Black Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Blackcherry Old Fashioned

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Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Equipment needed: Muddler, mixing glass, bar spoon, strainer, Old Fashioned glass

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey if you prefer a spicier finish
• 1 tsp black cherry syrup from jarred black cherries or homemade
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 2 black cherries fresh or jarred
• 1 orange peel for garnish
• Ice cubes or a large ice cube

Instructions

 

• Step-by-Step Method:
• Muddle the Cherries and Syrup:
• In a mixing glass, add 2 black cherries and 1 tsp of black cherry syrup. Use a muddler to gently mash them together, releasing the rich flavors from the cherries. From my own personal experience, muddling too hard can make the drink bitter, so be gentle.
• Add the Bourbon and Bitters:
• Pour 2 oz of bourbon into the mixing glass along with 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. The bitters add depth to the drink, balancing the sweetness of the black cherry syrup.
• Stir with Ice:
• Add a few ice cubes (or one large ice cube) to the mixing glass. Stir the mixture for about 20-30 seconds to chill the drink thoroughly and dilute it just enough for a smooth sip. Based on my overall experience, this is where you control the strength of your Old Fashioned, so adjust the stirring time to your preference.
• Strain and Serve:
• Using a strainer, pour the mixture into an Old Fashioned glass with a large ice cube or several smaller ice cubes.
• Garnish:
• Express the oils from a fresh orange peel over the top of the drink and drop it into the glass. This adds a zesty aroma to complement the drink's cherry sweetness.
• Variations & Substitutions:
• Dietary needs: For a lower-sugar option, you can substitute the black cherry syrup with a sugar-free cherry-flavored syrup or muddle fresh cherries without syrup. This reduces the overall sugar content while still giving you that black cherry flavor.
• Whiskey alternatives: If you’re not a bourbon fan, try rye whiskey for a spicier version or even rum for a Caribbean twist.
• Bitters: Swap out the Angostura bitters for cherry bitters to intensify the black cherry flavor, or try orange bitters for a more citrus-forward experience.
• Smoky finish: Add a dash of smoky scotch or mezcal to give the drink a slight smokiness, adding a layer of complexity.

The Black Cherry Old Fashioned is a delicious twist on the classic Old Fashioned, featuring the sweet and slightly tart taste of black cherries. It’s a smooth, well-rounded cocktail that works for any occasion, whether you’re having a quiet night at home or impressing guests at a gathering. Let me show you how I make this cocktail with some personal tips, variations, and troubleshooting tips along the way.

Notes on What to Expect:

You can expect the Black Cherry Old Fashioned to be a well-balanced drink, with the natural sweetness of cherries pairing beautifully with the rich, smoky notes of bourbon. The orange garnish brings out a slight citrusy kick, and the bitters round it out with a subtle spiciness. Let me show you how I make this cocktail—simple but satisfying, with a nice depth of flavor that makes each sip enjoyable.

Quick Meal Facts:

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 0 minutes
• Time to stand: 0 minutes
• Total time: 5 minutes
• Ease of cooking: Easy
• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: ~180 per serving (depending on the bourbon used)
• Cost of ingredients: Moderate
• Equipment needed: Muddler, mixing glass, bar spoon, strainer, Old Fashioned glass
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #blackcherryoldfashioned here

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon (or rye whiskey if you prefer a spicier finish)
• 1 tsp black cherry syrup (from jarred black cherries or homemade)
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 2 black cherries (fresh or jarred)
• 1 orange peel (for garnish)
• Ice cubes or a large ice cube
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #blackcherryoldfashioned here

Step-by-Step Method:

1. Muddle the Cherries and Syrup:
In a mixing glass, add 2 black cherries and 1 tsp of black cherry syrup. Use a muddler to gently mash them together, releasing the rich flavors from the cherries. From my own personal experience, muddling too hard can make the drink bitter, so be gentle.

2. Add the Bourbon and Bitters:
Pour 2 oz of bourbon into the mixing glass along with 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. The bitters add depth to the drink, balancing the sweetness of the black cherry syrup.

3. Stir with Ice:
Add a few ice cubes (or one large ice cube) to the mixing glass. Stir the mixture for about 20-30 seconds to chill the drink thoroughly and dilute it just enough for a smooth sip. Based on my overall experience, this is where you control the strength of your Old Fashioned, so adjust the stirring time to your preference.

4. Strain and Serve:
Using a strainer, pour the mixture into an Old Fashioned glass with a large ice cube or several smaller ice cubes.

5. Garnish:
Express the oils from a fresh orange peel over the top of the drink and drop it into the glass. This adds a zesty aroma to complement the drink’s cherry sweetness.

Variations & Substitutions:

• Dietary needs: For a lower-sugar option, you can substitute the black cherry syrup with a sugar-free cherry-flavored syrup or muddle fresh cherries without syrup. This reduces the overall sugar content while still giving you that black cherry flavor.
• Whiskey alternatives: If you’re not a bourbon fan, try rye whiskey for a spicier version or even rum for a Caribbean twist.
• Bitters: Swap out the Angostura bitters for cherry bitters to intensify the black cherry flavor, or try orange bitters for a more citrus-forward experience.
• Smoky finish: Add a dash of smoky scotch or mezcal to give the drink a slight smokiness, adding a layer of complexity.
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #blackcherryoldfashioned here

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Too sweet? If your Black Cherry Old Fashioned feels too sweet, reduce the amount of syrup or add a splash of soda water to cut through the sweetness.
• Too bitter? If the drink feels bitter, try adding more syrup or reducing the amount of bitters.
• Flat taste? Ensure you’re using fresh ingredients, especially the cherries and orange peel. Stale or overripe cherries can flatten the flavor of the drink.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~10g
• Sugars: ~9g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Alcohol content: Approx. 25g of alcohol

Tips for Serving with Food:

The versatility of this cocktail makes it a great pairing for various dishes:

• Savory meats: The sweetness of the cherries complements roasted or grilled meats like beef, pork, or lamb.
• Cheese plates: Pair it with a sharp cheddar or blue cheese for a contrast between the drink’s sweetness and the cheese’s savory profile.
• Dark chocolate desserts: The richness of dark chocolate pairs perfectly with the bourbon’s smoky sweetness.

Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or just making a cocktail for yourself, the Black Cherry Old Fashioned is a fantastic choice. Enjoy.