Michigan Cherry and Whiskey Old Fashioned Cocktail
A refined twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail featuring tart Michigan cherries and smooth whiskey for a balanced, flavorful sip. This american-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, simple syrup, dashes Angostura bitters for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 4 whole, plus 1 for garnish Michigan tart cherries
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 strip orange peel
- as needed ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, muddle 4 Michigan tart cherries with 1/2 oz simple syrup and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters until cherries are crushed and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey and fill the mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Step 3: Stir gently for 20-30 seconds until the cocktail is well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 4: Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 5: Express the oils of 1 strip of orange peel over the glass rim and drop it into the cocktail as garnish along with 1 whole Michigan cherry.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Michigan Cherry and Whiskey Old Fashioned Cocktail take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Michigan Cherry and Whiskey Old Fashioned Cocktail?
Refrigerate any leftover michigan cherry and whiskey old fashioned cocktail in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Michigan Cherry and Whiskey Old Fashioned Cocktail?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Michigan Cherry and Whiskey Old Fashioned Cocktail for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Michigan Cherry and Whiskey Old Fashioned Cocktail?
American cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
