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This Cherry Smash Bourbon Cocktail transforms ordinary moments into perfect ones. With its blend of deep cherry sweetness and whiskey warmth, it strikes that ideal balance between sophisticated and approachable that makes it my go-to when entertaining friends or unwinding after a long week.
I first created this cocktail during cherry season when I had pounds of fresh fruit from the farmers market. What started as an experiment quickly became the unofficial signature drink at all my summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- Bourbon: 2 oz provides the rich caramel backbone look for something in the 80 90 proof range for best balance
- Fresh cherries: 6 pitted delivers genuine fruit flavor rather than artificial sweetness use the darkest ripest ones you can find
- Fresh lemon juice: ¾ oz brightens everything with necessary acidity bottled juice would ruin this drink
- Simple syrup: ½ oz balances the tartness make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water for best results
- Angostura bitters: 2 dashes adds complexity and ties the flavors together
- Club soda: adds effervescence without diluting the flavors too much
- Luxardo cherries: for garnish worth the splurge for their deep flavor and appearance
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Muddle the cherries:
- Place cherries and simple syrup in the bottom of your cocktail shaker and press firmly with a muddler until they release their juices and break down completely. The mixture should turn a deep burgundy color showing youve extracted maximum flavor.
- Add remaining ingredients:
- Pour in your bourbon lemon juice and bitters directly over the muddled cherry mixture. This order allows the spirits to begin integrating with the fruit immediately.
- Shake properly:
- Add plenty of ice to your shaker and shake vigorously for a full 15 seconds. The shaker should become frosty and cold to the touch ensuring proper dilution and temperature.
- Strain carefully:
- Pour the mixture through a fine strainer into your rocks glass filled with fresh ice. The strainer catches cherry pulp while allowing the rich flavored liquid to pass through.
- Finish with finesse:
- Add just enough club soda to create a slight fizz without overpowering 1 to 2 ounces maximum. Garnish with quality cherries on a pick placed across the rim for visual appeal.
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The muddling step is what truly sets this drink apart. I've learned that spending those extra 30 seconds really crushing the cherries releases oils and juices that simply can't be replicated with cherry liqueur or juice.
Make Ahead Options
While best served fresh, you can prepare the cherry-bourbon base up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then simply add ice and soda when ready to serve. This makes entertaining much easier when you have multiple guests.
Seasonal Variations
During summer months when cherries are at peak season, this cocktail shines brightest. However, you can adapt it year-round by substituting frozen cherries (thawed) in winter. For fall, adding a cinnamon stick creates a warming variation, while spring calls for a sprig of fresh mint as an aromatic garnish.
Pairing Suggestions
This cocktail stands up beautifully to rich, savory foods. Serve alongside a charcuterie board with aged cheeses and smoked meats. The cherry-bourbon combination particularly complements anything with caramelized flavors, like grilled meats or roasted vegetables with a touch of char.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, frozen cherries work well as a substitute. Let them thaw slightly before muddling to make them easier to crush. The flavor will be similar, though fresh cherries provide the brightest taste when in season.
- → What type of bourbon works best for this cocktail?
A medium-proof bourbon (90-100 proof) with caramel and vanilla notes pairs beautifully with the cherries. Brands like Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark, or Woodford Reserve offer the right balance without overpowering the fruit flavors.
- → How can I make this cocktail less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, cut the simple syrup to ¼ oz or omit it entirely if the cherries are particularly sweet. You can also increase the lemon juice slightly or add an extra dash of bitters for more complexity and less sweetness.
- → Can I batch this cocktail for a party?
Absolutely! Multiply the ingredients (except club soda) by the number of servings. Muddle cherries in batches, combine with other ingredients, and refrigerate. When serving, pour over ice and top each glass with fresh club soda and garnish.
- → What can I substitute for the club soda?
Ginger ale adds a spicy sweetness, while tonic water creates a more bitter finish. Sparkling wine like Prosecco elevates it to a more celebratory drink. For a non-carbonated version, a splash of water or more bourbon works too.
- → How do I make simple syrup at home?
Combine equal parts granulated sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat on medium, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Cool to room temperature before using. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one month.