If you took the time to make this delicious 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: cherry bourbon smash. And if you didn’t get around to making this cherry-infused bourbon, I’ll provide an alternative as well.
How to Make Cherry Bourbon Smash
To make this cherry bourbon smash, you’ll need your cherry-infused 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 fresh cherries.
Oh, and be careful when you pit your cherries. Maybe there’s a way to pit cherries without falling victim to cherry juice splatters, but I’ve never discovered it. I like to get classy and drape an old towel over my torso when pitting cherries. 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 for muddling. Then, add the bourbon with a handful of ice, put on the top and shake it for about 15 seconds. Strain into ice-filled glasses and serve.
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.
Perfect Pairing for Cherry Bourbon Smash
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 a rich chocolate cake for those with a sweet tooth. Chocolate, cherry and bourbon all work so well together. Really, just about any chocolate dessert pairs beautifully with this cherry bourbon smash, and chocolate cake is never a bad idea.
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. And 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.
Please let me know how you enjoyed this cherry bourbon smash recipe in the comment section and don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter. You can also catch me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.
Cheers!
Like Your Cocktails, eh? Try These Burrata and Bubbles Cocktails.
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Cherry Bourbon Smash
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
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Pin RecipeDescription
This cherry bourbon smash is one of the very best summer cocktails. It’s bursting with sweet cherry flavor, a nice punch of citrus and a kick of mint.
Ingredients
1 ounce simple syrup, homemade or store bought
8 fresh mint leaves, plus 1 sprig, for garnish
1/2 lemon, cut into wedges
Handful of cherries, pitted, if not using cherry-infused bourbon
2 ounces cherry-infused bourbon
Splash of club soda, optional
Instructions
- Toss the simple syrup, mint leaves and lemon wedges into a cocktail shaker. If you don’t have cherry-infused bourbon, add the pitted fresh cherries. Muddle until the lemons break down and the mint releases its oil.
- Add the cherry-infused bourbon and fill the shaker with a handful of ice. Place the top on the cocktail shaker and vigorously shake until cold, about 15 seconds.
- Fill a rocks glass with ice and strain. If desired, top with club soda and garnish with a big mint sprig. Enjoy!
Notes
- If making your own simple syrup, simmer the 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir frequently to dissolve the sugar. As soon as the sugar dissolves, remove from heat. When pitting cherries, be sure to cover your clothes with an old towel or shirt you don’t mind staining with cherry juice. If you don’t have a muddler, the bottom of a kitchen ladle or similar utensil does the job.
- Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
- Category: Beverages
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: bourbon smash, cherry bourbon smash, cherry bourbon cocktail
Oh yum! i love bourbon and cherry is such a good addition! This looks so refreshing – can’t wait to try it!
★★★★★
It definitely is! Perfect summer cocktail.
mmmm…you suggested brie and I can see a wonderful cheese platter to go with this cherry bourbon smash…!
★★★★★
It’s definitely a delicious option!
I love this drink! It’s so refreshing and a great way to enjoy cherries. Thank you for sharing!
★★★★★
You’re welcome! Glad you like it.
Wow! This looks sooo tasty! Can I take a sip?!
★★★★★
Sure! I’ll make another round. 😀🥃
I absolutely love this! Cherry bourbon sounds just wonderful, and the idea of pairing it with something savoury, like brie… oh my, sounds like a heavenly combo! Your photos are gorgeous too!
★★★★★
Ah, thanks so much, Anna!
This sounds like a fabulous cocktail! I want to make your cherry infused bourbon next year! We live in a big cherry growing area in N. Italy but cherry harvest has just finished!!! In the meantime maybe I can find a few more cherries on the trees to make this drink with fresh cherries!
★★★★★
I hope you do try it! It’s super delicious with so many cocktails.
This looks like the perfect refreshing drink for a summer day! And paired with brie, what a wonderful sounding combo. I will have to try this!
★★★★★
I hope you do!
What a delicious combination of flavors! Your photos alone are making me drool, but we are always on the lookout for awesome new cocktail recipes. I am immediately saving this one and planning to try it this evening!
★★★★★
I hope you do! It’s so good.
Pictures of this drink are wonderful and drink what a perfect drink to celebrate summer and cherry season.
★★★★★
Thanks so much, Jagruti!
These cherry bourbon smashes look absolutely perfect for summer patio sipping! I can’t wait to share a batch on a sunny day!
★★★★★
It really is! You’ll love it.
Love cherries this time of year. They are so sweet and loaded with flavor. I absolutely love this refreshing drinks. Love the addition of mint. I can’t wait to make this and enjoy.
★★★★★
It’s definitely a great summer cocktail! Enjoy. 🥃