A smash cocktail is the perfect drink for the home bartender. It uses only one spirit so you’re sure to have something on your bar cart that will work. It also combines different herbs and fruits that you probably have at home or can easily find at the grocery store. This cherry bourbon smash is a lovely balance of tart and slightly sweet. The color is also stunning for an impressive looking drink and also great for occasions like Valentine’s day.
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What is a bourbon smash?
A bourbon smash is a mixed drink made with bourbon or whiskey, simple syrup, mint and lemon juice. The syrup is used to sweeten the beverage and the mint adds a new, home grown flavor. The lemon juice adjusts the pleasantness of the sugar and gives balance.
What sort of cherries to use?
For the cherry bourbon smash, fresh cherries work best. They are succulent, sweet and add a decent pop of flavor to the mixed drink. You can use any sort of cherry, however sour cherries or Bing cherries are especially really great for this recipe. In the event that you don’t have fresh cherries, you can use frozen cherries after they have been thawed out.
Bourbon versus Whiskey, what’s the difference?
Bourbon and whiskey are comparative in that they are both produced using aged and refined grains, commonly corn and rye. The primary contrast between the two is that Bourbon is made in the US and should be matured for no less than two years in new, scorched oak barrels. Bourbon, then again, can be made anywhere and doesn’t have explicit maturing prerequisites.
Can I use Whiskey or Rye?
Yes, You can use whiskey or rye in this cherry Bourbon smash recipe. Depending on the spirit that you use the flavor may vary and the beverage may not be as smooth. I recommend using something that you have available that you already enjoy in cocktails.
What bar tools do you need for a Cherry Bourbon Smash cocktail?
To make a Cherry Bourbon Smash, you will need a shaker, a jigger, a muddler and a sifter. These tools will assist you with combining the fixings as one and make a smooth, even mixed drink. If you don’t have a shaker you could use a travel coffee mug and if you don’t have a muddler then the back of a wooden spoon would work.
How to make a simple syrup:
Simple syrup is an essential making in many mixed drinks, including the Cherry Bourbon Smash. To make simple syrup, add equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool then store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
What other sweeteners can I use?
If you don’t have time to make simple syrup, you can use other sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup or agave. You can also purchase pre-made simple syrup in most grocery stores. If you want a sugar free syrup you can use the same recipe as the simple syrup but replace the sugar with a sugar alternative like Splenda or Truvia.
Looking for another smash cocktail? Try this Blood Orange Whiskey Smash or this Peach and Basil Whiskey Smash
🍹 Home Bar Supplies You Might Need: 🍹
Before you start whipping out the ingredients to make this drink, make sure you have these essential bar tools in your kitchen first (or shop for them here):
Cherry Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon or whiskey
- fresh mint 3-5 leaves
- 1/4 cup cherries pitted and chopped
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple or honey syrup
Instructions
- Add mint, cherries and syrup to a cocktail shaker and muddle.
- Add whiskey lemon juice and ice
- Shake until chilled
- Strain into a glass over ice
- Garnish with fresh mint and a cherry
[…] Cherry Bourbon Smash […]