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Home » Drink Recipes » Cocktails » Bourbon & Whiskey Cocktails

Bourbon Cherry Cocktail

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This fruity bourbon cherry cocktail is a perfect drink for sipping on a warm summer or fall evening. The homemade brown sugar and cherry infused syrup makes this drink stand out from the rest.

A bourbon cherry cocktail, garnished with a cherry, sitting on a wooden table.

For other fruity bourbon cocktails, try this blackberry bourbon smash, this bourbon raspberry cocktail or this pear & bourbon cocktail. 

For more fall-flavored bourbon cocktails, try this bourbon margarita, this bourbon rosemary cocktail or this brown sugar old fashioned.

Jump to:
  • Recipe Highlights
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • Equipment
  • Instructions
  • Make Ahead & Storage
  • Expert Tips
  • FAQ
  • 📖 Recipe

Recipe Highlights

  • It’s not too sweet. Cherry adds a fruity flavor that pairs excellently with bourbon in this drink, without being overly sweet.
  • Homemade cherry syrup. The homemade cherry syrup, infused with real cherries, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla give this cocktail all its flavor.
  • It’s made with frozen cherries. This drink can be made with frozen cherries so it can be made any time of the year.

Ingredients & Substitutions

All the ingredients needed to make the cocktail.
  • Bourbon: Use your favorite type of bourbon for this drink. Use a medium quality bourbon. Save high-end bourbons for drinking on the rocks. You can substitute this with another type of whiskey if you prefer.
  • Cherries: You can use fresh or frozen cherries for this drink. If you are using fresh cherries, make sure to pit them first. For frozen cherries, allow them to partially thaw first.
  • Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a slight caramel flavor to the syrup. If needed, you can substitute this for granulated sugar, but it will alter the taste slightly.
  • Cinnamon & Vanilla: Cinnamon and vanilla are used for flavoring in the homemade cherry syrup.
  • Lemon Juice: Lemon juice complements the cherry flavor well. Use freshly squeezed juice for the freshest flavor.
  • Orange Juice: A small dash of orange juice adds a little bit of sweetness.

Equipment

  • A small saucepan to make the cherry syrup in.
  • A cocktail shaker to make the cherry bourbon cocktail.
  • Cocktail glasses to serve the cocktail.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the cherries, brown sugar, water, cinnamon and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over medium heat. Continue to heat for 5 to 10 minutes until the sugar fully dissolves. Don’t let the syrup boil. 

Step 2: Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the syrup from the stove and strain out the leftover cherry chunks. 

Process photos illustrating steps 1 and 2.

Step 3: Add the bourbon, cherry syrup, lemon juice, orange juice and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake well until the outside of the shaker is frosted. Strain and serve into a chilled cocktail glass.

Process photo illustrating the red cherry cocktail being poured from the cocktail shaker into a coupe glass.

Make Ahead & Storage

This bourbon cocktail is best served fresh. 

To save time, you can make the cherry syrup in advance. To store the syrup, let it fully cool to room temperature. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. 

This recipe makes about 5 ounces of cherry syrup, so you will be left with extra.

Expert Tips

  • Chill the cocktail glasses. Chill the cocktail glasses in the freezer for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with cherries. Fresh cherries make the best garnish for this cocktail. You could also use homemade bourbon soaked cherries or store bought Woodford Reserve cherries. If you like the taste, you can also use maraschino cherries.
  • Don’t let the syrup boil. Boiling the syrup can cause too much water to evaporate. Adjust the temperature as needed.
Overhead view of a red bourbon cherry cocktail on a wooden table.

FAQ

Why is the cherry syrup too thick?

The syrup should have a liquid-like consistency. If you heat the syrup at too high a temperature or for too long, too much water will evaporate, leaving the syrup too thick.

Can I reduce the sweetness of this cocktail?

This cocktail is not overly sweet. However, if needed, you can reduce the sweetness by doubling the amount of bourbon, or cutting the amount of cherry syrup added in half.

Do I have to thaw the cherries first?

It is easiest to thaw or partially thaw the cherries before making the syrup. To partially thaw, allow the frozen cherries to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

Up close view of a cherry cocktail garnished with a red cherry.
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📖 Recipe

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A bourbon cherry cocktail, garnished with a cherry, sitting on a wooden table.

Bourbon Cherry Cocktail


  • Author: Ali
  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 1 Cocktail 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This fruity bourbon cherry cocktail is a perfect drink for sipping on a warm summer evening. The homemade brown sugar and cherry infused syrup makes this drink stand out from the rest.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Cherry Syrup:
    • 1 ½ cup frozen cherries
    • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
    • ½ cup water
    • 1 tsp cinnamon
    • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Bourbon Cherry Cocktail:
    • 1 oz bourbon
    • 1 oz cherry syrup
    • ½ oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
    • ½ oz orange juice, freshly squeezed

Instructions

  1. Heat the cherries, brown sugar, water, cinnamon and vanilla extract on a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Continue to heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the syrup to gently simmer for a couple of minutes. Don’t let it boil.
  3. Once the brown sugar has fully dissolved, which will take about 5 minutes, remove the syrup from the heat. Strain out the cherries. Set the syrup aside to cool for a few minutes.
  4. Add the bourbon, cherry syrup, lemon juice, orange juice and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake well for 5 to 8 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosted.
  5. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve. Enjoy responsibly!

Notes

  • Garnish with cherries. Fresh cherries make the best garnish for this cocktail. You could also use homemade bourbon soaked cherries or store bought Woodford Reserve cherries. If you like the taste, you can also use maraschino cherries.
  • Don’t let the syrup boil. Don’t let the cherry syrup boil. Adjust the temperature as needed.
  • Storing the syrup: Store leftover cherry syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 3 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Cocktail
  • Calories: 174
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 14mg
  • Fat: 0.3g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27.9g
  • Fiber: 1.1g
  • Protein: 0.8g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: bourbon cocktails

Leave a comment if you tried this recipe!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Chris

    December 09, 2022 at 4:22 pm

    This is a lot of cinnamon. It way overpowers the drink. If I try it again, I will just sprinkle a little bit on top.

    Reply

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Ali in a white tank top wearing sunglasses, with trees with yellow leaves in the background.

Hi, I'm Ali! Full-time nurse, lifetime foodie. Join me as I create, eat and drink the most delicious brunch, cocktail & dessert recipes! More about me —>

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