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The blueberry vodka smash is a refreshing cocktail pairing berries, vodka, and mint! Serve over crushed ice.
Got blueberries and vodka? (Or blueberry vodka?) Try this refreshing summer cocktail, the blueberry vodka smash! This pairing of sweet berries, fresh mint, simple syrup, and vodka is just the thing for enjoying on the patio or deck.
Served over crushed ice, it’s a reference to a classic cocktail, but with summer berries! You can make it with fresh berries or add in flavored vodka for an even stronger blast of fruit.
What’s a Blueberry Vodka Smash?
This blueberry vodka smash is my favorite way to pair berries and vodka! It’s a spin on the classic Whiskey Smash, which originated in the Victorian era as a cooling summer cocktail first published in a bartender’s guide in 1887. That first smash had lemon, mint, whiskey, and sweetener, served over crushed ice.
Many variations have popped up on the theme over time, like the Vodka Smash, Gin Basil Smash, and Watermelon Smash. The blueberry vodka smash is another fruity spin. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh blueberries
- Fresh mint
- Vodka (or blueberry vodka)
- Lime juice
- Simple syrup
- Crushed ice
Can I Use Blueberry Vodka?
There are many types of blueberry vodka on the market, which are spirits infused with an artificial berry flavor. If you’re looking for a drink to make with this type of vodka, the smash is a perfect option! You can simply substitute it for the standard vodka in the recipe below. Combining it with fresh blueberries intensifies the blueberry flavor.
How to Make Crushed Ice
The most characteristic part of a smash cocktail is the crushed ice. What’s the best way to crush ice? I’ve developed a quick and easy method using a blender (though my new refrigerator makes crushed ice automatically…score!). Here’s the best way to crush ice:
- Place the ice in a blender.
- Fill the blender about halfway with cold water. This is the important part! The water helps everything blend to a uniform size.
- Pulse until it’s uniformly crushed! Then strain. Pick out any large chunks with your fingers, but this method should result in a great texture.
How to Make It
Once you’ve got all the required ingredients, it’s time to shake up the drink! Here’s how to make a blueberry vodka smash:
- Muddle the berries and mint in a cocktail shaker to release the oils. Here are some tips on how to muddle mint with a muddler (if you don’t have one, use a wooden spoon).
- Shake: Add the vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. Add 1 handful of ice and shake until cold!
- Strain & add crushed ice: Strain into a lowball glass. Add crushed ice.
- Garnish: Cocktails are all about the presentation. Garnish with blueberries, lime wedges, and mint sprigs!
Blueberry Vodka Smash
The blueberry vodka smash is a refreshing cocktail pairing berries, vodka, and mint! Serve over crushed ice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 8 large mint leaves, plus more to garnish
- ¼ cup blueberries, plus more to garnish
- 2 ounces vodka*
- ¾ ounces lime juice, plus wedges to garnish
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- Crushed ice, for serving
- Soda water, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Place the mint leaves and blueberries in the cocktail shaker. Muddle (gently mash) them to extract their flavor.
- Add the vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, and 4 ice cubes. Shake until cold, then pour everything into a glass. Serve with crushed ice and garnish with additional blueberries, fresh mint, and lime wedges.
Notes
*If you’re looking for a way to use blueberry vodka, you can use it in place of the vodka for an even more intense berry flavor.
Delicious! Summer in a glass.
yum, mint and lime, nice combo in this cocktail, and even blueberries, works for me, thank you!