Fresh Cherry Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe Easy Minty Summer Drink
A refreshing and bright bourbon cocktail featuring fresh cherries and mint, perfect for summer gatherings and easy to make in under 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 10–12 fresh cherries, pitted (about 90 grams)
- 8–10 fresh mint leaves
- 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
- Soda water (about 2 oz / 60 ml) to top
- Ice (crushed or cubed)
Instructions
- Prepare your cherries by pitting about 10 to 12 fresh cherries. If using frozen, thaw completely and drain any excess juice.
- In a mixing glass, combine the cherries and 8-10 fresh mint leaves. Gently muddle them together for about 30 seconds to release juices and oils without pulverizing the mint.
- Add 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon and 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup. Optionally add 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice. Stir gently for about 10 seconds to blend flavors.
- Fill your serving glass with about 1 cup (150 grams) of crushed ice.
- Using a fine strainer, pour the muddled mixture over the ice in your glass to keep out pulp and mint bits.
- Top with about 2 oz (60 ml) soda water for a refreshing fizz. Adjust to taste.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a cherry or two on top. Give one last gentle stir and serve immediately.
Notes
Gently muddle mint to avoid bitterness. Use ripe, firm cherries for best flavor. Crushed ice chills faster and dilutes slower. Prepare the cherry-mint mixture fresh or up to 24 hours in advance refrigerated, but add bourbon, ice, and soda just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (about 8
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: cherry bourbon smash, bourbon cocktail, summer drink, mint cocktail, fresh cherry cocktail, easy cocktail recipe, bourbon smash