Strawberry Bourbon Smash Recipe by Caroline Chambers

A Jar Full of Sunshine

Hello, my dear. Come sit a spell. Let’s talk about sunshine in a glass. This drink is like a summer picnic. It has sweet berries and bright citrus.

My granddaughter calls it “pink happiness.” I still laugh at that. She’s right. It just makes you smile. What drink always makes you feel happy? Tell me in the comments.

The Shake-Up Secret

Here’s the fun part. You make it right in a jar. Add everything and shake it like crazy. Thirty seconds is perfect. Your arm might get a little tired!

That shaking is important. It mixes the jam perfectly. It makes everything frothy and friendly. This matters because good things need a little energy to come together. Just like people.

A Fancy Little Egg

Now, the recipe has a funny bit. An egg white! It sounds strange for a drink. But trust your kitchen grandma.

It creates the most lovely foam on top. It feels silky and special. Fun fact: bartenders have used egg whites for centuries! It makes a drink feel like a treat. Would you try the egg white, or skip it?

Strawberry Memories

That strawberry jam is the heart of it. It reminds me of my own grandma. She made jam every June. The whole house smelled like sweet fruit.

Using jam here is a smart trick. It sweetens the drink and gives it body. This matters because the best cooking often uses what you already have. A spoonful of jam can hold a whole memory.

Make It Your Own

Now, you can be fancy. Strain it into a pretty glass. Or just drink it from the jar! Top it with more ice.

A mint sprig is the final touch. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It’s like a little garden on top. I love seeing how everyone makes it different. Will you add the mint, or keep it simple? Share a picture if you make it!

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Bourbon	1/4 cup
Orange juice	Juice of 1/2 large orange (about 1/4 cup)
Lemon juice	Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
Orange liqueur	1 tbsp	Triple sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier
Strawberry jam	1 tbsp
Egg white	1	Optional
Mint sprig	1	Optional, for garnish

My Fancy-Pants Strawberry Smash

Hello, my dear! Let’s make a special drink. It’s my Strawberry Bourbon Smash. It tastes like a summer party. The strawberry jam makes it sweet and cozy. Doesn’t that sound nice?

I learned this from my friend Caroline. We made it for a garden party. Everyone loved it! I still laugh at that day. We used my very best jam. Here is how you make it. It’s easier than pie.

• Step 1: Find a clean jar. A 12 to 16 ounce one is perfect. Add the bourbon, orange juice, and lemon juice. Pour in the orange liqueur and strawberry jam. The jam is the secret. It reminds me of berry picking.
• Step 2: Now, for the fun part. Add the egg white if you’re using it. It makes the drink silky. Drop in a quarter cup of ice. Put the lid on tight! Shake it like crazy for 30 seconds. You’ll hear it get frothy.
• Step 3: Time to serve. You have two choices. You can just top the jar with more ice. Or strain it into a pretty glass. (A hard-learned tip: strain it if your jam has seeds!). Doesn’t that look fancy already?
• Step 4: The final touch. Add a sprig of fresh mint if you have some. Just slap it in your hand first. This releases its amazing smell. Then place it on top. Do you prefer drinks shaken or stirred? Share below!

Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Category: Drink, Cocktail

Three Tasty Twists to Try

You can change this drink with the seasons. It’s fun to play in the kitchen. Here are three of my favorite ideas. They are all so simple.

• Blueberry Lemon: Use blueberry jam instead. Add a few fresh berries. It tastes like a sunny morning.
• Peachy Keen: Swap the strawberry for peach jam. Use a slice of fresh peach to garnish. Oh, it’s so good.
• Herbal Garden: Muddle two fresh basil leaves in the jar first. Then make the drink as usual. The smell is incredible.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It Up Right

This drink is a treat all by itself. But it’s even better with friends and food. For a snack, try some sharp cheddar cheese. Or simple, buttery shortbread cookies. They are perfect for dipping.

What to drink with it? For a grown-up pairing, a cold lager beer is nice. For a fun mocktail, mix ginger ale with a spoon of that same jam. Stir it well and add mint. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Strawberry Smash Fresh

This drink is best made fresh. But you can plan ahead! Mix the bourbon, juices, liqueur, and jam in a jar. Keep it in the fridge for up to two days. Shake it again before you serve.

I don’t recommend freezing it. The texture changes. I learned this the hard way. I once froze a batch for a party. It was a bit watery when it thawed.

Batch cooking the mix saves time. It means you can enjoy a treat quickly. This matters for busy days. A little prep makes a happy moment easy. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Fixing Common Strawberry Smash Hiccups

Is your drink too strong? Add a splash more orange juice. Too sweet? A squeeze of fresh lemon fixes that. I remember when my first try was too sweet. A little lemon made it perfect.

Can’t find strawberry jam? Use two fresh berries instead. Mash them with the sugar in the jar. No orange liqueur? A teaspoon of honey works in a pinch. Getting the balance right builds your confidence.

If the egg white won’t foam, your jar might be too full. Use a bigger jar and shake hard! A good foam makes the drink silky. That texture matters for a special feel. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Strawberry Smash Questions, Answered

Q: Is this gluten-free? A: Yes, bourbon is usually gluten-free. Always check your specific brand.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Mix everything but the ice. Store it in the fridge for two days.

Q: What can I swap for bourbon? A: Try apple cider or ginger beer for a fun mocktail version.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Absolutely! Just use a bigger jar or a cocktail shaker.

Q: Is the egg white needed? A: No, it’s optional. It just makes a lovely, frothy top. Fun fact: The shaking “cooks” the egg white safely! Which tip will you try first?

Cheers from My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this sunny strawberry sip. It always makes me think of summer evenings. I would love to see your creation. Your kitchen stories are my favorite thing to hear.

Share a picture of your finished drink. Let me know how you made it your own. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I’ll be looking for your posts.

Happy cooking!
—Chloe Hartwell.