Cherry Coke Old Fashioned

The Cherry Coke Old Fashioned takes everything people love about the classic Old Fashioned and gives it a playful twist with a homemade Cherry Coke syrup. The result is a bourbon cocktail that’s rich, smooth, slightly fruity, and surprisingly refreshing for warm weather.

Instead of using a traditional sugar cube or simple syrup, this recipe relies on a homemade syrup made with Cherry Coca-Cola, tart cherry juice, and brown sugar. It adds notes of caramel, cherry, and gentle spice that pair beautifully with bourbon and bitters. Finished with fresh orange oils and a Luxardo cherry, every sip is balanced between classic and creative.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Cherry Coke Old Fashioned keeps the spirit of the traditional recipe while introducing rich cherry cola flavors that make it feel fresh and modern. It’s easy enough for home bartenders but interesting enough to impress whiskey lovers.

The homemade syrup brings together caramel, cherry, and subtle cola notes without masking the bourbon, allowing every ingredient to contribute to the finished cocktail.

• A creative twist on the classic Old Fashioned.
• Homemade Cherry Coke syrup adds unique flavor.
• Rich bourbon balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
• Perfect for summer evenings or year-round sipping.
• Great conversation starter for whiskey fans.

If you enjoy experimenting with bourbon cocktails while still appreciating the classics, this recipe delivers the best of both worlds.

Ingredients

The ingredients may look familiar, but the homemade Cherry Coke syrup transforms this cocktail into something special. Every component contributes depth, balance, and a touch of nostalgia.

Cocktail

• 2 oz bourbon
• ¼ oz Cherry Coke syrup*
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Orange peel
• Luxardo cherry

Cherry Coke Syrup:

• 1 cup Cherry Coca-Cola
• 3 tbsp Brown sugar
• 1/2 cup Tart cherry juice

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Choosing a quality bourbon allows the homemade syrup to shine while maintaining the cocktail’s rich whiskey character.

• Woodford Reserve delivers balanced caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors that pair beautifully with cherry.
• Buffalo Trace creates a smooth, approachable cocktail with gentle sweetness.
• Maker’s Mark offers soft wheat notes that complement the cola syrup nicely.
• Four Roses Small Batch provides fruit and spice that work especially well with the bitters.
• Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are the premium garnish choice for rich cherry flavor.
• Homemade cherry syrup can replace the Cherry Coke syrup if you want a less cola-forward variation, though the flavor profile will be different.

Trying different bourbons lets you customize the cocktail while preserving its classic Old Fashioned structure.

Equipment and Glassware

This cocktail requires only a few basic bar tools, making it an excellent recipe for both beginners and experienced home bartenders.

You’ll need:

• Rocks Glass
• Bar Spoon
• Jigger

A rocks glass and one large ice cube help slow dilution while keeping the drink perfectly chilled. Preparing the syrup ahead of time makes assembling future cocktails quick and effortless.

How to Make It

The Cherry Coke Old Fashioned is built directly in the serving glass, making it both simple and satisfying to prepare. The homemade Cherry Coke syrup adds a rich layer of flavor, while the bitters and orange oils keep the cocktail balanced and true to its Old Fashioned roots.

Make the Cherry Coke Syrup

1. Place a saucepan over medium heat and add the Cherry Coke, Tart cherry juice, and brown sugar.
2. Bring to a light boil then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the mixture has reduced to about a half a cup.
3. Turn off the heat and let it cool, then pour into an airtight container.

Make the Cocktail

In a rocks glass, add a large ice cube.

Add the bourbon, Cherry Coke Syrup, and bitters overtop of the large cube.

Stir for 15-20 seconds until slightly diluted and mixed together.

Stir for 20–30 seconds until well chilled.

Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and place it in the glass.

Garnish with a fresh Cherry and serve immediately.

If you’d like a sweeter finish, add a little extra Cherry Coke syrup. For a more spirit-forward version, reduce the syrup slightly and let the bourbon take center stage.

Pro Tips

The beauty of an Old Fashioned is in the details. Paying attention to a few small techniques will help you create a cocktail that’s smooth, balanced, and packed with flavor.

• Use one large ice cube to keep the cocktail cold while slowing dilution.
• Allow the syrup to cool completely before using it in the drink.
• Choose a quality bourbon since it’s the primary flavor in the cocktail.
• Express the orange peel directly over the glass to release its aromatic oils.
• Use fresh bitters for the brightest spice and citrus notes.
• Store the homemade syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Taste the syrup before mixing so you know how sweet it is and can adjust if necessary.
• Serve immediately after stirring for the freshest flavor and aroma.

Once you’ve mastered this recipe, try different bourbons or bitters to create your own version while keeping the homemade syrup as the signature ingredient.

Variations

This Cherry Coke Old Fashioned is easy to personalize without losing its classic bourbon foundation.

• Smoked Cherry Coke Old Fashioned: Smoke the glass before building the cocktail for added depth.
• Spiced Cherry Old Fashioned: Add a dash of cinnamon bitters for a warm seasonal twist.
• Black Cherry Old Fashioned: Replace part of the syrup with black cherry syrup for a richer fruit flavor.
• Vanilla Cherry Old Fashioned: Add a drop of vanilla extract to enhance the cola notes.
• Non Alcoholic Cherry Old Fashioned: Use a non alcoholic bourbon alternative with the homemade Cherry Coke syrup and bitters alternative.

Each variation highlights a different aspect of the cocktail while maintaining its rich, nostalgic character.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Cherry Coke Old Fashioned is an excellent sipping cocktail for relaxed evenings and special occasions. While it has enough richness for cooler weather, its cherry cola notes also make it surprisingly enjoyable during the summer.

Serve it for:

• Backyard gatherings
• Father’s Day celebrations
• Whiskey tastings
• Holiday parties
• Date nights
• Dinner parties
• Game day get-togethers
• Weekend evenings

Pair it with:

• Smoked brisket
• Grilled steak
• Barbecue ribs
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Candied pecans
• Dark chocolate brownies
• Cherry pie
• Bread pudding

For a bourbon-focused cocktail menu, serve it alongside a Classic Old Fashioned, Cherry Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, Boulevardier, or Blackberry Whiskey Smash.

Storage and Serving Notes

The Cherry Coke Old Fashioned is best served immediately after stirring so it remains perfectly chilled and balanced.

The homemade Cherry Coke syrup can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This makes it easy to mix individual cocktails whenever you’re ready.

Avoid storing the finished cocktail after it’s been stirred with ice since additional dilution will soften its flavor over time.

FAQs

If you’re trying this twist on the Old Fashioned for the first time, these answers can help you get the best results.

Can I use rye whiskey instead of bourbon?

Yes. Rye whiskey creates a spicier cocktail that contrasts nicely with the sweet Cherry Coke syrup.

How long does the Cherry Coke syrup last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for about two weeks.

Can I use regular Coca-Cola instead of Cherry Coke?

Yes, but you’ll lose some of the cherry flavor. You can add a small amount of cherry syrup or tart cherry juice to compensate.

Why use a large ice cube?

A large cube melts more slowly than smaller cubes, keeping the cocktail cold without watering it down too quickly.

Are orange bitters necessary?

They add another layer of citrus complexity, but if you don’t have them, the cocktail is still delicious with just Angostura bitters.

What garnish works best?

A Luxardo cherry and a freshly expressed orange peel create the classic finishing touch and complement the flavors perfectly.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy bourbon cocktails with creative twists, here are a few more recipes you’ll want to explore.

• Cherry Pie Old Fashioned
• Baklava Old Fashioned
• Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned
• Frozen Bourbon Old Fashioned
• Double Cherry Old Fashioned