Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
- My Secret to a Perfectly Balanced Drink
- An Effortless Recipe for Any Occasion
- Fun Twists to Make It Your Own
- Perfect Pairings for Your Smash
- The Recipe: Hot Honey Strawberry Bourbon Smash
- Notes & Tips for Success
Key Takeaways
The Hot Honey Strawberry Bourbon Smash is the ultimate easy cocktail recipe that masterfully blends sweet, spicy, and tart flavors. It comes together in under 10 minutes with a simple homemade hot honey syrup, fresh fruit, and good bourbon. This drink is incredibly versatile—perfect for a relaxed evening, summer parties, or impressing guests with minimal effort. The recipe is forgiving, allowing for easy customization to suit your taste preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
Welcome to Patricia Universe! If you’re looking for a show-stopping drink that’s deceptively simple to make, you’ve found it. This Hot Honey Strawberry Bourbon Smash has become my go-to for good reason. It’s the perfect blend of cozy and refreshing—imagine the warmth of bourbon and hot honey meeting the bright, juicy burst of fresh strawberries and lemon. It’s an easy cocktail that feels special, which is exactly the kind of effortless recipe I love to share here.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
What makes this such a fantastic quick and easy recipe is the short, high-quality ingredient list. You don’t need a fully stocked bar to create something incredible. The star is undoubtedly the homemade hot honey syrup. By gently infusing honey with chili, you create a complex, spicy-sweet base that elevates the entire drink. Paired with ripe strawberries and a good, smooth bourbon, each component shines without overpowering the others. It’s a prime example of how a few thoughtful ingredients can create a fun and easy masterpiece.
I’m Patricia, and at Patricia Universe, I believe the best recipes are those you can make without stress. This smash is a testament to that philosophy.
My Secret to a Perfectly Balanced Drink
The magic is in the balance. The key is to make your hot honey syrup ahead of time, allowing the chili heat to fully meld with the honey’s sweetness, creating a syrup that’s both fiery and mellow. When building the cocktail, muddle the strawberries just enough to release their juices without turning them to pulp. This ensures a fresh, fruity essence in every sip. Finally, don’t skip the vigorous shake—it chills the drink perfectly and creates a slight frothiness that integrates all the flavors beautifully. Following these simple steps guarantees a perfectly balanced result every time.
An Effortless Recipe for Any Occasion
This isn’t just a cocktail; it’s a versatile drink for any moment. Need a quick and easy nightcap after a long day? This is it. Hosting a summer barbecue and want a refreshing drink recipe that wows your friends? This smash is your answer. Planning a cozy date night at home? It sets the perfect mood. Its adaptability is what makes it a staple in my home bar. Because let’s be honest, the best gatherings often feature easy recipes that allow the host to relax and enjoy the party too.
Fun Twists to Make It Your Own
One of my favorite things about this simple recipe is how easily you can personalize it. For a herbal note, add a few basil leaves when muddling the strawberries. If you’re a fan of smokier flavors, try using a peated Scotch instead of bourbon for a completely different experience. In the fall, swap the strawberries for blackberries or muddled peach. The hot honey syrup itself is a kitchen superstar—drizzle it over goat cheese, pizza, or even vanilla ice cream. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this delicious drink your own!
Perfect Pairings for Your Smash
This cocktail pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods. The sweet and spicy profile cuts through rich, creamy flavors beautifully. Try it alongside a sharp cheddar or blue cheese board. It’s also fantastic with grilled foods—think spicy shrimp skewers, barbecue chicken sliders, or even a simple charcuterie plate. For a sweet and easy dessert pairing, serve it with a dark chocolate torte or lemon bars. The contrast is absolutely divine.
Notes & Tips for Success
Make-Ahead Syrup: The hot honey syrup can be stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making future cocktails even quicker.
Heat Level: Control the spice by adjusting the type and amount of chili in the syrup. Start with less; you can always add more heat later.
Bourbon Choice: A smooth, mid-range bourbon works best. Avoid overly oaky or high-proof options that might dominate the other flavors.
Fresh is Best: Using fresh lemon juice and ripe, in-season strawberries makes a significant difference in the drink’s brightness.
No Shaker? If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, a tightly sealed mason jar works perfectly in a pinch for shaking with ice.
Hot Honey Strawberry Bourbon Smash: An Easy Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
For the Hot Honey Syrup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1-2 small red chili peppers, sliced (or 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes)
For the Cocktail
- 3-4 fresh strawberries, hulled
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz hot honey syrup (from above)
- Ice
For Garnish
- Fresh strawberry
- Lemon wheel or twist
- Fresh mint sprig
Instructions
Make the Hot Honey Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, water, and chili peppers.
- Heat over medium, stirring, until the honey is fully dissolved.
- Remove from heat and let steep for at least 15-20 minutes to infuse the heat. Strain into a jar and let cool completely. (Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks).
Make the Cocktail
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh strawberries until crushed and juicy.
- Add the lemon juice, bourbon, 1 oz of the cooled hot honey syrup, and a handful of ice to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain into an ice-filled rocks or old-fashioned glass.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry, a lemon wheel, and a mint sprig. Serve immediately.
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