Orange Jameson Whiskey Smash

• •8 oz Jameson Irish Whiskey
• •2 medium navel oranges, cut into small wedges
• •2 oz fresh lemon juice
• •24 fresh mint leaves
• •3 oz simple syrup
• •4 dashes orange bitters
• •4 cups crushed ice
• •4 fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
• •4 orange wheels or slices, for garnish

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the orange wedges, fresh mint leaves, and simple syrup into a large cocktail shaker or sturdy mixing pitcher.

2. 2

   Muddle firmly using a cocktail muddler for 20 to 30 seconds to extract the orange juices, essential oils from the peel, and aromatic mint oils without pulverizing the leaves.

3. 3

   Add the Jameson Irish Whiskey, fresh lemon juice, orange bitters, and a scoop of cubed ice to the shaker.

4. 4

   Seal and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until the exterior of the shaker is frosty and thoroughly chilled.

5. 5

   Fill four rocks glasses or double old-fashioned glasses to the top with crushed ice.

6. 6

   Double strain the cocktail evenly into the prepared glasses using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh sieve to catch small citrus pulp and mint fragments.

7. 7

   Gently slap the fresh mint sprigs between your palms to release the fragrant oils, then tuck one sprig and an orange wheel into the top of each glass alongside a short straw and serve immediately.

Chef's Tips

• 💡Use Cara Cara or Blood Oranges during peak citrus season for a vibrant ruby hue and complex sweetness.
• 💡Do not over-muddle the mint leaves to the point of tearing; gentle pressure releases the sweet aromatic oils without introducing bitter chlorophyll notes.
• 💡Double straining through a fine-mesh bar strainer creates a cleaner mouthfeel and keeps ice straws from clogging.