Whiskey Smash: a muddled bourbon classic

One glass, four ingredients, and a little patience with the mint.

For 1 serving:

Muddle the mint gently in a shaker. Add the bourbon, syrup, and the juice from the lemon, then shake for 15 seconds until cold. Double-strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass and garnish with the mint sprig. The gentle muddle matters: bruise the leaves to release their aroma, rather than pulverizing them. 1

For the syrup, dissolve equal parts sugar and water, then cool before using. Keep extra syrup in a clean jar in the refrigerator for up to one month. 1

The result is a bourbon-forward drink with fresh lemon brightness and mint on the nose — a good reminder that a muddler and a rocks glass can do most of the work.