Cherry Old Fashioned Smash Cocktail
This Cherry Old Fashioned Smash Cocktail is a favorite during cherry season; make sure you grab some since the season is so quickly gone and this one should not be missed!
Fresh, seasonal fruits and summer simply go hand-in-hand. Some fruits we take for granted all year long and many we can find out of season most of the year but there are those special fruits, of course the ones we crave the most, that have a limited run.
For me the most special of all are cherries. They are my favorite and a summer only fruit. Period. When they do finally show up in markets, this Cherry Old Fashioned Smash Cocktail is the first cocktail I HAVE to make!
And they aren’t an easy fruit to love. Although I’ve heard of recipes where they are used without being pitted first that’s not for me. So pit them I must and maybe that’s another reason they are so special…there is a time investment! Still, for a cocktail like this Cherry Old Fashioned Smash, the effort is worthwhile.
I am constantly looking for something new to make with them. This Black Forest Ice Cream Sundae I made with roasted cherries and chocolate was one of the best ever. Cherry pies need no introduction from me and of course I do love hoarding some homemade maraschino cherries for my cocktail making. So summer without a cherry drink would just be wrong, right?
In the past I’ve loved these Cherry Mint Margaritas and this White Peach and Bing Cherry Sangria but yesterday I was in the mood for bourbon. Probably because I was dying to make something using this bottle of Angels Envy.
Before I even opened it I have to say it was one of the most beautiful bottles I’ve ever seen. A slim bottle from front to back with beautiful angel wings on the back side that nicely represented the brand.
Not unlike most premium aged bourbons, primary aging for Angels Envy lasts for a minimum of four years, with five to seven years often reported as typical. When deemed ready, the bourbon is then transferred to Port barrels for a finishing of three to six months.
Certainly a unique method but one I found interesting and appealing and I’m not alone as it has seen it’s share of great reviews in the press. GAYOT named it a top spirit for 2011, Wine Enthusiast gave it a score of 98, and Maxim labeled it the Best Newcomer for its “8 Best Bourbons in America”.
The nose is sweet and includes a hint of cherry; how could it be more perfect for this summer cocktail using fresh cherries?
In the past I’ve made the perfect Old Fashioned and last summer created this Blackberry Smash. Both are great but there are similarities so why not combine the two? We’ve got the muddled fruit and sparkling soda of the smash with the orange bitters of the Old Fashioned and together?
The Cherry Old Fashioned Smash; a cocktail with a shelf life as limited as cherries and one I’ll be looking forward to each year now with anticipation. It was perfect! Next on my ‘I MUST have cherries agenda?’ I NEED this Grilled Cherry Salsa. Go take a peek, you’ll see.
I found my first cherries at the market yesterday and knew this cocktail would be made again. I first published this post a couple of years ago but it was time for a redo…I won’t even show you the old photos!
Make some of these before cherry season gets away from you; you so won’t regret it. If you’re reading this and you missed fresh cherry season, no worries, simply substitute with frozen cherries that you have let thaw and garnish with an orange twist!
As often happens in Colorado in the Spring, we’ve had a couple of days of snow and I need to be reminded that warm weather and summer produce really is just around the corner. This cocktail just might do it…cheers everyone!
Love ‘Smash’ Cocktails Like I Do? Here’s More!
PIN IT! ‘Cherry Old Fashioned Smash’
Cherry Old Fashioned Smash
Ingredients
- 10-12 cherries pitted
- 4 oz. bourbon
- 1.5 oz. Cherry Brandy I used Cherry Heering
- .5 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes Orange Bitters
- Club soda
For the Garnish
- 2 Whole Cherries
Instructions
- Put the pitted cherries into a cocktail shaker and muddle.
- Add the bourbon, cherry brandy, simple syrup, orange bitters and ice to the shaker and shake well until container is cold.
- Fill two lowball glasses half full with ice.
- Pour shaken cocktail (plus the ice and muddled cherries) into your glasses.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with the whole cherries.
Good to see this one return! I was looking at cherries int he store today, but didn’t buy any. Alas — now I’m wishing I had. Well, I can go tomorrow. 🙂 Thanks!
I have a stash now and need to find something new to make…just saw a recipe from an Italian for a cherry liqueur; think I’m going to try it. It needs SIX MONTHS to mature…just in time for the holidays!
Looks amazing! What kind of cherries do you suggest?
Oh I picked up some cherries today and love how you’ve used them in this cocktail. Mine might find their way into a cherry pie but first I need to get one of those neat cherry pitting gadgets that you have. That looks like a great time-saver.
I need to get a pie made before they’re gone which could be any day I imagine. Then I will have to build a new website with a late summer seasonal ingredient I guess. 🙂
I love wines with odd names and Australia has the best of them. I never thought of whiskey having nifty names. Angel’s Envy sounds wonderful as does this old fashioned cherry smash.
I love Australian wines though; although I must admit with my focus on cocktails I don’t drink as much wine as I used to; now you’ve made me miss it and I will have to rectify that won’t I?
Looks so refreshing and delicious! I think this kind of drink can be dangerous as it tastes so good going down that you have a tendency to guzzle instead of sip… good problem to have as you can always make more..
You are so right…have to mindful it is not a cherry soda! But the truth is…the bourbon will absolutely remind you! 🙂
Lovely drink — sounds so refreshing, but with a bit of authority to it. That flavor sounds terrific! Good work — thanks.
It is all that! I like drinks with authority; wuss drinks just don’t cut it. 🙂
I agree with you, Barb, that is a gorgeous bottle. Different from any one I’ve seen. Cherries are one of my favorite summer fruits, too, and well worth the effort of pitting. Gorgeous cocktail!
Thanks Lana…and I so agree. As a matter of fact heading out now for more. I will continue until they are gone and then sob a bit.
Love this cocktail! I’m a big fan of bourbon and this one sounds amazing. I’ll be heading out to buy a bottle to try very soon and this fabulous smash will be the first thing I make with it. Cheers!
Cheers back at ya Kate; let me know if you do try it.