Cherry Whiskey Smash

This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.

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, with other grains, water, and yeast, which are distilled and then aged in new charred oak barrels to develop a rich, caramelized flavor.

Simple Syrup: This is a sweetener made with white sugar and water, which are heated into a syrup with a sweet flavor.

Lemon Slices: This is a slice of lemon that has been cut into a half wheel shape.

Mint: This is an herb made from the leaves of the mint plant, which are harvested and used for their cool, aromatic flavor.

Cherry Bitters: This is a concentrated flavoring made with cherries, herbs, spices, botanicals, and distilled alcohol, which are macerated or steeped to develop a spiced cherry flavor.

Brandied Cherry: This is a type of stone fruit made by soaking maraschino cherries in brandy, water, and spices to make a rich, fruity 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.

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 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