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Cocktail History
The Cherry Whiskey Smash is a Sips From Scripts original cocktail that we created as a Wisconsin-inspired variation of the classic Whiskey Smash. Though the specifics vary, this template typically consists of a base spirit, a sweetener, and a combination of muddled fruit and herbs, all served on crushed ice. Ours follows this same build with the addition of sweet cherry flavor.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Bourbon: This is the base spirit. We went with Knob Creek 9 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon because it’s rich and full bodied with notes of smooth vanilla and caramel. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic American Malt in place of the bourbon.
Simple Syrup: This is a sweetener made with white sugar and water. We made ours at home using Alex’s stovetop recipe.
Lemon Slices: These are muddled in the glass and used as the garnish to add fresh lemon flavor for balance..
Mint Leaves: These are also muddled in the glass to add fresh mint flavor.
Cherry Bitters: This is a type of spirit infused with cherries and botanicals. They add cherry flavor and spice to the drink for more complexity. We used Fee Brothers Cherry Bitters.
Mint Sprig: This is another garnish. It adds fresh mint aroma and flavor.
Cherry: This is the other garnish. It adds fresh cherry aroma and flavor.
Tasting Notes
The Cherry Whiskey Smash teases with aromas of tart lemon and cooling mint and has a refreshingly ice-cold taste that features bourbon’s sweet, strong flavors mellowed out with sugary mint and cherry notes. The aftertaste also features a bit of lemon tartness and cherry that linger on the tongue and invite another sip.
Our Opinion of This Cocktail Recipe: We both found ourselves loving this drink for its refreshing flavors, and we agreed that its the perfect crushable treat for a summer day.
Which of our palates is yours most like?
Find out if your palate is most similar to Alex’s or Kendall’s by answering five questions.
Which of our palates is yours most like?
Find out if your palate is most similar to Alex’s or Kendall’s by answering five questions.
Alex’s Take: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Even though the Whiskey Smash is as old as time itself, I had never actually had one until now, outside of the Mint Julep. With the addition of cherry bitters, we were able to turn this into a cherry-tinged version of the classic, and it boasted the extra flavors of the fruit well while still being mostly bourbon-forward offset by the sugar, lemon, and mint just enough to make it easily palatable.”—
Kendall’s Take: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“You really can’t go wrong with this simple and refreshing template! I enjoyed my first time trying it quite a bit; the bourbon is there yet light enough to enjoy on a hot day, and the cherry is a nice touch. My only qualm was the smashed herbs and citrus in the bottom because I’m not big on chunks floating around in my drink. I would much rather have those ingredients muddled in the shaker and strained instead of muddled in the glass. Then it would be perfect.”
Recipe
Add simple syrup and mint leaves to a highball glass.
Muddle gently for 3-5 seconds.
Add crushed ice to glass.
Top with whiskey and cherry bitters.
Stir for 5-10 seconds.
Garnish with remaining lemon slice, mint sprig, and cherry.
Ingredients
Directions
Add simple syrup and mint leaves to a highball glass.
Muddle gently for 3-5 seconds.
Add crushed ice to glass.
Top with whiskey and cherry bitters.
Stir for 5-10 seconds.
Garnish with remaining lemon slice, mint sprig, and cherry.
Make It a Mocktail: Use Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic American Malt in place of the bourbon to try a booze-free version of this drink.
Tools & Glassware We Recommend
More Whiskey Cocktails
If you like this whiskey-based cocktail recipe, here are a few others we’ve tried that you may enjoy:
Mountain Man: A bourbon cocktail made with lemon juice, peach liqueur, ginger syrup, maple syrup, and candied ginger
Boo Radley: A bourbon cocktail made with Cynar, cherry liqueur, a lemon peel, and an orange peel
Stone Fence: A bourbon cocktail made with apple cider, Angostura Aromatic bitters, and mint
Falling Leaves: A rye cocktail made with Amaro Montenegro, toasted fig syrup, chocolate bitters, and an orange slice
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