Maple Berry Smash (Fruity, Unapologetic, and Ready for Warm Weather)

Look, sometimes you want something bright, a little sweet, and just fun enough that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. That’s the Maple Berry Smash. Fresh berries get muddled into something resembling a mess, Breakfast of Degenerates brings the maple and the backbone, and a splash of soda keeps it light enough to justify a second round. It’s warm-weather drinking at its finest,  no pretense, no garnish drama, just a great drink.

What You Need:

• 2 oz. Indiana Whiskey Breakfast of Degenerates Maple Whiskey

• A handful of fresh berries — strawberries, blackberries, or both (frozen works in a pinch, we won’t tell)

• 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice

• Splash of soda water

What You Do:

1. Drop the berries into a cocktail shaker and muddle until they’re broken down and giving up their color. This is the fun part,  don’t be shy about it.

2. Add Breakfast of Degenerates, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well.

3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

4. Top with a splash of soda water and give it a gentle stir. Done.

The maple from Breakfast of Degenerates plays surprisingly well with fresh berries, sweet without being syrupy, fruity without being a juice drink. It’s the kind of cocktail that looks like it took more effort than it did, which is always a win. Make a pitcher’s worth if you’re having people over. You’ll need it.