The Cherry Smash is a delightful cocktail that combines the sweet, tangy flavors of fresh cherries with the bright, crisp notes of citrus and a splash of alcohol. Perfect for a summer gathering, a casual get-together, or any occasion that calls for a refreshing drink, the Cherry Smash is a fun and easy cocktail to make. With its vibrant color and balanced flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite at your next event.
At the heart of the Cherry Smash is fresh cherries, which provide both sweetness and a slight tartness. By muddling the cherries, you release their natural juices, creating a fruit-forward base that gives the cocktail a fresh, homemade feel. The addition of mint leaves adds an aromatic twist, complementing the cherries and giving the drink a refreshing herbal note.
A good splash of lemon juice brings brightness to the cocktail, balancing the sweetness of the cherries and creating a harmonious mix of flavors. Some variations of the Cherry Smash include a hint of simple syrup for added sweetness, but if you prefer a more tart drink, you can skip the syrup and let the natural cherry flavor shine through.
To complete the cocktail, your choice of spirit is key. Bourbon adds depth and warmth, making the Cherry Smash feel cozy yet refreshing. Alternatively, rum can be used for a lighter, sweeter option, while vodka provides a neutral base that lets the cherry and citrus flavors take center stage. Top the drink off with a splash of club soda or sparkling water for some effervescence, giving it a bubbly finish.
The Cherry Smash is best served over ice in a rocks glass and garnished with a cherry, a sprig of fresh mint, or a slice of lemon to add a pop of color. Whether you’re sipping it on a warm afternoon or enjoying it as a sweet treat at the end of the day, this cocktail is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 10 whole cherries pitted
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 5 leaves mint fresh
- 1/2 oz lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 cup ice crushed
- 1 slice lemon for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the pitted cherries and mint leaves until well combined.
- Add bourbon, simple syrup, and lemon juice to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with crushed ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon and a cherry on top. Serve immediately.
Nah, too sweet. I like my drinks more bitter.
I get that! A hint of bitterness can really elevate a cocktail. Ever tried adding a splash of soda water instead of the simple syrup? Gives it a nice balance!
Absolutely delightful! Perfect for summer nights.
This is so good! Perfect for summer nights.
Totally agree! I made it last week and it was a hit with my friends! 🍒
Looks good, but I don’t know about putting cherries in cocktails. Isn’t that just for desserts? 🤔
I don’t even like bourbon much, but this worked! Maybe because the cherries are sweet enough to hide the burn. Yum.
That’s awesome—sweet cherries really do a lot to smooth out the bourbon. I’ll have to try it with the simple syrup level you used!
Good idea but mine came out a bit too tart. Next time I’ll probably reduce the lemon juice or add a touch more simple syrup.
OMG! This is the bomb! My new favorite drink!
I dunno, it was okay but I expected more. Maybe more cherries would help?
I think more cherries would definitely make it sweeter! Give it another shot with extra fruit.
I’m skeptical about how strong the cherry flavor is with only 10 cherries. It turned kind of tangy more than “cherry.” Still drinkable, just not what I expected.
I dunno, I mean, is bourbon really the best for this? What about vodka?
Whaaaaat? You really shake it? I just stir mine, lol!
Wow, this sounds super refreshing. Cherry + bourbon + mint is such a good combo. Definitely making it for summer nights.
Pretty good, but 10 cherries feels like a lot—mine was super thick and I had to strain twice. Still delicious though.
I get what you mean—10 cherries definitely makes it thick. I usually do the cherries/mint well, then strain once through a fine mesh and it’s smoother.
Maybe my cherries were smaller? I didn’t find it too thick, but I also didn’t strain twice. I’ll try fewer cherries next time though.
Too much mint for me. I think I would skip that next time.
I don’t even know what simple syrup is… can I just use sugar? 🤷♂️
Simple and tasty! I love it. Thanks for sharing.
It tastes kinda weird bcuz of the bourbon. I thought it would be sweeter. My friends liked it more than I did.
Not so great, tasted too much like cherries. I prefer something stronger.
I don’t know, it seemed like too much mint to me. I think I’ll stick to my usual cocktails.
Quick question—how do you muddle? Just smash the cherries? Help?
Yes, just smash ’em with something! A wooden spoon works great. You’re gonna love it!
Muddling? Isn’t that just another word for smashing? Use your hands or a hammer, I guess?
Whoa! I made this for a party and it was a hit! Everybody loved it.