Bacan Berry Smash

The Bacan Berry Smash blends tart raspberries, citrus, and a splash of fizz with the smooth, sugarcane flavor of Bacan Guaro 29. Light and refreshing, this cocktail is brightened by mint and lifted with grapefruit soda for a balanced drink that’s equally suited to laid-back afternoons or warm evenings. Whether using fresh or defrosted berries, the result is a juicy, fruit-driven sipper that’s as easy to drink as it is to make.

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Tasting Notes

The Bacan Berry Smash offers a refreshing blend of tart raspberries, crisp citrus, and smooth guaro. The fresh or defrosted berries create a jammy base, balanced by the acidity of lime juice and the gentle sweetness of agave syrup. Bacan Guaro 29 adds depth with a clean, lightly earthy character, while the grapefruit soda gives a bright, fizzy lift. The addition of mint brings herbal freshness that lingers pleasantly on the palate. This cocktail is juicy and citrus-driven with just enough sweetness to keep it balanced. It’s layered, fruit-forward, and perfect when served ice-cold in a rocks glass.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare the Bacan Berry Smash, you’ll need a cocktail shaker, muddler, jigger, and a fine mesh strainer (optional if you prefer a smoother pour). A sharp knife and citrus squeezer will help with prepping fresh lime juice. For serving, a rocks glass is ideal its wide base holds ice well and gives the drink space to open up. Don’t forget a bar spoon for the final stir. If using frozen raspberries, make sure they’re fully defrosted for easier muddling and better flavor extraction. Use fresh ice in the serving glass for the most crisp and clean finish.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Bacan Guaro 29
• 0.5 cup fresh raspberries or 2 oz frozen raspberries, defrosted
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz agave syrup (adjust to taste)
• Grapefruit soda, to top
• 2 mint sprigs
• Garnish: mint sprig and/or pink grapefruit slice

Instructions

• Muddle mint, raspberries, lime juice, agave, and Bacan Guaro 29 in a shaker.
• Add ice and shake well.
• Pour into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
• Top with grapefruit soda.
• Garnish with mint and/or a slice of pink grapefruit.

Pro Tips

• Use ripe raspberries for maximum flavor
• Defrost frozen berries fully for smoother muddling
• Adjust agave syrup depending on sweetness preference
• Smack the mint before garnishing to release aroma
• Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best taste
• Try a salt or Tajín rim for a savory twist
• Grapefruit soda with real juice enhances balance
• Chill the rocks glass in advance for a colder drink
• Double strain if you prefer a pulp-free texture
• Use large ice cubes to minimize dilution

When to Serve

The Bacan Berry Smash works well during spring and summer, especially for outdoor gatherings or casual parties. It’s a natural fit for brunches, warm evenings on the patio, or as a happy hour refresher. Its berry and citrus flavors make it ideal when you want something fresh, fruity, and easy to sip. Because it’s light and sparkling, this drink is also great before dinner or when entertaining guests with a variety of palates.

Similar Cocktails

• Guaro Lychee
• Bacan Old Fashioned
• Guarorita Pa’ Ahorita
• Champaguaro
• Raspberry Lychee Gin Spritz