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Cocktail History
The Cherry Whiskey Smash is a modern cocktail that was created by Alex Sukopp, former bartender of Sips From Scripts, 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. This one 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. I used Knob Creek 9 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
Simple Syrup: This is a sweetener made with white sugar and water. I made mine using this 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. I used Mojito mint leaves.
Cherry Bitters: This is a food product made with cherries, herbs, botanicals, and alcohol. I used Fee Brothers Cherry Bitters.
Mint Sprig: This is an herb. I 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. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Muddler: This is used to muddle ingredients. I used the HQY Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Paring Knife: This is used to cut citrus into slices or wheels. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Orange-yellow color
• Aroma: Tart citrus and cool mint
• Taste: Refreshing ice-cold bourbon flavor mellowed out by sugary mint and cherry
• Finish: Tangy lemon and lingering cherry
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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 nod to Wisconsin with the cherries 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 for me, but again, it wouldn’t be a Cherry Whiskey Smash without them.”
Recipe
Cherry Whiskey Smash
The Cherry Whiskey Smash is a modern cocktail that was created by Alex Sukopp, former bartender of Sips From Scripts, 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. This one follows this same build with the addition of sweet cherry flavor.
Ingredients
Method
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Add simple syrup, two lemon slices, and mint leaves to a highball glass.
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Muddle gently for 5-7 seconds.
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Add crushed ice to glass.
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Top with whiskey and cherry bitters.
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Stir for 5-10 seconds.
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Garnish with remaining lemon slice, mint sprig, and cherry.
