Refreshing Black Cherry Bourbon Smash Cocktail
A quick and easy summer cocktail combining fresh black cherries, bourbon, mint, and lemon juice for a refreshing and satisfying drink.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 10–12 fresh black cherries, pitted
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- 6–8 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- Splash of club soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Place 10-12 pitted black cherries and 6-8 fresh mint leaves into your shaker. Use a muddler to gently press and twist just enough to release the juices and oils without tearing the mint.
- Pour in 2 ounces of bourbon and ¾ ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Add ½ ounce of simple syrup, adjusting to taste.
- Add plenty of ice to the shaker (about 4-5 large cubes), secure the lid, and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Top off with a splash of club soda or sparkling water. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a whole cherry on a cocktail pick if desired.
Notes
Do not over-muddle the mint to avoid bitterness. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Adjust simple syrup to taste. Chill the serving glass beforehand for extra refreshment. If you prefer a chunkier texture, skip the fine strainer step. Leftover cocktail base (without soda) can be refrigerated up to 24 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (approxim
- Calories: 180210
- Sugar: 1518
- Carbohydrates: 1518
Keywords: black cherry bourbon smash, summer cocktail, bourbon cocktail, mint cocktail, easy cocktail recipe, refreshing drink