Cherry Bourbon Smash

The Cherry Bourbon Smash is one of those cocktails that looks impressive but takes just minutes to make. It’s simple, balanced, and full of fresh flavor. If you love fruit-forward cocktails with a little kick, this one belongs in your regular rotation. I first made this on a quiet Friday night when I had cherries sitting on the counter that were just a little too ripe to snack on.

Instead of letting them go to waste, I tossed them into a shaker with bourbon and lemon. The result was bright, slightly sweet, and perfectly refreshing. Now it’s my go-to when I want something easy that still feels special. This Cherry Bourbon Smash cocktail works for backyard hangouts, date nights at home, or even holiday gatherings. It hits that sweet spot between classic and modern, and it’s a great way to show off bourbon in a lighter, more approachable way.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Cherry Bourbon Smash is the kind of cocktail that feels thoughtful without being complicated. It uses real fruit, simple ingredients, and a quick shaking method that anyone can handle. Even if you’re new to making cocktails at home, this one is almost foolproof.

Here’s why it stands out:

• Fresh cherries give it a natural sweetness and rich color
• Lemon wedges add brightness and balance
• Quick to prep in under 5 minutes
• Easy to scale for a small group
• Great way to use seasonal fruit
• Balanced flavor that’s not too sweet and not too strong

It’s refreshing but still has that warm bourbon backbone. If you like whiskey cocktails but want something lighter than an Old Fashioned, this is a great place to start.

Ingredients

What makes this Cherry Bourbon Smash so good is how simple it is. There’s nothing fancy here, just solid ingredients that work beautifully together. Fresh fruit is the star, so quality really matters.

• 2 oz whiskey
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 4 ripe cherries pitted
• Half a lemon cut into wedges
• Extra cherry and lemon twist for garnish optional

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

The bourbon you choose will shape the final flavor. Some are sweeter with caramel notes, while others lean spicy. For this Cherry Bourbon Smash cocktail, I like something smooth but not too smoky.

Here are a few reliable options:

• Buffalo Trace Bourbon for a balanced, slightly sweet profile that works beautifully with cherries
• Maker’s Mark for a softer, wheated bourbon that blends smoothly
• Woodford Reserve for a richer, deeper flavor
• Four Roses Bourbon for a lighter, fruit-friendly option
• Elijah Craig for a touch more oak and spice

If you do not have bourbon, you can substitute:

• Rye whiskey for a spicier finish
• Irish whiskey for a smoother, lighter drink
• Brandy for a fruit-forward twist

Each swap slightly changes the personality of the cocktail, but they all work well with cherry and lemon.

Equipment and Glassware

You do not need much to make this Cherry Bourbon Smash, which is part of its charm. Basic bar tools will get the job done.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cocktail Shaker
• Muddler
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Rocks Glass

A rocks glass is ideal because it gives you room for ice and garnish. If you do not have a shaker, a mason jar with a tight lid works just fine. Just make sure it seals well before shaking.

How to Make It

Making this cocktail is quick and hands-on. The muddling step is key because that’s where all the fresh flavor comes from. Take your time with it and really press the fruit to release its juices.

1. In your cocktail shaker, muddle the cherries and lemon wedges with the simple syrup to release their juices and flavors.
2. Add the whiskey and a handful of ice cubes.
3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an extra cherry and a lemon twist if you like.

Give it a gentle stir after straining to blend everything evenly. If you prefer a slightly lighter drink, add a splash of cold water or club soda before serving.

Pro Tips

Small details can take this Cherry Bourbon Smash from good to amazing. These tips help boost flavor and improve texture.

• Use ripe cherries for the best sweetness and color.
• Press firmly when muddling but do not shred the lemon peel too aggressively. This prevents bitterness.
• Chill your rocks glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving for an extra refreshing feel.
• Adjust the simple syrup to taste if your cherries are very sweet or very tart.
• Try large ice cubes to slow dilution and keep the drink balanced longer.
• Double strain if you prefer a smoother texture without fruit bits.
• If making for guests, prep your fruit ahead of time to save effort.

Once you’ve made it a few times, you can tweak sweetness or citrus levels to match your preference.

Variations

One of the best parts about smash cocktails is how easy they are to customize. The formula stays the same, but you can swap fruit or spirits.

Here are a few ideas:

• Add fresh mint for a Cherry Mint Bourbon Smash
• Swap cherries for blackberries or raspberries
• Use honey syrup instead of simple syrup for deeper sweetness
• Add a splash of sparkling water for a lighter version
• Make a non alcoholic version using iced tea or non alcoholic whiskey alternative

Each version keeps that refreshing, fruit-driven style but adds a new twist.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Cherry Bourbon Smash fits so many occasions. It works in summer when cherries are fresh, but it also feels cozy enough for fall gatherings.

Serve it at:

• Backyard barbecues
• Holiday dinners
• Date nights at home
• Casual dinner parties
• Birthday celebrations

For food pairings, try:

• Grilled steak or burgers
• Charcuterie boards with sharp cheese
• Dark chocolate desserts
• Roasted chicken
• Smoked nuts or almonds

If you love bourbon cocktails, pair this alongside a classic Old Fashioned or a Whiskey Sour for a full tasting experience.

Storage and Serving Notes

This cocktail is best made fresh because it relies on muddled fruit. However, you can prep the cherries and lemon wedges ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

If batching for a party, muddle the fruit and simple syrup in advance, then add bourbon and ice just before serving. Shake each portion individually for the best texture and chill.

Avoid storing the fully mixed drink for long periods, as the citrus can turn bitter over time.

FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about this Cherry Bourbon Smash cocktail.

Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid. Fresh cherries give the best flavor.

What type of whiskey works best?
Bourbon is traditional for a smash cocktail, but rye or Irish whiskey also work nicely.

Can I make it less sweet?
Absolutely. Reduce the simple syrup or add extra lemon for more tartness.

Do I need a muddler?
No. The back of a sturdy spoon works if you press firmly.

Is this a strong cocktail?
It has 2 ounces of whiskey, so it’s moderately strong, but the fruit and citrus keep it balanced.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoyed this Cherry Bourbon Smash, here are a few more cocktails you might like.

• Grapefruit Bourbon Smash
• Strawberry Bourbon Smash
• Cherry Manhattan
• Passion Fruit Whiskey Sour
• Watermelon Bourbon Smash