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.

Bourbon Cherry Cocktail - The Littlest Crumb

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

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Instructions

Heat the cherries, brown sugar, water, cinnamon and vanilla extract on a small saucepan over medium heat.
Continue to heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the syrup to gently simmer for a couple of minutes. Don’t let it boil.
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.
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.
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