Cherry Old Fashioned

Cocktail enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike often seek the perfect balance of sweetness, bitterness, and complexity in their drinks. The Cherry Old Fashioned is a delightful twist on the classic cocktail that combines the rich flavors of bourbon or whiskey with the vibrant essence of cherries. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to craft this delicious cocktail, from understanding the history of a classic Old Fashioned to infusing it with the luscious flavor of cherries.

Here’s what tools and ingredients you’ll need for this drink:

Bourbon or whiskey
Cherries (fresh or frozen)
Sugar
Water
Angostura bitters
Cocktail shaker or mixing glass
Muddler
Jigger
Strainer
Ice cubes
Orange peel or cherry for garnish

You might also like Sparkling Cherry Limeade.

What is an Old Fashioned?

The Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that traces its roots back to the early 19th century. It’s renowned for its simplicity and depth of flavor, consisting primarily of bourbon or whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus. This classic cocktail embodies the essence of tradition while remaining endlessly customizable to suit individual tastes.

Bourbon or Whiskey – What’s the Difference?

Bourbon and whiskey are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct characteristics. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is primarily made from corn and aged in charred oak barrels, giving it a smooth and slightly sweet flavor profile. On the other hand, whiskey refers to a broader category of distilled spirits made from various grains and aged in different types of barrels, resulting in a wide range of flavors and styles. When crafting a Cherry Old Fashioned, either bourbon or whiskey can be used based on personal preference, with bourbon lending a sweeter note and whiskey offering a more robust character.

How to Make a Cherry Syrup:

One of the key elements that elevate the Cherry Old Fashioned is the cherry syrup, which infuses the cocktail with the essence of ripe cherries. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own cherry syrup:

Ingredients:

1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
1 cup water
1 cup sugar

Instructions:

In a saucepan, combine the cherries, water, and sugar.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
Reduce the heat to low and let the syrup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the cherries to soften and the flavors to meld.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool slightly.
Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the cherry solids, pressing down on the cherries to extract as much liquid as possible.
Transfer the cherry syrup to a bottle or jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

What Kind of Bitters to Use:

Bitters are a crucial component of the Old Fashioned, providing depth and complexity to the cocktail. While Angostura bitters are the classic choice, there are various other options to experiment with, such as orange bitters, cherry bitters, or even walnut bitters. Each type of bitters imparts its own unique flavor profile, so feel free to explore different combinations to find your perfect match.

Pro Tips:

Experiment with Different Cherries: While traditional maraschino cherries work well in a Cherry Old Fashioned, don’t hesitate to try other varieties like Bing or Rainier cherries for a different flavor profile.
Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the sweetness of the cocktail by varying the amount of cherry syrup or sugar used in the recipe.
Don’t Skip the Garnish: A garnish of orange peel or a fresh cherry not only adds visual appeal to the cocktail but also enhances its aroma and flavor.

How To Make A Cherry Old Fashioned

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