Smashes are one of the oldest cocktail forms in the US.  Barmen like Jerry Thomas in the late 19th century described smashes as “peculiarly American beverage most popular in the South”. The basic elements remain consistent: a spirit base, ice, sometimes a splash of water, mint (or other herb), sugar, and the ever-present seasonal fruit.

 

At its heart, the smash is a wonderfully forgiving and flexible drink, made for hot days, for using what’s on hand and for smashing it all together over ice for pure sipping bliss.