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Cocktail History
The Cherry Whiskey Smash is a Sips From Scripts original cocktail that was created as a Wisconsin-inspired variation of the classic Whiskey Smash. Though the specifics vary, the 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 a type of whiskey made in the United States with at least 51% corn, grains, malted barley, and water. We used 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 Spiritless Kentucky 74 Non-Alcoholic Bourbon Whiskey in place of the whiskey.
Simple Syrup: This is a sweetener made with white sugar and water. We made ours at home using Alex’s stovetop recipe.
Lemon Slices: This is a slice of lemon that has been cut into a half wheel shape.
Mint Leaves: This is an herb. We used Mojito mint leaves.
Cherry Bitters: This is a food product made with cherries, herbs, botanicals, and alcohol. We used Fee Brothers Cherry Bitters.
Mint Sprig: This is an herb. We used fresh Mojito mint.
Cherry: This is a fruit that has been soaked in rich syrup.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. We used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Muddler: This is used to muddle ingredients. We used the HQY Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. We used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Paring Knife: This is used to cut citrus into slices or wheels. We used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.
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 the Cherry Whiskey Smash 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, two lemon slices, and mint leaves to a highball glass.
Muddle gently for 5-7 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, two lemon slices, and mint leaves to a highball glass.
Muddle gently for 5-7 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 Spiritless Kentucky 74 Non-Alcoholic Bourbon Whiskey in place of the whiskey to try a booze-free version of this drink.
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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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