The whiskey smash is one of those classic summer mixed drinks.

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This version of the classic cocktail uses fresh wild blackberries and basil in place of the more common mint. Images by author.

Here’s the thing. They are normally made with mint. I don’t like mint, particularly in whiskey drinks. Instead, try substituting fresh basil for a nice, herbal, earthy twist.

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Depending on your location, blackberries are in full swing right now, and they make the perfect addition to this cocktail.

You will need a cocktail shaker (or a couple of glasses, one bigger than the other, that fit together tightly with one upside down inside the other), some ice, a rocks glass, and a toothpick for this one.

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A cocktail shaker comes in handy for this one.

I like to start by making my garnish. Thread a nice looking wild blackberry onto the toothpick. Next, run the lemon down the toothpick, hanging close to the one corner of the slice, leaving the rest hanging. Slide on another blackberry, and then twist the lemon up to impale the opposite corner. Follow it up with a third blackberry. Now repeat this for however many drinks you will be making.

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Start by making a garnish for each drink.

Muddle three to six blackberries and some basil leaves in the bottom of a rocks glass.

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Muddle the basil and blackberries in the bottom of your rocks glass.

Into the shaker, pour your Crown Royal whiskey, simple syrup and lemon juice.

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Add the Crown Royal, simple syrup and lemon juice to the shaker.

Add a scoop of ice and shake well. Pour over the muddled blackberry and basil in the rocks glass, and then add three to five cubes of ice.

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Pour the mixed, chilled cocktail over ice.

Top with lemon blackberry garnish before serving.

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