Charming Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned Recipe for Cozy Nights

Mixology magic meets classic cocktail charm in this irresistible bourbon cherry old fashioned recipe that promises pure sipping pleasure.

Robust bourbon mingles with sweet cherries, creating a sophisticated drink that elevates your home bartending game.

Deep amber liquid swirls with rich cherry notes, promising a cocktail experience that feels both traditional and innovative.

Each carefully crafted sip transports you to a cozy evening of refined relaxation.

Smooth whiskey and luscious cherries dance together in perfect harmony.

The classic old fashioned gets a delightful fruity twist that will impress even the most discerning cocktail enthusiasts.

Bourbon Cherry Cocktail Pro Tips

• Opt for ripe, fresh cherries at peak sweetness to enhance the cocktail's depth and natural fruitiness.
• Adjust honey amount based on personal preference or use alternative sweeteners like agave or maple syrup.
• Select a smooth, medium-bodied bourbon that complements the cherry and bitters without overpowering them.
• Try different carbonated waters like tonic or club soda to create unique texture and subtle flavor variations.
• Use oversized ice cubes to slow melting and maintain cocktail strength, while creating a visually appealing drink.

Cocktail Twists and Variation Ideas

• Whiskey Swap: Replace bourbon with rye whiskey for a spicier, more robust flavor profile that adds complexity to the classic cocktail.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: Use alcohol-free bourbon alternative or dark tea with cherry syrup to create a mocktail that captures the essence of the original drink.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute honey with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce sugar content while maintaining the cocktail's rich taste.
• Seasonal Fruit Adaptation: Replace cherries with seasonal berries like blackberries or raspberries for a fresh summer variation that keeps the drink's core character.

Serving a Cherry Old Fashioned

• Cocktail Party Centerpiece: Arrange the bourbon cherry old fashioned in a beautiful glass tray with extra mint sprigs and fresh cherries, creating an elegant display that invites guests to enjoy the sophisticated drink.
• Weekend Brunch Companion: Serve alongside rich breakfast dishes like French toast or buttermilk pancakes, where the cocktail's sweet and bourbon notes complement the morning meal perfectly.
• Summer Outdoor Delight: Pour over crushed ice in a mason jar, add an extra cherry garnish, and enjoy on a sunny patio or backyard gathering, making the drink feel refreshing and relaxed.
• Dessert Pairing Magic: Match with dark chocolate truffles or a cherry cheesecake, allowing the bourbon's warmth and cherry's sweetness to enhance the dessert's rich flavors.

Storing a Bourbon Cherry Cocktail

• Store leftover cocktail in an airtight container or sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep cherries intact for maximum flavor preservation.
• Pour cocktail into ice cube trays and freeze for future use in slushies or as flavor enhancers for other drinks. Cherries might lose texture but retain taste.
• Before serving chilled cocktail, give it a quick shake or stir to redistribute settled ingredients and restore original vibrant flavor profile.
• Never leave bourbon-based cocktail at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent potential flavor degradation and alcohol separation.

FAQs

• What type of bourbon works best for this cocktail?

Choose a quality bourbon with smooth, rich flavors like Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, or Buffalo Trace. These bourbons complement the sweet cherry and honey notes perfectly.

• Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

Yes, you can use simple syrup, maple syrup, or agave nectar as alternatives. Each will slightly change the flavor profile but still work well with the bourbon and cherries.

• Is fresh lime juice important in this recipe?

Absolutely. Fresh lime juice adds brightness and acidity that balances the sweetness of cherries and honey. Bottled lime juice won’t provide the same vibrant flavor.

Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned Perks

• Craft Cocktail Magic: Transform ordinary ingredients into a sophisticated, bar-worthy drink right in your own kitchen with minimal mixology skills.
• Quick and Flexible Preparation: Whip up this delightful bourbon cocktail in mere minutes, with simple muddling and mixing that requires zero professional bartending experience.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Easily adjust sweetness with honey, experiment with different bourbon styles, or play with sparkling water intensity to suit your personal taste preferences.
• Impressive Party Pleaser: Serve this elegantly garnished cocktail at gatherings to wow guests with a professional-looking drink that's actually super easy to create.

Bourbon Cherry Cocktail Ingredients

• Bourbon: A classic American whiskey that provides a rich, smooth base for this cocktail.

• Cherries, Lime Juice: Fresh fruits that add natural sweetness and tangy brightness to the drink.

• Orange Bitters, Honey: Ingredients that add complex depth and balanced sweetness to the cocktail.

• Mint, Sparkling Water, Additional Cherries: Finishing touches that add freshness and optional light carbonation to the drink.

Making a Cherry Old Fashioned

Step 1: Crush and Mix Cherries

In a cocktail shaker or sturdy glass jar, combine fresh cherries, zesty lime juice, aromatic orange bitters, and golden honey.

Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to thoroughly crush the cherries, releasing their vibrant juices and creating a rich, fragrant base.

Press and twist the ingredients to extract maximum flavor.

Step 2: Introduce Bourbon and Blend

Pour smooth bourbon into the muddled cherry mixture.

Secure the lid of the shaker or cover the jar tightly.

Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, allowing the bourbon to marry with the cherry and bitters blend, creating a harmonious and complex flavor profile.

Step 3: Prepare and Serve

Fill a cocktail glass with ice cubes.

Strain the bourbon cherry mixture into the glass, letting the liquid flow smoothly.

For a lighter touch, add a splash of sparkling water.

Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a few whole cherries for a beautiful presentation.

Sip and enjoy the sophisticated, fruity cocktail that balances sweetness, tartness, and rich bourbon warmth.

Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned Recipe

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• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Bourbon cherry old fashioned delivers classic cocktail magic with sweet-tart cherries and smooth Kentucky whiskey. Elegant mixology meets nostalgic comfort, offering cocktail enthusiasts a sophisticated sip that beckons weekend relaxation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 ounces (60 milliliters) bourbon
• 4–6 fresh cherries (pitted)

Sweeteners and Syrups:

• 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 milliliters) honey
• Dash of orange bitters

Garnishes and Citrus:

• Juice from half a lime
• Fresh mint
• Fresh cherries for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, vigorously crush ripe cherries with lime juice, orange bitters, and honey until the fruits completely break down and release their vibrant essence.
2. Pour bourbon into the muddled mixture and shake thoroughly to integrate all the flavors, creating a harmonious blend.
3. Fill a chilled cocktail glass with fresh ice cubes and gently strain the bourbon-cherry mixture over the ice, allowing some crushed cherries to remain for added texture and visual appeal.
4. Optional: Enhance the drink’s lightness by topping with a splash of sparkling water, which will add a delicate effervescence.
5. Artfully garnish the cocktail with a few fresh mint leaves and whole cherries, positioning them elegantly on the glass rim to create an inviting presentation.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the complex, refreshing flavors of this sophisticated bourbon cocktail.

Notes

• Enhance the cocktail’s depth by using high-quality bourbon with robust flavor profiles like small-batch or single-barrel varieties.
• Try different types of honey such as wildflower or lavender to add unique subtle sweetness and complexity to the drink.
• Opt for fresh, seasonal cherries when possible for maximum flavor intensity and natural sweetness compared to preserved or jarred options.
• Adjust the sparkling water quantity to personalize the cocktail’s strength and dilution, creating a lighter or more concentrated experience based on individual preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Cocktails
• Method: Shaking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 176 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg