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There’s something about a summer evening that calls for a drink that can hold its own—bold, a little sweet, and just cool enough to cut through the heat. I made the Cherry Bourbon Smash for nights like that.
It’s the kind of cocktail you sip on the porch while the sky turns gold and the ice clinks softly in your glass.
With its deep ruby color, fresh mint, and slow burn of bourbon, this one feels like a Southern classic dressed up in something just a bit more vibrant.
The journey to a perfect Cherry Bourbon Smash begins with the muddling of fresh cherries.
These aren’t just any cherries; they’re pitted and full of juice, ready to release their sweet, deep flavors into the drink. The cherries blend their lush sweetness with the bright, tangy kick of freshly squeezed lemon juice, creating a foundation that’s both refreshing and rich.
Into this muddled mixture, add fresh mint leaves. The mint isn’t merely a garnish; when pressed with the cherries and lemon juice, it releases a cool, crisp essence that cuts through the sweetness, introducing a burst of freshness that makes each sip a little more invigorating.
Next comes the bourbon—a key player in this cocktail that brings its characteristic warmth and a hint of smoky richness. The bourbon’s vanilla and oak undertones are perfect for complementing the sweet and fruity notes of the cherries.
Demerara syrup, with its caramel-like complexity, is then added to enhance the cocktail’s depth. Unlike regular simple syrup, Demerara brings a toasty sweetness that echoes the rustic flavors of the bourbon and enriches the overall taste.
After a vigorous shake with ice, the mixture is double-strained into a rocks glass over fresh ice. This not only ensures a smooth texture free from cherry bits and mint leaves but also cools the drink to the perfect chilled temperature. The presentation is as inviting as the drink itself. The deep red hue of the cherry juice melds beautifully with the amber tones of the bourbon.
Garnished with a sprig of mint and a skewer of cherries, your sipper is ready to enjoy!
Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, muddle down about 4 pitted cherries with mint leaves and lemon juice.
Step 2: Pour in the bourbon and Demerara syrup, then top the mixture with ice. Shake until chilled.
Step 3: Double strain the mixture into a rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish.
The Cherry Bourbon Smash is what happens when sweet meets smoky, and fresh meets slow.
It’s a little Southern, a little sultry, and exactly the kind of cocktail you pour when the sun starts to dip and the breeze finally rolls in. One sip in, and you’ll understand why some evenings deserve a drink with a little depth.
Post your creation on Instagram and tag #queenbeemixology or @queenbeemixology!
