If you love classic cocktails with a fruity twist, the Cherry Old Fashioned Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful drink takes the timeless Old Fashioned and elevates it with luscious maraschino cherries and the bright zest of orange peel, creating a smooth, aromatic experience that’s perfect for cozy evenings or impressing friends at your next gathering. Balancing the warmth of bourbon or rye with a touch of sweetness and bitters, this cocktail delivers layers of flavor that dance on your palate with every sip. Once you try this Cherry Old Fashioned Recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite in your cocktail repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Cherry Old Fashioned Recipe couldn’t be simpler, yet each one plays an important role in crafting its signature flavor and aroma. From the robust whiskey to the subtle sweetness of sugar and cherries, everything works together perfectly.
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey: Choose a quality spirit for that rich, warming backbone of the cocktail.
- 1 sugar cube (or ½ teaspoon simple syrup): Provides essential sweetness and helps balance the bitterness.
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters: Adds depth and complexity with its aromatic spices.
- 1–2 maraschino cherries (preferably Luxardo): Infuses a luscious cherry flavor and a hint of elegance.
- 1 orange peel: Brings a bright citrus aroma and a touch of zestiness to the drink.
- Ice: Essential for chilling and diluting the cocktail just right.
How to Make Cherry Old Fashioned Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by placing the sugar cube in a sturdy lowball glass and soaking it with two dashes of Angostura bitters. Gently muddle the sugar and bitters until the sugar dissolves mostly, creating a rich, aromatic syrup. If you prefer simple syrup, just stir it with the bitters until fully combined—this ensures a smooth blend of flavors from the start.
Step 2: Add the Cherries
Drop one or two maraschino cherries into the glass and lightly muddle them. Be careful to release their sweet juice without pulverizing them completely; this adds a delicate cherry essence that complements the whiskey without overpowering it.
Step 3: Add Ice and Whiskey
Fill your glass with a large ice cube or several smaller ones to keep the drink cold without watering it down too quickly. Pour 2 ounces of your chosen bourbon or rye whiskey over the ice, letting the rich spirit mingle with the sweetness and bitters.
Step 4: Stir to Perfection
Gently stir the cocktail for about 20 to 30 seconds. This chilling and slight dilution is key—it softens the alcohol’s edge and allows all the flavors to marry beautifully, delivering a perfectly balanced sip.
Step 5: Add the Orange Peel
Express the oils from a fresh orange peel by twisting it over the glass to release fragrant citrus notes. Then, rub the peel around the rim to enhance the aroma even more before dropping it right into the cocktail as a stunning garnish.
How to Serve Cherry Old Fashioned Recipe
Garnishes
A Cherry Old Fashioned is best enjoyed with its classic garnishes: a couple of maraschino cherries and a bright orange peel. These not only beautify the drink but also boost its inviting aroma and give every sip a sweet, citrusy lift. For a little extra flair, you can skewer the cherries or use a flamed orange peel for a dramatic touch.
Side Dishes
While the Cherry Old Fashioned shines on its own as a pre-dinner cocktail or a cozy nightcap, its rich flavors also pair beautifully with savory snacks. Try it alongside smoked almonds, aged cheddar, or a platter of charcuterie. The cocktail’s bittersweet balance cuts through rich and salty foods, making every bite and sip better.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond the classic lowball glass, you can serve the Cherry Old Fashioned Recipe in stylish, chilled rocks glasses for an elegant presentation. For a festive twist, rim the glass with sugar or add a sprig of fresh rosemary for an herbal aroma. Hosting a party? Create a big batch by multiplying ingredients and serving in a decanter, letting guests pour their own perfectly stirred drinks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because the Cherry Old Fashioned Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers are not typically recommended. However, if you do have some left in the glass, cover it tight and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind the ice will dilute the flavors over time, so it’s always best enjoyed immediately.
Freezing
Freezing a Cherry Old Fashioned is not advisable, as the dilution and separation of flavors will disrupt its signature taste and texture. For the best cocktail experience, always prepare it fresh.
Reheating
Since this is a cold cocktail, reheating isn’t applicable. If you prefer a warm cherry whiskey drink, consider making a different recipe specifically designed for serving warm.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cherries in the Cherry Old Fashioned Recipe?
While Luxardo maraschino cherries are preferred for their rich flavor, you can experiment with other maraschino varieties or even fresh cherries for a slightly different taste. Just keep in mind fresh cherries will be less sweet and more tart.
Is it necessary to muddle the cherries?
Lightly muddling the cherries helps release their juice and infuse the cocktail with extra flavor. Over-muddling can create too much sweetness, so a gentle press is all you need.
Can I substitute simple syrup for the sugar cube?
Absolutely! Using simple syrup is a convenient alternative that dissolves quickly and blends well with the bitters, making it ideal if you’re short on time.
What’s the difference between using bourbon and rye whiskey?
Bourbon tends to be sweeter and fuller-bodied, which compliments the cherries nicely, while rye is spicier and offers a more robust kick. Choose based on your flavor preference for the cocktail.
Can I prepare the cocktail in batches for a party?
Yes, you can multiply the ingredients and mix in a large pitcher or decanter. Just add ice and orange peel before serving to keep that fresh Cherry Old Fashioned Recipe experience.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the smooth, sophisticated charm of the Cherry Old Fashioned Recipe when you want a cocktail that’s both classic and a little playful. It’s easy to make, a joy to sip, and perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo. Give it a try sometime soon—you might just find your new go-to drink and a wonderful story to tell about how cherries changed the Old Fashioned forever.
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Cherry Old Fashioned Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The Cherry Old Fashioned is a delightful twist on the classic cocktail, featuring bourbon or rye whiskey enhanced with the rich flavors of maraschino cherries and aromatic bitters. This easy-to-make drink offers a perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and citrus notes, ideal for sipping and savoring on any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube (or ½ teaspoon simple syrup)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1–2 maraschino cherries (preferably Luxardo)
- 1 orange peel
- Ice
Instructions
- Muddle Sugar and Bitters: Place the sugar cube in a lowball glass and soak it with the Angostura bitters. Muddle the sugar until it is mostly dissolved, or alternatively, if using simple syrup, stir it together with the bitters to combine.
- Add and Muddle Cherries: Add the maraschino cherries to the glass and gently muddle them just enough to release their flavor while keeping them mostly intact, adding depth to the cocktail’s flavor profile.
- Add Ice and Whiskey: Fill the glass with a large ice cube or a few smaller ice cubes. Pour the bourbon or rye whiskey over the ice to chill the drink properly.
- Stir the Cocktail: Stir gently for 20 to 30 seconds to combine the ingredients, chill the drink, and slightly dilute it for smoothness and balance.
- Express and Garnish with Orange: Twist the orange peel over the glass to release its essential oils, then rub the peel around the rim of the glass before dropping it into the cocktail as garnish.
- Serve: Present the cocktail immediately to enjoy its fresh and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- For an enhanced cherry flavor, add a splash of cherry juice or muddle an extra cherry.
- Use high-quality bourbon and real maraschino cherries such as Luxardo for the best taste experience.
