Bobbie'sKitchen
Cocktails & Mocktails

Blackberry Sage Bourbon Smash

Ripe blackberries, fresh sage and lemon brighten the rich warmth of bourbon.

Blackberry Sage Bourbon Smash, photographed by Bobbie
The original food picture from Bobbie's recipe card.
Makes 1 drink (or a pitcher for 8) 5 minutes to mix with prepared syrup; syrup requires 10–15 minutes simmering plus coolingBuy ingredients on Amazon Make a shopping list for this
Contains alcoholAdults onlyMake ahead

Contains alcohol — adults only. Bobbie confirmed there is no identified correction for this card, so it remains unchanged; the optional lemon zest remains optional. Card heading gives 5 minutes total and 0 minutes cook for mixing only. Pitcher: add bourbon, syrup and lemon juice to a large pitcher with ice; garnish with blackberries, lemon slices and sage, stir and serve. Tips: use ripe berries, gently muddle sage to avoid bitterness, use a large ice cube, adjust syrup to taste and clap the sage leaf between your hands for stronger aroma. Variations: maple syrup instead of sugar; orange juice instead of lemon; a dash of cinnamon or orange bitters. Mocktail: replace bourbon with sparkling water or ginger ale. Punch: multiply and serve with extra blackberries, lemon and sage. Syrup keeps airtight refrigerated up to 2 weeks; mixed cocktail without ice keeps refrigerated up to 24 hours, shaken with ice before serving. Pair with herb-roasted turkey, grilled steak or lamb, Brie with honey, charcuterie, candied pecans, goat cheese with fig spread, roasted vegetables, pumpkin cheesecake or spiced nuts and olives.

Ingredients

Blackberry sage simple syrup (about 1 cup, as printed)

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar (or honey)
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries
  • 6–8 fresh sage leaves
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)

Cocktail (1 drink)

  • 2 oz bourbon (60 ml)
  • ¾ oz blackberry sage syrup (22 ml)
  • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice (22 ml)
  • 3–5 fresh blackberries
  • 2–3 fresh sage leaves (plus extra for garnish)
  • Ice (large cube or crushed)

Garnish

  • Fresh blackberries
  • Sage leaf (lightly bruised)
  • Lemon slice or peel (optional)

Pitcher (8 servings)

  • 16 oz bourbon (480 ml)
  • 6 oz blackberry sage syrup (180 ml)
  • 6 oz fresh lemon juice (180 ml)

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Method

  1. 1

    Make the blackberry sage syrup: in a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, blackberries and sage leaves. Simmer 10–15 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat, let cool and strain. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

  2. 2

    Muddle the blackberries: in a cocktail shaker, gently muddle fresh blackberries and sage leaves to release their flavor.

  3. 3

    Add bourbon, blackberry sage syrup, lemon juice and ice.

  4. 4

    Shake well for 15–20 seconds until chilled.

  5. 5

    Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice or a large ice cube. Garnish with fresh blackberries, a sage leaf and a lemon slice. Sip and enjoy!

Get this in a pack

Blackberry Sage Bourbon Smash is printed in Holiday Cocktails & Mocktails

29 recipes, each on its own printable page, with a shopping list. Instant download. See what's inside

$9

Or get every pack in one go: The Whole Kitchen Collection — $39

From Bobbie's “Bobbie's Recipe Card 111”. Written up by Bobbie's Kitchen · Updated 26 October 2026