Cherry Bourbon Smash Recipe – A Delicious Cocktail with Bourbon

If you’re a fan of refreshing, fruity cocktails with a hint of bourbon, the Cherry Bourbon Smash is a drink that you’ll absolutely love. This cocktail is a twist on the classic Bourbon Smash, which traditionally features muddled fruits, herbs, and a splash of bourbon whiskey. The addition of cherries adds a rich, sweet depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the boldness of bourbon.

The Cherry Bourbon Smash is an easy-to-make cocktail that combines the refreshing taste of fresh cherries with the smoothness of bourbon, making it a perfect drink for summer parties, outdoor gatherings, or a cozy evening at home. In this recipe, you’ll find a harmonious blend of sweet and tart, with a hint of citrus, a touch of mint, and the distinctive warmth of bourbon.

Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or just someone looking to try something new, this cocktail will quickly become your go-to choice for both casual and special occasions. Let’s dive into the details of the Cherry Bourbon Smash recipe, its preparation, and how to serve it for the ultimate enjoyment.

Ingredients for Cherry Bourbon Smash

To make a perfect Cherry Bourbon Smash, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Bourbon whiskey – 2 oz

• Fresh cherries – 8 to 10, pitted

• Fresh mint leaves – 4 to 6

• Simple syrup – 1/2 oz (or to taste)

• Fresh lemon juice – 1/2 oz

• Angostura bitters – 2 dashes (optional, for added depth)

• Crushed ice – for serving

• Club soda – a splash (optional)

• Lemon wedge and mint sprig – for garnish

These ingredients combine to create a refreshing and flavorful cocktail, with the bourbon as the base and the cherries adding a burst of fruity sweetness.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

A typical serving of the Cherry Bourbon Smash cocktail (based on the ingredients listed above) contains the following nutritional values:

• Calories: Approximately 200 calories per serving

• Carbohydrates: 22g

• Sugar: 18g (mostly from the cherries and simple syrup)

• Protein: 0g

• Fat: 0g

• Fiber: 1g (from the cherries)

• Sodium: 10mg

Since the cherry bourbon smash is an alcoholic beverage, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. The calorie content may vary slightly depending on the amount of simple syrup and the size of the cherries used.

Prep Time and Active Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Active Time: 5 minutes

The prep time includes gathering your ingredients, muddling the cherries and mint, and assembling the cocktail. The active time is primarily spent muddling and mixing the ingredients.

Resting Time

• Resting Time: None required

This cocktail is served immediately after preparation and doesn’t require any resting time to allow flavors to meld, unlike some other cocktails that benefit from resting.

Cuisines and Course

• Cuisine: American

• Course: Cocktail/Drink

The Cherry Bourbon Smash falls under American cuisine and is typically served as a refreshing drink or cocktail, making it an ideal option for happy hour, dinner parties, or just unwinding after a long day.

Servings

This recipe makes 1 serving of Cherry Bourbon Smash, but it can be easily scaled up for larger groups by multiplying the ingredients. For example, to serve four, you would need 8 oz of bourbon, 32 to 40 cherries, and so on.

Calories

The calories in a Cherry Bourbon Smash come primarily from the bourbon and simple syrup. The total calorie count per drink is approximately 200 calories, depending on how much syrup you add. If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the simple syrup or use a sugar-free alternative.

Total Time

• Total Time: 15 minutes (including prep and active time)

Since there is no resting time required, you can prepare this cocktail in about 15 minutes or less, making it a quick and easy choice for any occasion.

Equipment Needed

To make your Cherry Bourbon Smash, you will need the following equipment:

• Muddler: For crushing the cherries and mint leaves to release their flavors.

• Cocktail shaker: To mix the ingredients.

• Strainer: To strain the cocktail into the glass without any debris.

• Jigger or measuring tool: For accurate measurements of bourbon and lemon juice.

• Glass: A rocks glass or lowball glass is ideal for serving.

Optional:

• Ice maker or ice crusher for fresh crushed ice if you prefer it over standard cubed ice.

• Citrus juicer for squeezing fresh lemon juice.

Instructions for Cherry Bourbon Smash

Follow these simple steps to create a Cherry Bourbon Smash that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cocktail cravings.

1. Muddle the Cherries and Mint: Start by adding the fresh cherries and mint leaves into the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler to gently crush the cherries and mint to release their juices and oils. Be careful not to over-muddle the mint, as it can become bitter if bruised too much.

2. Add Liquids: Once your cherries and mint are muddled, add the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. If you like a slightly more complex flavor, you can add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters at this stage.

3. Shake: Fill the shaker with ice (about halfway), and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to ensure that all the ingredients are well mixed and chilled.

4. Strain: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. The straining process helps to remove any mint leaves or cherry pulp from the drink.

5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish your Cherry Bourbon Smash with a fresh sprig of mint and a lemon wedge. You can also add a few extra cherries on top for a decorative touch.

Optional: For a little fizz, top off the cocktail with a splash of club soda or ginger ale.

Tips for the Best Cherry Bourbon Smash

• Use fresh, ripe cherries: Fresh cherries will give your drink the best flavor. If fresh cherries are out of season, you can use high-quality cherry preserves or even frozen cherries.

• Adjust the sweetness: If you like your cocktails on the sweeter side, add a bit more simple syrup. Conversely, for a more tart drink, reduce the syrup and use a little more lemon juice.

• Use quality bourbon: Since bourbon is the star ingredient in this cocktail, it’s best to use a quality bottle. A smooth bourbon like Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, or Buffalo Trace will elevate the taste of your Cherry Bourbon Smash.

• Make it a punch: To serve a crowd, you can easily turn this into a punch by multiplying the ingredients and serving it in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Just make sure to have enough ice to keep it chilled.

• Try different fruits: If you’re a fan of experimenting, consider switching up the fruit in your bourbon smash. Raspberries, blackberries, or even peaches work wonderfully with bourbon.

Conclusion

The Cherry Bourbon Smash is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that combines the smoothness of bourbon with the fruity richness of cherries, the tartness of lemon, and the aromatic essence of fresh mint. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, relaxed evenings, or any occasion that calls for a special drink.

With its simple preparation and bold, vibrant flavors, this cocktail is sure to become a favorite among bourbon lovers and casual drinkers alike. Whether you’re enjoying it on a sunny day or during a cozy evening with friends, the Cherry Bourbon Smash will always impress.