Add citrus and sweetener. Pour in fresh lemon juice and the honey simple syrup. This builds the lemonade base.
• Add whiskey. Measure and pour in your whiskey of choice.
• Shake with ice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds until well chilled.

Best Whiskey for a Whiskey Smash

A balanced bourbon or smooth rye works best in this cocktail.

Bourbon adds caramel and vanilla notes that pair beautifully with strawberries, while rye brings a slightly spicier finish that contrasts the citrus.

Choose a whiskey you enjoy sipping, as the flavor will come through clearly.

How to Serve a Strawberry Lemonade Whiskey Smash

Serve this cocktail over fresh ice in a rocks glass.

It pairs well with grilled meats, summer salads, light appetizers, and fruit-forward desserts. For entertaining, you can pre-muddle the strawberries and lemon juice ahead of time and shake to order.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

This cocktail is best made fresh.

However, the strawberry and lemon mixture can be prepped a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Add whiskey and shake with ice just before serving.

Avoid adding ice too early, as dilution will weaken the flavor.

Expert Tips for the Best Whiskey Smash

• Strain twice if you prefer a smoother texture
• Use ripe strawberries for natural sweetness
• Always use fresh squeezed lemon juice
• Shake hard to fully integrate fruit and citrus
• Taste before serving and adjust sweetness if needed

More Cocktails To Try

• Apple Cider Whiskey Smash
• Caramelized Pineapple Margarita
• White Wine Slushie
• Rabbit Hole Bourbon Cocktail