Smoky Cherry Bourbon Old Fashioned
A rich twist on the classic Old Fashioned, featuring smoky bourbon and tart cherry notes balanced with a hint of orange zest. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, 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
- 1/2 oz cherry syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 strip orange peel
- 1 large clear ice cube
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, 1/2 oz cherry syrup, and 2 oz bourbon whiskey into a mixing glass.
- Step 2: Add a large clear ice cube to the mixing glass and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a fresh large clear ice cube.
- Step 4: Express a strip of orange peel over the surface to release essential oils, then rim the glass with the peel and drop it in as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Cherry Bourbon 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 Cherry Bourbon Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover smoky cherry bourbon 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 Cherry Bourbon 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 Cherry Bourbon 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 Cherry Bourbon 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.
