Cherry Bourbon Smash

Since a bourbon smash uses fresh fruit, it’s a perfect summer cocktail. The addition of club soda to the strained drink, makes it light and refreshing for that summer heat. I love cherries in a bourbon smash, but feel free to substitute any fresh seasonal fruit you enjoy.

However, you don’t have to enjoy this cocktail only in the summer. Bourbon and whiskey are warming liquors, and you can try different variations of a whiskey or bourbon smash in the cooler months. In the winter, you might consider using pomegranate or cranberry. You can also switch out the club soda for ginger beer or ginger ale.

No matter when you make a bourbon smash, you’ll love the lightly sweet, fruity and citrus flavors that blend with bourbon and soda.

FAQS:

What is a bourbon smash?A bourbon smash uses muddled fruit, citrus, mint, and a sweetener to achieve it’s distinctive flavor. The name is derived from the muddled or “smashed” components of the recipe.

What’s the difference between bourbon and whiskey?Bourbon is a type of whiskey, but not all whiskeys are bourbons. To be classified as a bourbon the whiskey must contain at least 51% corn mash. It’s this higher content of corn that gives bourbon it’s sweeter flavor. Bourbon is also aged in new charred oak barrels, while whiskeys may use a variety of barrels used to age other spirits. For more information on the differences, see Food and Wine’s This is the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey.

What’s the best bourbon to use in a bourbon smash?I made mine with Maker’s Mark, but a few others you might consider include: Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek, Old Forester, or Evan Williams.

INGREDIENTS FOR A CHERRY BOURBON SMASH:

• Bourbon: Use any brand you like.
• Maple syrup: Adds sweetness to the cocktail.
• Mint leaves: Provides a bright aroma.
• Lemon: Adds citrus and acid to balance the sweetness.
• Cherries: The fruity element.
• Bitters: Balances the sweet and acidic components.
• Club soda: Makes this a refreshing cocktail.

HOW TO MAKE A BOURBON SMASH:

• Add the lemon, pitted cherries, mint leaves, bitters, and bourbon to a cocktail shaker. Lightly muddle the ingredients together.
• Add the maple syrup and ice, and shake vigorously a few times. Strain into a rocks glass.
• Add ice, and top with club soda. Give the cocktail a few stirs to disperse the club soda through the drink.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Garnish with lemon wheel and cherry, if desired.
• You could also add a mint sprig.

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INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Cherries: You can use any fresh fruit that appeals to you. You might consider using peaches, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries.
• Lemon: Experiment with other citrus such as lime, orange, or grapefruit.
• Mint: Try subbing basil.
• Club soda: Seltzer water, ginger ale, or ginger beer.
• Maple syrup: Honey or simple syrup.
• Bourbon: Whiskey or scotch can also be used.

RECIPE NOTES:

• Need to up your home bartending game? This cocktail shaker set will have you mixing up cocktails and looking like a pro.
• Bitters bring more complexity to a cocktail.
• A measured shot glass allows you to get the perfect proportions in your cocktails.

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