Smoky Cherry Whiskey Sour
A smoky twist on the classic whiskey sour with tart cherry and aromatic smoked salt to add depth and complexity. This recipe, ready in about 10 minutes, brings together bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, tart cherry syrup 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 195 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 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz tart cherry syrup
- pinch smoked salt
- 0.5 oz egg white (optional)
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 piece maraschino cherry
- 1 piece lemon wheel
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.75 oz tart cherry syrup, a pinch of smoked salt, and 0.5 oz egg white to a cocktail shaker without ice.
- Step 2: Dry shake (no ice) vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Step 3: Add ice cubes to fill the shaker halfway and shake again vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled and frothy.
- Step 4: Double strain into a rocks glass filled with one large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Garnish by skewering a maraschino cherry and a lemon wheel on a cocktail pick, resting it across the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Cherry Whiskey Sour take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Whiskey Sour?
Refrigerate any leftover smoky cherry whiskey sour 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 Whiskey Sour?
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 Whiskey Sour 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 Whiskey Sour?
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.
