Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned: The Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Cocktail

Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned: Prepare to elevate your cocktail game with a drink that’s both timeless and tantalizing! Imagine the rich, smooth warmth of bourbon dancing on your tongue, perfectly complemented by the sweet, juicy burst of cherries, all rounded out with the subtle bitterness of bitters. This isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience.

The Old Fashioned, a cornerstone of classic cocktails, boasts a history as rich and complex as its flavor profile. Emerging in the 19th century, it represents a return to the “old-fashioned” way of making cocktails – simply spirit, sugar, water, and bitters. Adding cherries and a splash of their sweet syrup brings a modern twist to this beloved classic. It’s a nod to tradition with a playful, fruity upgrade.

Why do people adore the Old Fashioned, and especially this Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned variation? It’s the perfect balance. The bourbon provides a comforting warmth, the cherries offer a delightful sweetness and vibrant color, and the bitters add depth and complexity. It’s sophisticated enough for a special occasion, yet simple enough to enjoy on a relaxing evening at home. Plus, who can resist the allure of those glistening, bourbon-soaked cherries at the bottom of the glass? This Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned is sure to become your new go-to cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon (I prefer a high-rye bourbon for this)
• 1/2 ounce cherry liqueur (such as Luxardo or Kirsch)
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup (or to taste)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• 3-4 brandied cherries (plus extra for garnish)
• Orange peel, for garnish
• Large ice cube (or several smaller ones)
• Optional: A splash of club soda or sparkling water

Preparing the Cherry Bourbon Base:

Okay, let’s get started! The key to a fantastic Old Fashioned is building the flavors properly. We’re not just throwing ingredients together; we’re crafting a symphony of taste!

1. Muddle the Cherries: In an Old Fashioned glass (a rocks glass), gently muddle 3-4 brandied cherries with the simple syrup. Don’t pulverize them! We want to release their flavor, not create a cherry paste. A gentle press with a muddler is all you need. If you don’t have a muddler, the back of a spoon will work in a pinch.
2. Add the Bitters: Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and 2 dashes of orange bitters to the glass. Bitters are the unsung heroes of cocktails, adding depth and complexity. Don’t skip them!
3. Pour in the Cherry Liqueur: Now, pour in the 1/2 ounce of cherry liqueur. This will amplify the cherry flavor and add a touch of sweetness. Luxardo is my go-to, but Kirsch works beautifully too.
4. Introduce the Bourbon: Finally, add the 2 ounces of bourbon. I highly recommend using a high-rye bourbon for this recipe. The spicy notes of the rye will complement the sweetness of the cherries and the bitterness of the bitters, creating a well-balanced cocktail. But hey, use your favorite bourbon! Experiment and see what you like best.

Chilling and Diluting the Cocktail:

This is where the magic happens! Proper chilling and dilution are crucial for a perfect Old Fashioned. We want the drink to be cold and slightly diluted, which will mellow out the alcohol and allow the flavors to meld together.

1. Add Ice: Add a large ice cube (or several smaller ones) to the glass. A large ice cube melts slower, which is ideal for an Old Fashioned. If you only have smaller ice cubes, that’s fine, but be aware that the drink will dilute faster.
2. Stir Gently: Using a bar spoon, gently stir the mixture for about 20-30 seconds. The goal is to chill the drink and slightly dilute it. Don’t stir too vigorously, or you’ll over-dilute it. You should feel the glass getting nice and cold.
3. Taste and Adjust (Optional): At this point, give the cocktail a taste. If it’s too strong, add a splash of club soda or sparkling water. If it’s not sweet enough, add a tiny bit more simple syrup. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Garnishing and Serving:

Presentation matters! A beautiful garnish elevates the drinking experience. Plus, the aroma of the orange peel adds another layer of complexity to the cocktail.

1. Express the Orange Peel: Using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, carefully peel a strip of orange zest. Express the oils from the orange peel over the glass by gently squeezing it, peel side down, over the drink. This releases the aromatic oils and adds a burst of citrus to the nose.
2. Rim the Glass (Optional): Run the orange peel around the rim of the glass to further enhance the citrus aroma.
3. Garnish: Drop the orange peel into the glass or drape it over the rim. Add an extra brandied cherry or two for garnish.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve your Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

