Smoky Rye and Cherry Old Fashioned
A bold twist on the classic Old Fashioned featuring smoky rye whiskey and a hint of tart cherry for depth and balance. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together rye whiskey, maraschino cherry liqueur, simple 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 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 rye whiskey
- 1/4 oz maraschino cherry liqueur
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- small pinch smoked cherry wood chips (for aroma)
- 1 wide strip orange peel
- 1 whole maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a large clear ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Step 2: In a mixing glass filled halfway with ice cubes, pour 2 oz rye whiskey, 1/4 oz maraschino cherry liqueur, 1/4 oz simple syrup, and add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture into the prepared rocks glass over the large ice cube.
- Step 5: Express the oils of 1 wide strip of orange peel over the surface by holding it over the glass and twisting firmly, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it in.
- Step 6: Lightly wave a small pinch of smoked cherry wood chips near the glass to infuse a subtle smoky aroma as you serve.
- Step 7: Garnish with 1 whole maraschino cherry skewered on a cocktail pick laid across the glass rim.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Rye and 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 Rye and Cherry Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover smoky rye and 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 Rye and 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 Rye and 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 Rye and Cherry Old Fashioned?
Cocktails & Beverages 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.
