Cherry Whiskey Smash

Ladies, it’s time to get your whiskey drink on. A Cherry Whiskey Smash is a delightful combination of whiskey, fresh cherries, mint and lemon. It’s the ultimate ladies’ night drink to sip on all summer long. Fresh and fruity, with strong and rich whiskey notes, this cocktail is a home run for you gals (oh heck, the guys can even have one because you know they’ll want one!).

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Laws Whiskey House. As always, all opinions are my own. This is an updated version of the original post published on May 5, 2017.

How many whiskey ladies do I have out there???

Whiskey is my spirit animal of the spirits world. I don’t know if it’s because I was brought up on Irish coffees or simply the strong, poignant flavors that vary from whiskey to whiskey that hold my heart. Whatever it is that draws me in for another sip, whiskey is always my drink of choice when happy hour rolls around.

I do love a classic bourbon smash, but since I’m more of a whiskey girl, I thought it was about time I made a whiskey smash instead!

If you remember a little while ago, I went on a whiskey and beer adventure in Denver that included a stop at my favorite local whiskey house – Laws Whiskey House.

I was so wow’d by their Secale Straight Rye whiskey while I was there, I knew I had to make a summer whiskey drink to share with you all.

Cherries are one of those ingredients I look forward to working with all year long (kind of like cranberries in the winter or various pumpkins and squashes in the fall).

I could devour a full bag of cherries on the daily if I was allowed to do so. Of course pitting all those cherries in one sitting would be partially exhausting LOL.

Those fresh little fruits are excellent to bake with, eat straight out of the bag, and (most importantly) make a delicious cocktail out of. The fresh cherry juice pairs well with several different spirits, but I believe its true soulmate is, and always will be, whiskey.

This cocktail has a refreshing blend of fresh cherries, lemon and mint to enhance the slightly sweet and rich flavors of Laws Secale Straight Rye whiskey. It’s a simple enough cocktail to make, but like most cocktails I whip up, it’s the fresh ingredients that make this cocktail become oh-so addictive.

If you don’t have access to Laws Secale Straight Rye, you can use your favorite rye whiskey. For something a little sweeter, reach for a bourbon!

A cocktail like this is perfect for busting out for any occasion, from a random cocktail party to Mother’s Day to Memorial Day picnics.

All you ladies are going to swoon hard after the first sip. And the men will too, even though they’ll never admit that out loud…

This Recipe’s Must-Haves

There are a few bar tools that you will need to make this cocktail. The basics are a cocktail shaker like this Boston cocktail shaker, a cocktail jigger, and a bar spoon as well.

If you want to update your barware, I really love these old fashioned glasses!

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Cherry Whiskey Smash

Yield: 1 cocktail

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Fresh cherries, a fantastic whiskey and a few other ingredients get you a summery cocktail that all the ladies and gents will love.

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Ingredients

• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 oz fresh cherry juice
• 3 fresh cherries, pitted
• 6 fresh mint leaves + more for garnish
• 1 lemon wedge
• 2 oz whiskey

Instructions

1. In a shaker, add simple syrup, fresh cherry juice, cherries, mint leaves, and lemon wedge. Muddle until lemon wedge is broken down.
2. Add bourbon and fill shaker with ice. Stir to combine.
3. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
4. Strain cocktail into the glass.
5. Garnish with additional cherries and mint sprigs, as desired.