Last Updated on June 26, 2023 by My Back Kitchen
When it comes to crafting exceptional cocktails, few combinations can rival the enchanting flavors of a cherry bourbon smash. This delightful libation brings together the richness of bourbon, the sweetness of cherries, the freshness of citrus, and a touch of herbal complexity. The result is a tantalizing symphony of flavors that is sure to delight your taste buds. In this blog post, we’ll explore the art of creating a cherry bourbon smash, from the choice of ingredients to the perfect balance of flavors.
The star of the cocktail, cherries add a luscious sweetness and a touch of tartness. Opt for fresh, ripe cherries when available, or you can use frozen cherries for convenience. Muddling the cherries releases their vibrant flavors, infusing the cocktail with their essence.
Known for its warm, caramel notes and smooth finish, bourbon forms the robust foundation of the cocktail. Choose a high-quality bourbon that suits your taste preferences, as its distinct flavor will shine through in the final concoction.
The zingy freshness of citrus fruits adds a bright, acidic element to balance the sweetness of the cherries and bourbon. Lemon juice is commonly used, but you can also incorporate lime juice or a combination of both for added complexity.
A touch of sweetness helps round out the flavors and ties the ingredients together. We opt to use the syrup from the Luxardo cherries, however, simple syrup or agave nectar are also popular choices that can be used to tailor the cocktail to your liking.
To elevate the cocktail’s profile, a hint of herbal complexity can be introduced through the use of aromatic herbs such as mint or basil. Muddled or gently bruised herbs impart a fresh, aromatic element to the drink.
The cherry bourbon smash is a delightful cocktail that combines the rich warmth of bourbon with the natural sweetness of cherries. Looking for a classic alternative, give our whisky smash a try. Enjoy!
-MBK
Cherry Bourbon Smash
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
- 1 muddler
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz. bourbon
- 1/2 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 oz. luxardo cherry syrup
- 1.5 oz. ginger beer
- 8 mint leafs
- 3 luxardo cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Combine mint and lemon juice in cocktail shaker and muddle for 20-30 seconds. Add cherry syrup and bourbon. Fill with ice, cover, and shake well for 1-2 minutes. Strain and pour over ice. Top with ginger beer and add garnish. Enjoy!