Rye Smash

The ultimate choose your own adventure cocktail, the smash is historically open to interpretation. At Harding’s in New York City, beverage director Derrick Turner likes to keep things simple with a spicy rye and bouquet of fresh mint, but the bar will swap in any spirit a guest chooses.

2 oz. rye whiskey
½ oz. fresh lemon juice
½ oz. simple syrup (1:1)
Mint
Tools: shaker, strainer
Glass: rocks
Garnish: mint

Muddle the mint and simple syrup in the bottom of a mixing glass. Add ice, whiskey and lemon juice and shake until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

Derrick Turner, Harding’s, New York City

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