Traditionally a muddled mix of spirit, sugar and mint, the Smash cocktail is being reimagined with fruit and is very flexible. This recipe shakes up the concept by using jam in place of sugar and fruit—it’s an excellent way to use up the last bits in the jar. And for muddling purposes, wilted herbs are perfectly fine—they still
have lots of fragrance and flavour to offer.

2 oz gin
1 tbsp (15 mL) Ontario-made jam, such as rhubarb, strawberry, or blueberry
4 lemon wedges, divided
6 mint or basil leaves plus a sprig
for garnish
1 to 2 oz soda water, chilled

Place gin, jam, 3 lemon wedges and mint in a cocktail shaker. Muddle. Fill three quarters full with ice. Shake until ice-cold, about 12 seconds. Strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice. Top with soda to taste. Garnish with mint sprig and remaining lemon wedge.

Makes 1 cocktail