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.
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.
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!
Love Your Summer Cocktails?
- Roasted strawberry Aperol spritz
- Blood orange-rosemary gin and tonic
- Peach sangria
- Cherry vodka sparkler cocktail
- Strawberry-basil Tom Collins
- Blueberry bourbon smash
Cherry Bourbon Smash
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Muddler
Ingredients
- 1 ounce simple syrup homemade or store bought
- ½ lemon cut into wedges
- Handful of cherries pitted
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves plus 1 sprig, for garnish
- 2 ounces bourbon cherry-infused bourbon is my favorite with this cocktail, see note
- Ice
- Splash of club soda optional
Instructions
- Toss the simple syrup, lemon wedges and cherries into a cocktail shaker. Muddle until the lemons and cherries break down. Add the mint and lightly muddle a few times just to release the mint leaves' oil and turn fragrant.
- Add the bourbon and fill the shaker with a handful of ice. Place the top on the cocktail shaker and vigorously shake until cold, about 15-30 seconds.
- Fill a rocks glass with ice and strain. If desired, top with club soda and gently stir. Take mint sprig and place in the palm of your hand, quickly clap your other hand on top to release the fragrance and garnish. Enjoy!
Notes
- If using the cherry-infused bourbon, you don't need to muddle fresh cherries as well. It has tons of fresh-cherry flavor.
- 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. You can also use my cherry simple syrup for an extra fruity boost.
- 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.
Nutrition
Erin Gierhart says
Cherries & whiskey - my favorite things!
Raquel says
A fantastic summer cocktail recipe!
Chef Dennis says
This is truly delicious!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thank you! So glad you loved it.
Natalie says
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.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
It's definitely a great summer cocktail! Enjoy. ?
Jenni LeBaron says
These cherry bourbon smashes look absolutely perfect for summer patio sipping! I can't wait to share a batch on a sunny day!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
It really is! You'll love it.
jagruti says
Pictures of this drink are wonderful and drink what a perfect drink to celebrate summer and cherry season.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thanks so much, Jagruti!
Sara says
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!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
I hope you do! It's so good.
Kate says
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!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
I hope you do!
Jacqueline Debono says
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!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
I hope you do try it! It's super delicious with so many cocktails.
Anna says
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!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Ah, thanks so much, Anna!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
Wow! This looks sooo tasty! Can I take a sip?!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Sure! I'll make another round. ??
Anne Lawton says
I love this drink! It's so refreshing and a great way to enjoy cherries. Thank you for sharing!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
You're welcome! Glad you like it.
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli says
mmmm...you suggested brie and I can see a wonderful cheese platter to go with this cherry bourbon smash...!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
It’s definitely a delicious option!
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen says
Oh yum! i love bourbon and cherry is such a good addition! This looks so refreshing - can't wait to try it!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
It definitely is! Perfect summer cocktail.