The Winter Smash cocktail is a spin on the classic whiskey smash recipe you make in the summertime. Using bourbon and a bit of club soda, this bourbon smash libation is full of fresh fruit and the zing of cinnamon we enjoy when it’s cold outside.

This cocktail is king.

What Is A Whiskey Smash?

Known as the king of cocktails, bartender Dale DeGroff at the Rainbow Room in New York modified the mint julep (fresh mint, simple syrup) by adding muddled lemon wedges to create the whiskey smash.

A whiskey smash is a mixture of fruit muddled and smashed and mixed with bourbon to create a unique flavor. It is often citrus fruits that are placed in a container and smashed with a muddler, and finally strained into the old fashioned glass filled with crushed ice, mint leaves and fruit wedges.

I love creating fresh new cocktails for you, and wintertime is the perfect opportunity to snuggle up by the fire with a new recipe. Check out my oatmeal cookie cocktail, peppermint white russian, snowball (with amaretto – yum!) and spiked hot chocolate for more of the best winter favorites!

I like to provide a lot of information in my posts to help answer reader questions. If you’re simply looking for the printable version of this recipe, feel free to click “JUMP TO RECIPE” just under the title of this post.

Bourbon vs Whiskey

Raise your hand if you know the difference between bourbon and whiskey?

Let’s keep it as simple as possible. Whiskey can be produced just about anywhere. Bourbon whiskey must be produced in the United States.

Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. The grains typically include malted barley, rye, corn or wheat. The whiskey is aged in oak barrels for months, even years to develop a unique flavor.

Would it confuse you more if I told you a whiskey sour was actually made with bourbon?

Bourbon is American barrel-aged whiskey that is also aged in oak barrels, but must be made from 51% fermented corn mash, also barrel-aged in white oak barrels to give them a distinct color and flavor.

What’s In A Bourbon Smash?

Bourbon adds alcohol to the Winter Smash cocktail, and fresh fruits add the citrus flavor. Fresh lemon and blueberries are smashed and strained over the glass of ice, bourbon and cinnamon.

Top with club soda and a garnish of frozen blueberries, a sprig of rosemary and a cinnamon stick.

How To Make A Winter Smash

Start by placing lemon wedges and blueberries in a jar or glass.

Using a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon, smash the fruit in the glass so you can easily see their juices. Add a half teaspoon of cinnamon and poor into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously.

Fill your rocks glass with crushed ice.

Add your favorite bourbon. Four Roses, Jim Beam and Wild Turkey are three favorites I keep on hand.

Using a cocktail strainer, strain the smashed fruit into your glass.

Top with club soda.

Garnish Your Winter Bourbon Smash

This delicious whiskey smash recipe deserves a grand presentation.

I make sure to add a lemon wedge and a few frozen blueberries to my glass of ice.

Top your bourbon smash with more frozen blueberries, even slicing some ever so slightly so they rest on the rim of the glass. Add a cinnamon stick and a sprig of rosemary to increase the winter feel.

The Winter Smash is not only delectable, but so stunning, no one in the room will be able to miss it!

Looking for pretty and practical old-fashioned glasses? I love these, and they are such an affordable set!

More of the BEST Winter Cocktails

Bourbon Apple Cider
Mulled Wine
Cinnamon Toast Cocktail
Apple Old-Fashioned (with apple butter – a must try!)
Simple Apple Cider Bourbon Slush
Merry Mint with Peppermint Schnapps

I’d love to hear from you if you make this delicious winter whiskey smash recipe. Are you a bourbon loving household? If you try this recipe, please come back and leave a review with my five star rating system. Comments, ratings, and reviews help me, and readers in our community as well!