Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, I’m a sucker for the classic Old Fashioned, but when you add cherry? It just hits different—smooth, a little fruity, and seriously hard to pass up. A Cherry Old Fashioned blends the bold flavor of whiskey with the sweetness of cherries for a balanced, easy-to-enjoy cocktail.

You don’t need anything fancy to make one at home—no wild ingredients or special gadgets. Just a few steps, and suddenly you’ve got a drink that feels classic but also a little unexpected.

The cherry brings just enough sweetness to complement the whiskey, not drown it. It’s the sort of cocktail you want to sip slowly, maybe while you’re winding down or hanging out with friends.

Making one for yourself? Or maybe you’re playing bartender for a crowd? Either way, this recipe is quick and packed with flavor.

I’ll break down the ingredients, the gear, and the steps so it’s pretty much foolproof. Plus, I’ll throw in some tasting notes—because honestly, half the fun is noticing the little flavor details.

Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

I usually reach for this recipe when I’m craving that combo of smooth whiskey, rich cherry, and a hint of sweetness. Good ingredients and the right glass really do make a difference—trust me.

Equipment

When it comes to tools, I keep things pretty straightforward.

• Old fashioned glass – short, sturdy, and just right for this drink
• Bar spoon – for an easy, gentle stir
• Jigger – so you don’t overdo it
• Muddler – only if you’re using a sugar cube
• Peeler or knife – to grab that orange peel
• Ice cube tray – big cubes are best
• Small mixing glass – optional, but handy if you like to stir before pouring

I’ve noticed that using one big ice cube slows down the melting, so your drink stays cold without getting watered down too fast.

Ingredients

Fresh, quality stuff really does shape the whole drink.

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 tsp maple syrup or 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 0.5 oz sweetened cherry juice or tart cherry juice
• 0.25 oz Luxardo maraschino liqueur (optional, but adds depth)
• 1 orange peel or orange slice for garnish
• 1 Luxardo cherry or another good maraschino cherry
• 1 large ice cube or a few regular cubes

Sometimes I’ll go for maple syrup, but if I’m feeling traditional, I’ll swap in a sugar cube for that classic texture.

Instructions

Here’s how I usually pull it together.

• Put the sugar cube or maple syrup in your glass.
• Add the bitters and cherry juice.
• If you’re using a sugar cube, muddle it gently to help it dissolve.
• Pour in the bourbon or rye.
• Stir it up with a bar spoon for about 20–30 seconds.
• Drop in your big ice cube.
• Take the orange peel, give it a twist over the drink to get those oils out, then toss it in.
• Top with the cherry.

I always skip shaking—stirring just keeps everything smooth and crystal clear.

Notes

Bourbon tends to make the drink sweeter and rounder, while rye brings a spicy kick. If you use sweetened cherry juice, the flavor’s a bit richer; tart cherry juice gives it a sharper bite.

If you don’t want too much sweetness, just dial back the maple syrup or sugar. Adding Luxardo maraschino liqueur is totally optional, but it does bring out the cherry without stealing the show from the whiskey.

Serving it in a chilled old fashioned glass keeps things colder, longer. And don’t skimp on the cherry for garnish—a good one really does make that last sip worth it.

Tasting Notes

So, first sip—there’s this smooth balance that hits right away, with cherry sweetness mingling with the warmth from the bourbon. The flavors come together in a way that’s rich, but honestly, it never feels heavy.

The cherry brings a light fruity note that kind of takes the edge off the whiskey’s oaky punch. Thankfully, it doesn’t go overboard on sweetness, so you still get that classic vibe.

There’s a little bitterness from the bitters that sneaks in, just enough to keep things from getting too one-note. Makes every sip feel a bit more intriguing, if you ask me.

The aroma? It’s inviting but pretty straightforward—fresh cherry, a hint of citrus from the orange twist, and that unmistakable deep bourbon scent. I really appreciate when the smell lines up with the taste.

Texture-wise, it’s smooth, with a gentle warmth as it goes down. The ice does its job keeping things cool, but the flavors actually stay bold right up to the last sip.