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.
I used frozen cherries, totally fine right? Maybe too cold though.
Cherry and mint? Sounds weird. But it actually turned out pretty good! Who knew?
I used frozen cherries and it worked, so that’s a win. Next time I’ll pit them better—one random pit nearly ruined my life lol.
Wait… frozen cherries AND bourbon? I dunno, sounds like it would be watery. Also step 1 says 10 cherries—if they’re frozen maybe you gotta thaw first? But yeah pitting is overrated, I usually just chew around the pit… (jk 😅).
That’s a legit win 😄 Frozen cherries can actually be better sometimes. Sorry about the pit though—those are tiny little landmines. Next batch: maybe use a fine strainer just in case!
Lemon slice? Is that necessary? Just drink it!
Uhh, alcohol isn’t for everyone. You should consider a non-alcoholic version.
I agree, maybe try using sparkling water or something instead of booze! It could be just as tasty! 🍒
My shaker leaked a bit last time (skill issue lol), but the flavor was great. If you don’t have enough ice, just shake longer.
My shaker leaks no matter what I do lol. I tried “shake longer” and it was still kinda thin. Maybe add more lemon juice? Or more cherries?
Happened to me too 😅 but shaking longer definitely helps. I usually pack the crushed ice pretty tight so it doesn’t go watery.
This drink is amazing! Perfect for summer evenings.
Tried this for a friend’s birthday—super refreshing and the cherry flavor really comes through. The mint makes it feel fancy.
Not gonna lie, this reads a little fancy for something that’s basically cherries and booze. But hey, if it tastes good, who cares.
Honestly I get you—sounds like it should be more “rustic” than fancy. 😄 But muddling the mint with the cherries really changes it; the bourbon + lemon balance is the key. If it tastes good, that’s the whole point!
This drink is amazing! The mint really lifts the flavor of the cherries! 5 stars all the way! 🍒
Not sure I like mint in cherry drinks. Isn’t that weird? Just stick to the cherries! 🤔
I agree! The mint really makes it pop. I can’t believe how refreshing it is! 🍃
Delicious and easy to make! I just wish there was a way to make it a pitcher drink.
Cherry Smash sounds like a bad diet plan! Who wants to drink the fruits?
I think you just don’t understand the fun of cocktails! Cherry Smash is awesome! 🍒🥃
Drinking fruits? Sounds kinda weird but I guess it could be tasty? Who knows! 🤷♂️
I tried something similar before and it came out kind of strong. I’d start with a little less bourbon the first time, just my opinion.
That makes sense—2 oz bourbon is definitely enough to come through. I’ll try it with a splash less next time, thanks!
This drink was AMAZING! So refreshing and perfect for summer. Will definitely make again!
Wow, what a refreshing cocktail! The cherry flavor really shines through.
Looks good, but I don’t like bourbon. Can you use vodka instead?
I totally agree! The cherry flavor is like a burst of summer in every sip. 🍒
So easy to make! I made it for my friends and they loved it! I’m not a big fan of bourbon but it’s not too overpowering here.
Easy and quick. I made it for my friends and they loved it. Will make again!
I followed the recipe but it came out too sweet, not my cup of tea.
Way too much bourbon for my taste. Also the instructions are kinda vague—how long do you shake for? I guess “well chilled” could mean a lot of things.
Made it for friends and everyone kept asking what bourbon cocktail it was. I used a little less syrup and it still slapped.
I messed up and used lime instead of lemon… still kinda worked? The mint got super fragrant. But following the lemon part matters, I think.
Yum! Added a splash of soda for some fizz. My guests loved it!
Amazing cocktail! Just like the cherry drinks i had at my cousin’s wedding!
Not sure about muddling mint leaves for 10 cherries. Feels like it’ll be overpowering? Mine was a little minty, but it mellowed after a few sips.
Cherry smash? Sounds funny! But I tried it and gagged. Not my thing!
I loved it! The combination of cherry and mint is so refreshing! Maybe you didn’t use fresh ingredients?
Muddled the cherries until they were basically juice pulp—probably overdid it. It turned out cloudy and not pretty, but it was tasty.
Too much bourbon for my taste. I think I’m gonna stick to beer.
This drink was amazing! The cherry flavor really comes through. Will definitely make it again!
yum!
Cherries and mint? Sounds weird! But I tried it and WOW, I was surprised! Kinda addictive, honestly.
