Refreshing Fresh Cherry Bourbon Smash Cocktail
A bright, cool, and lively bourbon cocktail featuring muddled fresh cherries, mint, and lemon juice, topped with soda water for a perfect summer drink.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8–10 pitted fresh cherries (preferably Bing or Rainier)
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 6 to 8 fresh mint leaves
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
- 2 to 3 ounces soda water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel and cherry for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add the pitted cherries and mint leaves into your shaker. Use a muddler to gently press and crush them together for about 30 seconds to release juice and oils without pulverizing the mint.
- Pour in 2 ounces bourbon, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 ounce simple syrup. Stir quickly to combine.
- Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes. Seal and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until cold and frosty.
- Strain the liquid into a serving glass filled with fresh ice, using a fine mesh strainer to keep out pulp and mint bits.
- Top with 2 to 3 ounces soda water and stir gently to combine while keeping the fizz.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a whole cherry. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not over-muddle the mint to avoid bitterness. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Chill the serving glass beforehand for a colder drink. Adjust sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup. Bourbon can be substituted with rye whiskey or dark rum for different flavor profiles. Prep the muddled base up to 24 hours ahead and add bourbon and soda water just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (about 8-
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: cherry bourbon smash, bourbon cocktail, summer drink, fresh cherry cocktail, mint cocktail, easy bourbon recipe