Want to take your Old Fashioned game to the next level? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Experiment with Different Bourbons: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different bourbons to find your favorite. Wheated bourbons will be sweeter and smoother, while high-rye bourbons will be spicier and more complex.
• Make Your Own Brandied Cherries: Homemade brandied cherries are a game-changer! They’re easy to make and taste so much better than store-bought ones.
• Use Different Bitters: Try experimenting with different bitters, such as chocolate bitters or black walnut bitters, to add a unique twist to your Old Fashioned.
• Add a Splash of Maple Syrup: For a richer, more complex sweetness, try adding a splash of maple syrup instead of simple syrup.
• Smoked Old Fashioned: For a truly special occasion, try smoking your Old Fashioned with a smoking gun or by placing the glass over a smoking wood chip.
• Spiced Simple Syrup: Infuse your simple syrup with spices like cinnamon, cloves, or star anise for a festive twist.
• Cherry Infused Bourbon: Infuse your bourbon with fresh or dried cherries for a deeper cherry flavor. Let it sit for a week or two, tasting occasionally, until it reaches your desired intensity.

Making Simple Syrup:

If you don’t have simple syrup on hand, it’s incredibly easy to make! It’s just equal parts sugar and water.

1. Combine Sugar and Water: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water.
2. Heat and Stir: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
4. Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the simple syrup cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Choosing the Right Cherries:

The type of cherries you use can significantly impact the flavor of your Old Fashioned. Here’s a breakdown:

• Brandied Cherries: These are cherries that have been preserved in brandy and sugar syrup. They’re sweet, boozy, and have a rich, complex flavor. Luxardo cherries are a popular choice, but there are many other brands available.
• Maraschino Cherries: These are bright red cherries that have been preserved in a sugary syrup. They’re very sweet and have a slightly artificial flavor. While they’re a classic garnish, I don’t recommend using them in this recipe.
• Fresh Cherries: If you’re using fresh cherries, make sure they’re ripe and sweet. Pit them before muddling. You may need to add a little extra simple syrup to compensate for the lack of sweetness.

The Importance of Ice:

As mentioned earlier, the type of ice you use can affect the dilution rate of your cocktail. Here’s a quick guide:

• Large Ice Cube: A large ice cube melts slower, which is ideal for an Old Fashioned. It will chill the drink without diluting it too quickly.
• Smaller Ice Cubes: Smaller ice cubes melt faster, which will dilute the drink more quickly. If you’re using smaller ice cubes, be sure to stir the cocktail for a shorter amount of time.
• Crushed Ice: Crushed ice melts very quickly and is not recommended for an Old Fashioned.
• Clear Ice: Clear ice is made using a special process that removes impurities, resulting in ice that is crystal clear and melts very slowly. It’s a great option for cocktails, but it’s not essential.

Final Thoughts:

The Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with a delicious twist. By following these steps and experimenting with different ingredients, you can create a truly unforgettable drink. Cheers!

Conclusion:

This Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned isn’t just a cocktail; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and boozy, all wrapped up in a sophisticated package that’s surprisingly easy to create at home. From the vibrant color to the intoxicating aroma, every element of this drink is designed to delight your senses. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted cocktail, whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just starting to explore the world of spirits.

But why is it so special? It’s the balance. The rich bourbon, the bright cherry, the subtle bitterness of the bitters, and the touch of sweetness – they all work together in perfect harmony. It’s a drink that’s complex enough to be interesting, yet simple enough to be approachable. And let’s be honest, who can resist the allure of a perfectly muddled cherry?

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. While I personally love this Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned served neat in a rocks glass with a large ice cube, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. For a slightly sweeter drink, you can add a splash of cherry liqueur or simple syrup. If you prefer a bolder flavor, try using a higher-proof bourbon or adding a few dashes of Angostura bitters.

Feeling adventurous? Consider experimenting with different types of cherries. Luxardo cherries are a classic choice, but you could also try using fresh cherries when they’re in season. Just be sure to pit them first! Another fun variation is to infuse your bourbon with cherries for a few days before making the cocktail. This will add an extra layer of cherry flavor that’s truly irresistible.

For a festive touch, garnish your Old Fashioned with a cherry and an orange peel. The orange peel adds a bright citrus aroma that complements the other flavors perfectly. You can also try using a different type of citrus peel, such as lemon or grapefruit, to create a unique twist.

This cocktail is perfect for so many occasions. Imagine sipping one on a cozy evening by the fire, or serving them at your next dinner party. It’s a drink that’s sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. It also pairs wonderfully with rich desserts like chocolate cake or pecan pie. The bourbon cuts through the sweetness, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. But don’t just take my word for it – try it for yourself! I’m so excited for you to experience the magic of this Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned.

And finally, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications to the recipe? What did you think of the flavor? What occasion did you serve it for? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think! Cheers to delicious cocktails and happy memories! I can’t wait to see your creations!

---