Tried this last night—super refreshing. The muddled cherries + mint smell amazing, and the bourbon gives it that warm kick. I used a splash less syrup and it still felt balanced.
I don’t really get the hype. It was okay but nothing special. Maybe I did it wrong? 🤷♂️
Way too sweet for me. Maybe my simple syrup was stronger than yours or my cherries were extra ripe. The bourbon flavor gets hidden a bit, but it’s refreshing.
Totally get that—cherry sweetness varies a lot, especially if they’re really ripe. I’ve started using a thinner syrup (like 3/4 oz) and it keeps the bourbon from getting buried.
Interesting. I used store-bought syrup and it was super sweet too, but I figured “more cherries = more flavor,” lol. Next time I’ll cut the syrup first, not the bourbon.
This was fine, I guess, but can we skip the mint next time? Didn’t taste like much.
I actually loved the mint! It added a fresh twist to the drink. Maybe give it another go?
Mint? Who needs it? Just more sugar and cherry for me, haha!
Used whiskey instead of bourbon, still tasted fab – no regrets!
I tried it, but it felt a bit too sweet for my taste. Maybe less simple syrup next time.
I actually love it sweet! But you could try adding less syrup next time. Happy mixing!
Okay but why lemon garnish AND lemon juice? lol. Still tasty tho.
The ingredient list is nice and straightforward, but 10 whole cherries feels like either a lot or not enough depending on size. I’d probably adjust to taste.
Not bad, but I wish it had more “cherry punch.” I used regular cherries and maybe next time I’ll use sweeter ones or double the fruit.
I tried making this, but the bourbon was too strong for me. Next time I’ll use less.
Tried it tonight. It’s actually pretty balanced, but I think 2 oz bourbon was strong compared to the 1 oz syrup—still good though. Would make again for sure.
One slice of lemon garnish seems small… I would maybe add more or zest it. Otherwise feels a bit plain visually.
This is such a fun, fresh drink. The cherry + mint combo is exactly what I want in summer—easy and tastes really bright.
5 mint leaves seems random… I used 1 big one and it was still good. Also, I used whole ice chunks not crushed and it was harder to shake lol.
The bourbon + crushed ice combo is dangerous. It’s like a smooth slush. Will make again for sure!
Cherry Smash. Smash what? 😅 I like the idea though. The ice crush makes it feel fancy, like a bar drink at home. Will make again.
I followed the recipe and worked surprisingly well! Not a fan of mint tho… 😕
Glad it worked out for you! You could try leaving out the mint next time. The cherries are so sweet anyway!
Delicious! I loved the minty freshness. Perfect for summer parties!
Tasted like cough syrup. I won’t make it again.
Sorry to hear that! Maybe you didn’t use ripe cherries? They can really make a difference. 😅
Bourbon and cherries are a match made in heaven! My new favorite cocktail!
This drink is an absolute treat! Perfect for summer nights. 🍹
Wow, the mint makes it so refreshing! Who knew cherry and mint really go together so well!
I thought mint was just for toothpaste! But this sounds good! Gonna try it.
Really? Cherry and mint? That sounds weird, I’ve never seen that combo before. Is it even tasty?
Made my hubby like it but he drinks anything! Haha! 😉
Not bad! The lemon juice really wakes everything up. Next time I’ll muddle a little less though—mine tasted slightly bitter, like I overcrushed the mint.
This is giving “fancy bar” vibes. Shaking with crushed ice should make it nice and cold—love that.
Muddling the cherries with the mint was the key. I used a little extra lemon and it balanced the sweetness perfectly.
Love this idea! Muddling cherries + mint usually makes the flavor pop, and that extra lemon to tame the sweetness sounds spot on. 🍒🌿 I’m definitely trying it.
I tried muddling once but my cherries turned like… paste? 😅 Still tasted good though. Would it work with less lemon, or is the sweetness always that strong? Also, do I crush the ice in a blender?
Can’t wait to impress my friends with this! 🍒🍹
Mint can get bitter if muddled too hard. Like, don’t go Hulk on it. Gentle muddle = better drink.
I followed the steps but my muddling wasn’t great (kinda broke the mint too much). Flavor still came through, just not super balanced.
Cherry Smash? Sounds more like a cherry mess. Didn’t turn out right for me.
Sorry to hear that! Maybe your cherries weren’t ripe enough? 🙁
It sounds easy, but I think people just mess it up sometimes. I loved it!