Updated on: 6/3/2025
What Makes the Whiskey Ginger Smash at Tommy Bahama Special?
Among Tommy Bahama’s cocktail lineup, the Whiskey Ginger Smash stands out for its vibrant flavor and inventive balance. This drink has become a staple in the brand’s tropical-inspired bars, combining classic whiskey notes with zesty ginger and fresh herbs, all tailored to evoke laid-back island sophistication.
The Story Behind the Whiskey Ginger Smash Recipe
Unlike most whiskey cocktails built for dark, contemplative sipping, Tommy Bahama’s Whiskey Ginger Smash was created to bring a burst of freshness to the glass. The concept was inspired by the culinary tradition of muddling—pressing fresh ingredients to unlock aromas that transform the entire drink. This approach echoes the brand’s commitment to island hospitality: easy-going, welcoming, and lively.
Signature Ingredients: How Tommy Bahama Does It Differently
While many whiskey cocktails play it safe with lemon and sugar, Tommy Bahama’s version gets an island lift from ginger liqueur and a generous handful of fresh mint. The whiskey base is usually a smooth, mellow bourbon, chosen to absorb flavors without drowning the lighter notes. Fresh lemon brings a burst of acidity, while homemade simple syrup keeps the ginger sharp but not medicinal.
- 60 ml bourbon whiskey (mild, not overly smoky)
- 30 ml ginger liqueur (such as Domaine de Canton)
- 30 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- 8–10 large fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig and lemon wheel (for garnish)
Preparation: The Smash Technique and Island Twist
The key step is muddling: gently pressing the mint with lemon and syrup to extract oils and fragrance while preventing bitterness. Crushed ice, rather than cubes, gives the drink its extra-refreshing, beachside feel—and cools it rapidly without excessive dilution.
- Place the fresh mint leaves at the bottom of a sturdy shaker.
- Add 30 ml fresh lemon juice and 15 ml simple syrup.
- Gently muddle—press just enough to release mint oils without shredding the leaves.
- Pour in 60 ml bourbon whiskey and 30 ml ginger liqueur.
- Fill the shaker with crushed ice and shake briskly for 8–10 seconds.
- Strain into a double old fashioned glass filled with fresh crushed ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon wheel.
Why the Whiskey Ginger Smash Is a Tommy Bahama Favorite
Everything about this cocktail—its color, aroma, and chill—aims to transport drinkers, glass in hand, to a breezy terrace overlooking the water. Each sip melds whiskey’s caramel and vanilla tones with zesty ginger heat, lifted by nose-tingling mint. That gentle muddling step is essential: it turns a standard whiskey ginger-style drink into an herbaceous, cool smash with real tropical attitude.