A Cherry Bourbon Sour brings a sweet twist to the classic whiskey sour. This drink mixes bourbon with fresh cherry juice and a hint of citrus for a perfect balance of flavors.
The mix of tart cherries and smooth bourbon creates a cocktail that takes only 5 minutes to make and needs just 4 basic ingredients.
The deep red color makes this drink a standout choice for parties and gatherings. Guests will love the mix of fresh cherries and bourbon.
Lemon juice adds brightness to each sip. The recipe works well with both fresh or frozen cherries, making it great for any season.
This drink pairs nicely with grilled foods. You can also serve it as an after-dinner treat.
Cherry Bourbon Sour Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Hawthorne strainer
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Muddler
- Rocks glass
- Ice cube tray for large cubes
- Cocktail pick or toothpick for garnish
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- 3 fresh cherries plus 1 for garnish
- 1 large ice cube for serving
- 8-10 regular ice cubes for shaking
Instructions
- Add 3 fresh cherries to the cocktail shaker. Muddle until crushed.
- Pour bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup into the shaker.
- Add regular ice cubes to the shaker. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Place one large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Double strain the mixture through both strainers into the glass to remove cherry pieces.
- Garnish with a fresh cherry on a cocktail pick.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
The Cherry Bourbon Sour starts with sweet cherry notes that blend smoothly with the warm oak and vanilla flavors from the bourbon.
First Sip: Lemon juice brings bright tartness, followed by rich sweetness from the cherries and simple syrup.
The drink has a silky texture from the egg white foam. This adds a luxurious mouthfeel and softens the sour elements.
Key Flavor Components:
- Fresh cherry: Sweet and fruity
- Bourbon: Oak, caramel, vanilla
- Lemon: Bright citrus
- Egg white: Smooth, creamy texture
The finish balances sweet and sour, with the bourbon’s warmth lingering. Cherry flavor stays present in every sip without overpowering.
A light bitterness from the cherry pits adds complexity and depth. The garnish of fresh cherries adds an extra burst of fruit aroma with each sip.
Substitute
If you don’t have bourbon, you can use other spirits. Rye whiskey adds a spicier kick to the drink.
For a non-alcoholic version, mix cherry juice with lemon juice and simple syrup. Add a splash of alcohol-free whiskey alternative for extra depth.
No fresh cherries? Use high-quality maraschino cherries or frozen cherries instead. These work well for both garnish and muddling.
Quick Substitutes:
- Bourbon → Rye whiskey or Tennessee whiskey
- Fresh cherries → Maraschino or frozen cherries
- Simple syrup → Honey or agave nectar
- Fresh lemon juice → Store-bought lemon juice
The drink tastes best with fresh citrus. If you use bottled lemon juice, choose a high-quality brand and adjust the amount to your taste.
For the garnish, an orange slice or lemon twist can replace the cherry. Add a dash of orange bitters for extra complexity if you skip the cherry garnish.
