I love a good cocktail, and honestly, the Chilling Cherry Whiskey Sour has become one of my all-time favorites. It’s this mix of sweet cherries, whiskey, and a splash of lemon juice that gives it a tangy twist—super refreshing and surprisingly easy to whip up.
It’s got a little of that Manhattan vibe, but there’s more fruitiness and less of that sharp rye whiskey bite you get with sweet vermouth.
Whenever I want to impress friends or just wind down on my own, this drink never lets me down. The way the cherries and whiskey balance out? It’s so smooth.
If you’re looking to try something new at your next get-together, I’d totally recommend this cocktail.
Chilling Cherry Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe
Making a Cherry Whiskey Sour is honestly a breeze. It’s fast, easy, and ridiculously refreshing.
You don’t need anything fancy—just simple ingredients and a few basic tools. I like that I can throw it together anytime, whether it’s for myself or to share.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: It’s what I use to get everything mixed and chilled.
- Jigger or measuring spoon: Helps me nail the right ratio of bourbon and lemon juice.
- Strainer: Keeps ice and fruit bits out of the glass.
- Rocks glass: My go-to for whiskey sours.
- Bar spoon: Handy for stirring syrup or adding garnish.
- Citrus juicer (optional): Fresh lemon juice really pops, so I use a juicer if I have one.
- Small bowl (optional): Good for prepping egg white or aquafaba if I want froth.
- Fine mesh strainer (optional): Nice if I muddle cherries and want a smoother drink.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey or maybe an infused whiskey if I want more cherry flavor.
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice for that tart kick.
- 1 oz cherry simple syrup or cherry juice (sometimes I mix cherry syrup with simple syrup for extra sweetness).
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (or honey syrup, if I’m feeling fancy).
- 1 egg white or 1 oz aquafaba, for that classic frothy top (skip for a vegan drink).
- Ice cubes for shaking and chilling, obviously.
- 2-3 fresh cherries (pitted), muddled or just for garnish.
- 1-2 dashes Angostura bitters or orange bitters, if I’m in the mood.
- 1 maraschino cherry or fresh cherry for garnish.
- Lemon wheel or peel for a little flair.
Instructions
- Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes to get everything nice and cold.
- Pour in bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, cherry simple syrup (or cherry juice), and simple syrup.
- If you’re using it, add egg white or aquafaba for that silky froth.
- Shake hard for about 10-15 seconds—don’t hold back.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Top with a dash or two of bitters, if you want.
- Garnish with a cherry (fresh or maraschino) and a lemon wheel or peel.
Notes
I tweak the ingredients depending on my mood. If I want it tarter, I’ll splash in more lemon juice.
If I’m craving something sweeter, I just add a bit more cherry syrup or simple syrup. Fresh juices really do make a difference—don’t skip them if you can help it.
Sometimes I muddle a few fresh cherries with the syrup for a bigger cherry punch. For that classic whiskey sour texture, I’ll add egg white, or aquafaba if I’m making it vegan.
If I’m out of cherry syrup, I’ll sub in cherry liqueur or even a cherry-infused whiskey. Simple syrup is easy to make at home, but honey syrup gives a richer vibe.
I like floating a maraschino cherry on top for a festive touch.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or shot glass
- Strainer
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
- Citrus juicer
- Bar spoon
- Short cocktail glass (rocks glass)
- Ice cubes
- Garnish pick
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz cherry simple syrup or cherry juice
- ½ oz simple syrup or honey adjust to taste
- Optional: 1 egg white or 1 oz aquafaba for foam
- Optional: ½ oz cherry liqueur for more cherry flavor
- Optional: A few dashes of bitters such as Angostura
- Ice cubes for shaking
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
- 1 lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Add bourbon, lemon juice, cherry syrup (or juice), and simple syrup (or honey) to a cocktail shaker.
- If using, add the egg white or aquafaba for a foamy top.
- Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds.
- Double strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a lemon wheel.
- Optional: Add a few dashes of bitters or a splash of cherry liqueur for extra depth.
Tasting Notes
First sip of the Chilling Cherry Whiskey Sour and, honestly, it’s the balance that gets me. The cherry’s sweetness plays off the tart lemon just right.
There’s this bold cherry note right at the start, giving it a fruity twist you don’t get with a standard sour. It’s both refreshing and just a little tangy.
The whiskey comes through with a warm, rich base. It doesn’t bulldoze the fruit flavors—it actually lifts them up.
Texture:
- Smooth and cool, with a light frothy top
Flavor Highlights:
- Sweet cherry
- Tart lemon
- Whiskey’s oak
- Maybe a hint of almond from the cherry or bitters
Here’s how I’d sum up the feel of this drink:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Sweet & Sour | Balanced, lively |
| Fruity | Obvious, pleasant |
| Finish | Crisp, clean |
After each sip, there’s this little zing that lingers, and honestly, that’s what keeps me coming back. The fruitiness just makes it more fun than your basic whiskey sour.
Must Have Ingredients
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
 | Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
 | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
 | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
 | Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
 | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
 | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
 | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Substitute
Sometimes, I just don’t have all the original ingredients for my Chilling Cherry Whiskey Sour. Honestly, I like mixing things up or just using whatever I’ve got on hand.
Here are a few simple substitutes I go for:
Equipment
- Shaker: No shaker? I’ll grab a jar with a tight lid instead.
- Strainer: A small mesh sieve works, or even a slotted spoon if I’m feeling lazy.
Ingredients
- Whiskey: I’ve swapped in bourbon, rye, or even Canadian whisky before.
- Cherry juice: If I’m out of cherry, cranberry or pomegranate juice gets the job done.
- Lemon juice: Lime juice steps in pretty nicely.
- Simple syrup: Sometimes I use honey syrup or agave syrup.
- Garnish: Fresh or maraschino cherries, orange slices, or a lemon twist—depends on my mood.
Instructions
Jerry Thomas, the legendary bartender behind the Bartender’s Guide, was always making creative swaps in his recipes. He really knew how to make the best of whatever was around.
Trying new combinations has actually led me to discover a few favorites. Maybe that’s half the fun?
