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Cherry Bourbon Smash

A refreshing cocktail combining muddled cherries, bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup for a perfectly balanced summer sipper.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • Fresh or frozen cherries: 6 to 8 pitted and halved
  • Bourbon whiskey: 2 ounces
  • Fresh lemon juice: 0.5 ounce
  • Simple syrup: 0.5 ounce
  • Ice: 1 cup for shaking plus additional for serving
  • Cherry for garnish: 1 whole cherry or cherry sprig optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring cup for precise pours
  • Muddler or back of a wooden spoon
  • Strainer
  • Bar spoon
  • Rocks glass or coupe glass
  • Cutting board and knife for cherry prep

Method
 

  1. Pit and halve 6 to 8 cherries, removing stems.
  2. Add halved cherries to a cocktail shaker.
  3. Muddle cherries for 10 to 15 seconds to release juice.
  4. Pour in 2 ounces bourbon and 0.5 ounce fresh lemon juice.
  5. Add 0.5 ounce simple syrup to the shaker.
  6. Fill shaker three-quarters full with 1 cup fresh ice.
  7. Shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds until frosty.
  8. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice or a chilled coupe glass.
  9. Garnish with a whole cherry or cherry sprig and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve immediately in a cold glass; avoid over-muddling cherries to prevent bitterness.