Sweet Summer Cherry Bourbon Cocktail

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Savor summer with this delicious Cherry Bourbon Cocktail. Sweet juicy cherries, smoky bourbon and a hint of bitter orange Aperol make this cocktail a summer staple for outdoor garden parties, 4^th of July or a signature wedding cocktail.

Why you’ll love this Cherry Bourbon Cocktail:

SUMMER FLAVORS. Cherries are the quintessential fruit of summer and what better way to enjoy ripe juicy cherries than in a boozy drink? Sign me up.

IMPRESSIVE RED. The rich red color of this cocktail is so enticing. It beckons to be sipped under a shady canopy of trees on a checkered blanket. Or pair it with your patriotic décor for a 4^th of July bash.

YUMMY. Did I mention how delicious this is? Even if you aren’t a bourbon lover, you will enjoy the surprising flavors in this cocktail.

Ingredients needed for the Cherry Bourbon Cocktail:

• Bourbon. Use a good quality bourbon like Bulleit Bourbon.
• Aperol. This is the bitter orange flavor that takes the drink to the next level.
• Orgeat. A sweet almond flavored syrup that pairs perfectly with cherries. Liber & Co is a great choice, BG Reynolds ranks second, and Fees Brothers Orgeat is for the cheap seats in the back (that would be me).
• Lemon Juice. Freshly squeezed please.
• Cherries. Pick organic (if possible) dark red cherries for the most intense sweet flavor.

Tools you will need:

• Measuring Jigger.
• Muddler. I prefer a classic wood muddler over other materials for durability, hand feel, and ease of cleanup. A good wooden muddler should be made of solid wood and free of varnishes, sealants etc. Cocktail Kingdom knocks it out of the park with a quality muddler that will last you a lifetime.
• Cocktail Strainer (unless you are using a cobbler shaker).
• Boston Shaker or Cobbler Shaker. A good quality shaker is a staple for any bar.  My new favorite cocktail shaker is the YETI Rambler. Unlike most cobbler shakers it is neither fussy nor flimsy. The seal on this shaker is phenomenal. No messes! I highly recommend it.
• A Double Old-Fashioned or Cocktail Glass. I am using the Buchanan Double Old-Fashioned Glass from CB2. I have these in both colors and love love love them. Sturdy, stackable and elegant.

How to make the Cherry Bourbon Cocktail:

1. Wash and pit the cherries.
2. Muddle the cherries and Orgeat until thoroughly juiced.
3. Add the remaining ingredients to the shaker and shake vigorously with ice until well chilled.
4. Strain over fresh ice in your glass.
5. Garnish with fresh cherries.

Can I use frozen cherries?

If fresh cherries are not in season (or hard to come by) you can use frozen cherries as a substitute. Just make sure they are completely thawed before muddling.

Can I use store bought cherry juice?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Bottled juice will either have added sugar or no sugar at all making the drink too sweet or too sour. The pasteurization process of bottled juices also changes the color of the juice, so you won’t get that bright red hue that makes this cocktail so pretty.

How to make Cherry Bourbon Cocktails for a crowd:

For multiple drinks, you may want to invest in a good cherry pitter to save some time. Muddle the cherries in a small bowl and strain the juice into a pitcher. Add the remaining ingredients and stir thoroughly. Pour into ice filled glasses or let your guests serve themselves.

More Bourbon Cocktails to try:

• Sweet Strawberry Bourbon Cocktail
• Delicious Apple Cinnamon Bourbon Sour
• Delicious Cranberry Old Fashioned
• Mouth-Watering Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour