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You are here: Home / Friday Cocktails / Tequila / Tequila Smash Cocktail

Tequila Smash Cocktail

December 9, 2011 58 Comments

Tequila Smash Cocktail with Blueberries and Cherries PIN

Not just for margaritas, tequila is combined with blueberries and maraschino cherries for this Tequila Smash Cocktail.

Bourbon Peach Smash Cocktails garnished with blueberries and lime wheels.

This is a very special Happy Hour Friday. A sweet friend I’ve met on Twitter is getting married this Saturday and I’m part of a large group that wanted to celebrate with Nelly (Cooking With Books), even if only in a virtual sense. I remember seeing her tweet, not that long ago,  ‘And…I said YESSSSS!‘ and it was exactly as I suspected. A ring was proffered, a request of the most sincerity was made and our Nelly said YES to her beloved “M” as she affectionately calls Brian Murray, her fiancé and soon to be husband.

Nelly and I connected by way of goat. That’s right…goat. Although we had tweeted a bit before, it was during the Goaterie challenge I helped put together this past year that we saw each other in the hallway more often; we chatted up a bit and got to know each other better. I knew she had a fellow in Martha’s Vineyard and was dying to get back to the US to be with him. Now, she will be; forever and ever. Nelly and Brian are getting married on Saturday in Martha’s Vineyard and the food blogosphere is all ‘atwitter’ with excitement!

I thought it important that I find a cocktail that seemed appropriate to the occasion. Oh, I’m sure they’ll have a special bridal toast (they could try my friend Lora’s Negroni Sbagliato with Prosecco!) but if there were a big reception and we were there more than virtually, this is the cocktail I would make.

Tequila Smash Cocktail

Nelly comes to us from the Dominican Republic and brings some of that spice with her, so I wanted something with some oomph. I had just finished making some jars of Luxardo infused cherries, my version of Maraschino cherries, for gifts and wanted to use some of them. It seemed prophetic that I had also just received a fantastic bottle of Tanteo Tequila with a couple of small bottles of Tanteo Infused Tequilas.

One was their Tropical Infusion; how perfect was that? I found what I think is also the perfect recipe from a bartender at The Gramercy Tavern in New York City. Combining tequila with blueberries, cherries, lime juice and Luxardo, it’s fruity and pretty but with a real bite. Don’t let that pretty pink color fool you; this is not a girly girl drink at all!

Tequila Smash Cocktail

Wishing Brian and Nelly a wonderful day and a lifetime of love. Hugs and Kisses to both of you and of course, Cheers!

PIN ‘Tequila Smash Cocktail’

Tequila Smash Cocktail with Blueberries and Cherries PIN

Yield: 2 Cocktails

Tequila Smash – A Tequila Cocktail and Homemade Maraschino Cherries

Tequila Smash – A Tequila Cocktail and Homemade Maraschino Cherries

An unexpected blend of tequila, fresh fruit and maraschino cherries.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 blueberries
  • 8 Luxardo maraschino cherries
  • 4 oz Tequila; I used Tanteo Tropical Infused
  • 1 oz Luxardo Maraschino liqueur
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • Garnish: Lime wheel, cherry, blueberry

Instructions

  1. Muddle the cherries and blueberries in the bottom of a shaker.
  2. Add the tequila, maraschino and lime juice to the cup, fill with ice and shake several times. Pour the contents of the shaker into two rocks or martini glasses, ice and all, and serve with a lime wheel speared between a cherry and a blueberry.

Notes

To make the maraschino cherries, I used a large jar of sour cherries in light sugar syrup. I drained the syrup and rinsed with cold water and drained them well on paper towels. I've made them in the summer using fresh sour cherries but I like to gift them for the holidays and have found that the ones that are canned work just fine too.

I packed them loosely in 8 oz Ball jars and then covered them with Luxardo liqueur and let the jars sit for several days. These are easy and so superior to the sugared and artificially colored maraschino cherries available at the grocery!

Store in the refrigerator; they will keep for several weeks.

© Creative Culinary

 


« Christmas Tree Meringue Cookies
Fried Turkey with Honey, Bourbon and Pecan Glaze »

Comments

  1. sweetsugarbelle says

    December 13, 2011 at 9:55 pm

    I could REALLY go for one of these RIGHT NOW
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 13, 2011 at 11:37 pm

      Wish I could have obliged; I so know that feeling! Take good care, K?
      Reply
  2. Aggie says

    December 13, 2011 at 7:24 pm

    Your photos are stunning and so is this drink!!! Gorgeous Barb!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 13, 2011 at 7:33 pm

      Thanks so much Aggie; after almost 2 years of gimping around with a leg injury I feel like the time that I can now afford standing is starting to help me style and take photos I can actually be proud of; your comment means a lot...I'm hoping that time, more experience and yes,the basic ability to be able to stand and get the work done is starting to show some results I'm no longer ashamed of. Finally.
      Reply
  3. Karriann Graf says

    December 12, 2011 at 7:39 pm

    This cocktail looks really yummy Barb! MMMMMmmm I can taste it from here!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 12, 2011 at 10:57 pm

      Thank you Karriann...and cheers!
      Reply
  4. Cristina says

    December 12, 2011 at 12:39 pm

    Congratulations to the newly married couple! ;) Gorgeous looking cocktail, Barb! I feel like I could literally reach out and grab that drink from the computer screen...tasty images. Good stuff in this drink!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 12, 2011 at 10:56 pm

      Thanks Cristina...I loved the cocktail. It was most definitely a 'one drink' one for me. It's pretty face belied it's potent punch!
      Reply
  5. Cookin' Canuck says

    December 11, 2011 at 8:45 am

    What a wonderful way to pay tribute to Brian and Nelly's big day. I think I may adopt this cocktail for an "anytime" celebration, such "Yay, it's Friday!" Wonderful, Barb.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 11, 2011 at 12:04 pm

      I think that would work; it did for me. :)
      Reply
  6. Priscilla - She's Cookin' says

    December 10, 2011 at 10:32 pm

    So festive for Nelly's big day! Normally, I shun Maraschino's but your homemade ones might sway me :)
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 11, 2011 at 7:57 am

      There is simply no comparison. The flavor, the texture, all are improved. I even think the color; I much prefer the less artificial burgundy look compared to that bright, fake red. Easy too!
      Reply
  7. MikeVFMK says

    December 10, 2011 at 8:07 pm

    A cocktail perfect for a wedding between two great people. Love this recipe, Barb. And happy birthday to a wondeful woman!! I hope it's everything you wanted and more.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 11, 2011 at 7:55 am

      Was fun to make something for them...to think outside the 'glass of champagne' box. And thank you...what a sweet comment. I had a very nice day, thanks.
      Reply
  8. Amy Bellgardt says

    December 10, 2011 at 2:25 pm

    I would love this! I will eat/drink anything with cherries, they are my favorite. This drink looks awesome.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 11, 2011 at 7:54 am

      Thanks; it does pack a powerful punch...but it's good! Cheers!
      Reply
  9. Curt says

    December 10, 2011 at 5:39 am

    Tequila Smash sounds like an appropriate name. Easy to get smashed! This sure does sound tasty with the tropical infusion!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 11, 2011 at 7:52 am

      It was tasty and admit...it was strong. It's a one drink kind of drink for me. I made two. :)
      Reply
  10. BigFatBaker says

    December 9, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    Wow this is gorgeous. I never would have thought to make my own maraschino cherries but it looks so easy, and I'm sure tastes 1000x better than the store bought ones. This sounds like the perfect drink for Nelly and her new hubby to celebrate with.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 9, 2011 at 10:23 pm

      It is so easy and they always have been a hugely popular gift too. So good they really make those artificial ones pale by comparison and make the look, well, artificial!
      Reply
  11. Paula says

    December 9, 2011 at 8:14 pm

    Like I said earlier, you really have to do a book of your fabulous cocktails! This is a beautiful one and perfect for the future husband and wife. Love that you made your own maraschino cherries and that you participated in this virtual bridal shower.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 9, 2011 at 10:16 pm

      I thought it was young and vibrant and with a lot of heat...seems perfect for a bride and groom, right Paula? The cherries are yummy...even just on vanilla ice cream.
      Reply
  12. Carolyn says

    December 9, 2011 at 6:48 pm

    I hereby proclaim you the queen of cocktails. Love all these great drinks!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 9, 2011 at 10:17 pm

      I'll take it...I love doing these. Thanks a bunch.
      Reply
  13. rebecca says

    December 9, 2011 at 5:08 pm

    wonderful cocktail :-) love the festive look of your blog fun as always Barbara
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 9, 2011 at 10:20 pm

      Thank you for stopping by Rebecca; it was fun to do this for Nelly wasn't it?
      Reply
  14. Carrie @ poet in the pantry says

    December 9, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    It only keeps for several weeks if I don't drink it all first! ;) I never buy the maraschino cherries in the store because of all that fake stuff in them. Will have to make some of my own and try this, though, because it sounds fabulous!
    Reply
  15. EA-The Spicy RD says

    December 9, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    Amazing concoction! I definitely prefer your version of maraschino cherries, although pro bbl best not to give them to my kids :-) Gorgeous cocktail and so happy to celebrate Nelly's Big Day with you!!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 9, 2011 at 10:14 pm

      Agreed...though had to LOL...are these any worse than the artificial ones are for kids? Hmm?? :)
      Reply
  16. Delishhh says

    December 9, 2011 at 12:40 pm

    Oh my this looks so good - to bad i am pregnant :)
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 9, 2011 at 1:30 pm

      There will be a day...in the meantime I'll take some extra sips for you, how's that?!!
      Reply
  17. Kelly says

    December 9, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    Oh my goodness. These look amazing. I don't know if my husband would go for the drink, but it sounds so good to me! I pinned this because I HAVE to make those cherries. Heck, I've already made your coffee liqueur and cranberry liqueur, might as well do the cherries, too!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 9, 2011 at 1:29 pm

      Yes you must...so easy and great in anything you would typically use a maraschino for. I use them from Manhattan's to Shirley Temples...all good!
      Reply
  18. Jenni says

    December 9, 2011 at 10:46 am

    Now that is a Cocktail!! Wow, what a great addition to the shower spread! :)
    Reply
  19. Donna says

    December 9, 2011 at 10:46 am

    Those commercial Maraschino were great when I was a kid, but these days ... not so much. I'll have to try your version.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 9, 2011 at 1:27 pm

      Now that I'm used to them, the commercial color is garish too...but these are so good. I've done fresh ones in the summer but am always happy with the ease of these. I got a huge jar of them at the local HMart for $5; I like them better than the canned one.
      Reply
  20. Jamie says

    December 9, 2011 at 9:15 am

    "Once you try these you will never go back…promise!"??? I will never go back anyway, but wow love your cherry recipe. I'll get JP to do it. And that drink is gorgeous! And mmmm love the fruity flavor!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 9, 2011 at 1:26 pm

      Has to be the easiest recipe EVER with the greatest results. And thanks...Cheers to you my friend!
      Reply
  21. Lora ~ cakeduchess says

    December 9, 2011 at 9:05 am

    Another wonderful cocktail for your cocktail Friday. I would love a bowl of those cherries all for myself. And I won't share:)Your photos are fantastic!!xo
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 9, 2011 at 1:25 pm

      And we'll be dealing with a tipsy you for sure. Thanks Lora...if you knew how rushed I was to get them done to get to an event, well, thanks, makes it all worthwhile.
      Reply
  22. diabeticFoodie says

    December 9, 2011 at 8:55 am

    Love the idea of making your own Maraschino cherries!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 9, 2011 at 1:24 pm

      So easy...finding the Luxardo is not always but there are other brands of Maraschino liqueur...this is just the one I've always used. I just love the name; the way it rolls off the tongue. Crazy but true.
      Reply
  23. Boulder Locavore says

    December 9, 2011 at 8:54 am

    Sweet, sweet, sweet! All of it. So happy for Nelly and Brian. Love not only the cocktail you prepared but the thought put into it (noted your Tweet running out for 6 blueberries to make it perfect). Also 'ditto' on the Luxardo cherries. The list of offenders is lenghty in store bought Maraschino cherries certainly but the taste of the homemade cherries cannot be beat.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 9, 2011 at 1:23 pm

      Yeah...once I saw what I thought the perfect cocktail with ingredients I wanted to use, I HAD to. I give friends a jar of these cherries each year in their gift baskets...it's the one thing I best not forget either!
      Reply
  24. Wendy Read - Sunchowder says

    December 9, 2011 at 8:43 am

    These photos are outstanding Barb! I love the Nelly story, I met her myself about a month ago and she has so much energy, it's hard to keep up with her. I am so happy for her and for all of the lovely support she is receiving today for her Virtual Shower :) This one is printed!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 9, 2011 at 1:22 pm

      Til we can clink glasses and imbibe together? Cheers!
      Reply
  25. LiztheChef says

    December 9, 2011 at 8:42 am

    A lovely post - and I'm dying to make these cherries. I have been having trouble finding the cherries but learned I can order them through Amazon, of all places...
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 9, 2011 at 1:21 pm

      I know some only make them in the summer when they can use fresh cherries and cook and can them on their own but the truth is, sour cherries are not that prolific here and these have worked for me just fine for years. Unless I eat the whole jar; that might be trouble.
      Reply
  26. Baker Street says

    December 9, 2011 at 8:31 am

    You got booze! YAY! Tequila and maraschino cherries sound divine! Gorgeous clicks Barb!
    Reply
  27. Nelly Rodriguez says

    December 9, 2011 at 7:52 am

    Oh Barbara, this looks so good!! And homemade maraschino cherries, extra good! Thank you for the kind words and definitely great recipe!
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 9, 2011 at 1:20 pm

      All for you sweetie; hope tomorrow is a wonderful day. Try to relax and enjoy and drink of of these if necessary to help. :)
      Reply
  28. Sanjeeta kk says

    December 9, 2011 at 7:52 am

    Thanks for joining the virtual party and for all the suggestions and support, Barbara! Great fun exchanging mails and chatting over with each other. And what gorgeous cocktail to bring to the shower! Absolutely divine combo..wish the party is for real and I could sip out the drink out of that tall sexy glasses :) Love and hugs. Will cherish the moments forever.
    Reply
    • Creative Culinary says

      December 9, 2011 at 1:19 pm

      Thank you for all of your work; I know Nelly is so pleased.
      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Negroni Sbagliato says:
    March 19, 2019 at 1:39 am
    […] friend Barb created the Tequila Smash for Nelly’s big day! She even made her own maraschino cherries. I would love a huge bowl of […]
    Reply
  2. Pal-entines Day – Second Chances says:
    February 14, 2018 at 4:46 pm
    […] Tequila Smash […]
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  3. 21 Pretty Pink And Red Drinks For Valentine’s Day | Viral Investor says:
    October 14, 2016 at 10:29 pm
    […] creative-culinary.com […]
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  4. Grapefruit, Lime and Maraschino Martini — Recipe - Creative Culinary - A Denver, Colorado Food Blog - Sharing food through recipes and photography. says:
    January 13, 2012 at 6:01 am
    [...] the tartness of the juice I decided to add some maraschino liqueur. I recently made some of my own maraschino cherries for holiday gifts which are simply cherries that soak in Maraschino liqueur but you can eliminate [...]
    Reply
  5. Yum Alert: Tequila Smash | The Luxury Spot says:
    December 31, 2011 at 12:00 pm
    [...] Image and recipe via. [...]
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I’m Barbara Kiebel, the cook, photographer, author, and everyday eater at Creative Culinary. I hope you enjoy the recipes I prepare for family and friends and appreciate every one of you that come visit my virtual home! Read More…

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