Cherry Bourbon Delight Cocktail
Smooth bourbon meets bright cherry and a kiss of vanilla in this easy, fruit-forward cocktail that feels special with minimal effort.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Muddler or spoon
- Jigger
- Small saucepan
- Bar spoon
- Rocks glass or coupe glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz lemon juice fresh
- 1 oz cherry syrup made from cherries, sugar, and vanilla
- 4-5 fresh cherries pitted
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar for syrup
- ice cubes
- fresh cherry or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat gently until cherries soften and release their juice, then strain and cool.
- Muddle a few cherries in a cocktail shaker.
- Add bourbon, lemon juice, and cherry syrup to the shaker. Add ice.
- Shake about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice, or into a coupe if serving up.
- Garnish with a fresh cherry or a lemon twist.
Notes
Rye-forward bourbons add spice; sweeter bourbons make this extra smooth. Frozen cherries work well when fresh are out of season. For something lighter, top with a splash of soda water. Make it slightly dessert-like by adding a touch more syrup. Best enjoyed fresh so the cherry flavor stays vivid.
Tasting notes: smooth cherry and warm bourbon on the nose; balanced sweetness with gentle vanilla and citrus; soft oak finish.