Cherry Bourbon Sour Cocktail Recipe

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A Cherry Bourbon Sour takes the classic whiskey sour and adds a sweet twist with fresh cherries and premium bourbon. This simple yet tasty cocktail needs just 5 ingredients: bourbon, fresh lemon juice, cherry syrup, cherries, and ice.

The drink started in American bars during the 1950s when fruit-based cocktails gained fame.

Its blend of tart and sweet flavors makes it perfect for summer parties or relaxing evenings at home.

Many people like this drink because it mixes basic bar items with fresh fruit.

The dark red color and floating cherries create a nice look that works well for photos or fancy dinners.

Tasting Notes

The Cherry Bourbon Sour balances sweet, tart, and woody flavors in each sip.

Fresh cherry juice adds natural sweetness and a bright red color to the drink.

Bourbon brings notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak that blend smoothly with the cherry.

The whiskey’s warmth creates a rich base for the cocktail.

Fresh lemon juice provides a crisp tartness that cuts through the sweetness.

This acidic element keeps the drink from becoming too heavy or cloying.

Key Flavor Components:

• Sweet: Cherry juice, bourbon
• Sour: Fresh lemon juice
• Woody: Oak from bourbon aging
• Subtle: Vanilla, caramel notes

The drink starts sweet on the tongue, followed by tart citrus notes. It ends with a gentle bourbon warmth and lingering cherry flavor.

A dash of aromatic bitters adds depth and complexity.

These spices enhance the bourbon’s natural character without overpowering the fruit.

The texture is smooth and medium-bodied. Ice dilution helps marry the flavors while keeping the drink refreshing.

Substitute

No cherry bourbon at home? Regular bourbon works great in this drink. Mix it with cherry juice or cherry syrup to create a similar taste.

Fresh cherries can replace maraschino cherries as a garnish. During winter months, frozen cherries make a nice swap.

For a non-alcoholic version, use black cherry soda mixed with lemon juice. Add a splash of grenadine syrup to match the deep red color of the original drink.

Alternative spirits that work well:

• Rye whiskey
• Tennessee whiskey
• Dark rum
• Brandy

Short on lemon juice? Lime juice creates a different but tasty twist. Orange juice also pairs nicely with the cherry flavors.

Simple syrup substitutes include:

• Maple syrup
• Agave nectar
• Honey
• Cherry syrup

A dash of cherry bitters can enhance the cherry flavor when using plain bourbon. This helps create the signature taste without special cherry-flavored spirits.

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