This sweet and tart Crown Royal Whiskey Smash combines delicious whiskey with grapefruit juice for a unique and refreshing cocktail with a deliciously bitter finish!
When it comes to whiskey cocktails, the whiskey smash is a classic. Traditionally made with lemon, this twist on the libation uses grapefruit juice to create a sour and sippable drink.
Mix the beautifully colored juice with Crown Royal’s light whiskey for a delicious cocktail that will become an instant favorite. Just like these Crown Royal Peach Shooters, this whiskey smash utilizes the high quality of Crown Royal to create a satisfying cocktail.
This sweet and sour whiskey-based cocktail takes the classic whiskey smash and gives it a gorgeous grapefruit twist!
Why You’ll Love this Grapefruit Whiskey Smash Cocktail
While most whiskey smash recipes call for lemon, this unique take replaces that with grapefruit juice for a gorgeous pink-orange presentation and a more sour and bitter flavor. Combine with Crown Royal, simple syrup, and garnish with a mint sprig for a beautiful and aromatic finish.
It only takes 3 ingredients and a few minutes to make this grapefruit whiskey cocktail! Perfect for fans of the mint julep and the whiskey sour. Make one of these whiskey cocktails to cool off in the summer.
Great to sip in the shade, by the poolside, or on your porch, this grapefruit whiskey smash made with Crown Royal will become an instant favorite!
Crown Royal Whiskey Smash Ingredients
With just 3 ingredients and a few garnishes, you can easily make this refreshing drink right in your own kitchen!
- Whiskey – while we like to use Crown Royal to make our whiskey cocktail, any whiskey or bourbon of your choice can be used for this whiskey smash.
- Grapefruit Juice – gives your cocktail a pretty sunset coloring and a complex sweet, sour, and bitter flavor.
- Simple Syrup – to add some sweetness to enhance the grapefruit flavor; you can substitute a sugar cube if you do not have simple syrup on hand.
- Grapefruit Slice – for garnish and extra fresh grapefruit flavor.
- Ice Cubes – this drink is best enjoyed with some crushed ice.
- Fresh Mint Leaves – provide a pop of color and cool, minty flavor.
How to Make a Whiskey Smash
- Fill a rocks glass or other glass with ice cubes. Pour in the simple syrup and whiskey.
Simple syrup helps to balance some of the bitter and tart flavors of the grapefruit juice.
- Top off with grapefruit juice.
Grapefruit juice provides a beautiful color and a unique and slightly bitter flavor that makes this whiskey cocktail delicious and unique.
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice and mint leaf.
FAQs
What is the difference between a whiskey smash and a whiskey sour?
A type of julep, the whiskey smash is essentially the same thing as a whiskey sour except it contains mint. In some whiskey smash recipes, the mint is muddled right into the cocktail, but it can also be used as a garnish for a less intense minty flavor.
Who invented the whiskey smash?
The whiskey smash was invented by Jerry Thomas in the 19th century and has been a staple cocktail for 200 years. To make a classic whiskey smash, take some lemon wedges and muddle the lemon in a shaker to release potent citrus juices and oils.
You can use the back of a wooden spoon if you don’t have a muddler. Then add whiskey, simple syrup, mint leaves, and ice and shake well.
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What is the best whiskey for a whiskey smash?
We love using Crown Royal whiskey, which has notes of caramel, fruit and citrus, and a little bit of nuttiness. It goes great with lots of different kinds of mixers and can be used to create a wide variety of delicious cocktails, and it’s a high quality spirit for a reasonable price point.
Any kind of whiskey or bourbon can be used for this cocktail, so feel free to use whatever you prefer!
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Popular Variations and Substitutions
- This drink can also be made in a cocktail shaker if you want it cold but prefer your drinks without ice. To a cocktail shaker, add all ingredients plus ice and shake. Then pour into a glass, garnish, and enjoy!
- Add a splash of soda water to lighten up the cocktail and give it some bubbles. You can even use a flavored sparkling water to add more sweetness or fruity flavor.
- If you’re not a fan of grapefruit, this cocktail can also be made using muddled lemon wedges. For a shortcut, you could even use a splash of lemonade.
- To highlight some of the flavors of the whiskey, add some maple syrup to your cocktail for a sweet and rich caramel flavor.
- Blackberry Whiskey Smash – Muddle some blackberries into the bottom of a shaker, then add the simple syrup, whiskey, and mint. You can also top with some soda water for a fizziness.
- Pineapple Whiskey Smash – Replace the grapefruit juice with pineapple juice, and garnish with pineapple chunks or rings.
- Bourbon Smash – Use your favorite bourbon and combine with simple syrup, muddled lemon wedges, and mint leaves. Shake with or pour over ice and enjoy!
When you need a refreshing and sippable cocktail, break out your favorite whiskey and some grapefruit juice for a cool and delicious drink!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Crown Royal Peach Fizz – For another tasty whiskey cocktail, make this peach fizz with champagne, lemon-lime soda, and garnished with gummy peach rings.
- Royal Flush Cocktail – Perfect for your next game night or Vegas-themed party, the Royal Flush combines whiskey with peach schnapps and raspberry liqueur for a cocktail that will bring you lots of luck!
- Best Dip Recipes – Serve your delicious cocktail with one of these savory and satisfying dip recipes.
- Jalapeno Cheese Ball Bites – These cheese balls combine bacon, pecans, and pretzel sticks with a creamy and rich center that your guests will love!
- Mint Julep Cocktail – If you’re a fan of this whiskey cocktail, try this classic mint julep from The Spruce Eats for another bourbon-based drink with a minty twist.
Whiskey Smash Recipe
Crown Royal Whiskey Smash
This delicious whiskey-based cocktail combines grapefruit and mint for a unique sweet and sour finish that's great for beating the heat!
Ingredients
- 2oz Whiskey
- 2oz Grapefruit Juice
- 1 Tsp Simple Syrup
- Grapefruit Slice
- Ice Cubes
- Mint Leaves
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the simple syrup & whiskey.
- Top off with grapefruit juice.
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice and mint leaf.
Notes
- Add a splash of club soda or flavored sparkling water to cut through some of the grapefruit juice.
- A classic whiskey smash is made with muddled lemon wedges, sugar or simple syrup, mint leaves, and whiskey.
- If you enjoy the minty flavor, feel free to mix some mint leaves directly into the cocktail.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 221Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 6mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 3gSugar: 12gProtein: 2g