Smoky Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned
A classic Old Fashioned with a smoky twist and a burst of cherry sweetness balanced by rich bourbon and bitters. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, maraschino cherry 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 180 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
- 1/4 oz maraschino cherry syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- a pinch smoked sea salt
- 1 large strip orange peel
- 1 maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a large clear ice cube into a rocks glass and add a pinch of smoked sea salt.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1/4 oz maraschino cherry syrup, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters directly over the ice.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Express a large strip of orange peel over the glass to release oils, then rim the glass and rest the peel on the edge.
- Step 5: Garnish by skewering a maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick and placing it inside the glass alongside the peel.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned 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 Smoky Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover smoky bourbon cherry old fashioned 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 Smoky Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned?
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 Smoky Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned 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 Smoky Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned?
Cocktails 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.
