Patio sipping is about to get even more delicious. Bursting with sweet cherry flavor, a punch of citrus and a kick of mint, this cherry bourbon smash is one of summer's best cocktails.

A cherry bourbon smash on burlap with a plate of cherries and white flowers in the background.

If you took the time to make this tasty cherry-infused bourbon at the beginning of summer, it should be just about ready for cocktails. As promised, I'll give you a few recipes to use with this cherry-infused bourbon, so let's kick-off this series with one of my favorite ways to serve this fruity liquor: a cherry bourbon smash.

And if you didn't get around to making this cherry-infused bourbon? No worries. I'll provide a tasty alternative as well. Let's start mixing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To make this cherry bourbon smash, you'll need your cherry-infused bourbon or regular bourbon, mint, lemon wedges, simple syrup and an optional club soda floater. If you don't have cherry-infused bourbon, grab a handful or so of pitted and stemmed fresh cherries.

Oh, and be careful when you pit your cherries. Without an enclosed cherry pitter, it can get messy. Before I picked up the linked cherry pitter, I used to get classy and drape an old towel over my torso when pitting. While it's not the prettiest look, it works.

Once you gather all your ingredients, we get to the fun part: muddling! I don't know why, but I love muddling cocktails.

Toss the mint, lemon wedges and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker and give it a few twists. If you're using cherries rather than cherry-infused bourbon, throw those in as well. Then, add the bourbon with a handful of ice, put on the top, shake it for about 15-30 seconds and strain.

If you'd like, you can top each drink with club soda. I usually love a little fizz to my drinks, but I actually prefer this cocktail without the club soda. But you do you. Now grab a seat on the patio and sip the night away with your new favorite summer cocktail. Lucky you.

Perfect Pairing

If you’re in the mood for something savory, Brie is great with this cocktail. Bourbon's delicious caramel undertones with the sweetness from the cherries are a natural pairing with Brie. You can keep it simple by enjoying slivers of Brie on a light cracker or get fancy with a Brie grilled cheese.

This cherry bourbon cocktail is also perfect with my chocolate-covered cherry cheesecake for those with a sweet tooth. Chocolate, cherry and bourbon all work so well together, and I have no doubt you'll love the combination.

I hope you made the cherry-infused bourbon and are ready for a few tasty cocktails. This cherry bourbon smash is one of my favorite summer cocktails, and I think it'll become one of yours too.

If you're hankering for another cherry-bourbon cocktail, head over to my recipe for boozy cherry limeades or cherry-orange Kentucky mules. Those are a couple of other fun options.

Cheers!

A cherry bourbon smash with a mint sprig garnishing the drink.

An aerial view of a cherry bourbon smash with fresh cherries around it.

Love Your Summer Cocktails?

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