There’s something about a cherry-laced bourbon cocktail that instantly feels like a hug in a glass. This Vanilla Bourbon Cherry Smash is the kind of drink you make when the evening slows down and you want something smooth, lightly sweet, and deeply comforting. It’s easy to mix, fragrant with vanilla, and balanced with a bright pop of citrus.
The cherry brings a rich, jammy note that pairs beautifully with bourbon’s caramel warmth. Whether you’re curled up with a book or hosting a small gathering, this one sets the mood just right.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- Balanced but bold: The sweetness of cherries and vanilla tempers bourbon’s bite without overpowering it.
- Simple ingredients, big payoff: No fussy syrups or complicated steps. Just fresh fruit, a few pantry staples, and your favorite bourbon.
- Seasonless appeal: Cozy enough for winter, refreshing enough for summer evenings over ice.
- Customizable sweetness: Adjust honey or simple syrup to taste, or keep it tart with lemon.
- Gorgeous aroma: Vanilla and cherry give off a dessert-like fragrance while keeping the drink grown-up and grounded.
What You’ll Need
- 2 ounces bourbon (choose a smooth, mid-range bourbon)
- 6–8 pitted cherries (fresh when in season; frozen and thawed work too)
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1/2 ounce vanilla simple syrup (see note below)
- 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Crushed ice (or small cubes)
- Sparkling water (optional, for a lighter finish)
- Garnish: cherry, lemon peel, or a vanilla bean sliver
Vanilla simple syrup: Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small pot.
Heat until sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or steep half a split vanilla bean for deeper flavor). Cool before using. Keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
How to Make It
- Muddle the cherries: In a sturdy mixing glass, add the pitted cherries and lemon juice.Gently muddle until the cherries release their juices. You want a chunky mash, not a puree.
- Add the flavor backbone: Pour in the bourbon, vanilla simple syrup, and bitters. Fill the mixing glass with ice.
- Shake, don’t overdo it: Shake for about 10–12 seconds, just until the outside of the shaker feels cold.Over-shaking can water it down.
- Strain: Double strain into a rocks glass over fresh crushed ice to catch cherry skins and pulp. If you like texture, single strain.
- Top (optional): Add a splash of sparkling water if you want a lighter, spritzier sip.
- Garnish with intention: Express a strip of lemon peel over the top to release oils, then drop it in. Add a cherry or a small piece of vanilla bean for aroma.
- Taste and tweak: If you prefer sweeter, stir in a touch more syrup.If you want brighter, add a few more drops of lemon juice.
How to Store
- Premix option: Combine bourbon, vanilla syrup, lemon juice, and bitters in a sealed jar and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Muddle fresh cherries right before serving for best flavor.
- Leftover cocktail: If you have a mixed drink leftover (without sparkling water), keep it chilled and tightly sealed for up to 24 hours. Shake with fresh ice before serving.
- Syrup storage: Vanilla simple syrup keeps in the fridge for 2 weeks.For longer storage, freeze in an ice cube tray and thaw as needed.
- Cherries: Fresh cherries can be pitted and frozen in a single layer, then stored in a freezer bag for up to 6 months.
Why This Is Good for You
- Real fruit, real flavor: Cherries bring antioxidants and natural sweetness, so you can use less refined sugar.
- Mindful sipping: This cocktail is designed to be savored slowly, which can help you enjoy one well-made drink instead of overdoing it.
- Customizable sweetness: Adjust syrup to your taste or swap in honey if you prefer a less processed sweetener.
- Balanced ingredients: Citrus lifts the drink and keeps it from tasting heavy, even with a rich spirit like bourbon.
Note: It’s still an alcoholic beverage, so moderation matters. Enjoy responsibly.
What Not to Do
- Don’t skip fresh citrus: Bottled lemon juice can flatten the flavor. Fresh is brighter and cleaner.
- Don’t over-muddle: Crushing the cherry pits or skins too aggressively can add bitterness.Gentle pressure is enough.
- Don’t dilute with melted ice: Always strain over fresh ice. If your shaker ice is watery, discard it.
- Don’t overpower the vanilla: A little goes a long way. Too much vanilla syrup can make the drink cloying.
- Don’t use overly smoky bourbon: Heavy smoke competes with cherry and vanilla.Choose a balanced, caramel-forward bottle.
Recipe Variations
- Maple Cherry Smash: Swap vanilla syrup for 1/2 ounce maple syrup plus a tiny splash of vanilla extract. Warm, woodsy, and not too sweet.
- Spiced Winter Smash: Add a pinch of cinnamon and a dash of orange bitters. Garnish with an orange peel.
- Smash Spritz: Build the strained cocktail in a tall glass with ice and top with 2–3 ounces of club soda or prosecco.
- Zero-Proof Version: Replace bourbon with black tea concentrate or a nonalcoholic whiskey alternative.Keep the bitters if alcohol-free, or use NA bitters.
- Cherry-Vanilla Old Fashioned Twist: Skip the lemon and muddling. Stir bourbon with 1/4 ounce vanilla syrup, 2 dashes bitters, and a barspoon of cherry juice. Serve over a big cube with a cherry.
- Herbal Lift: Muddle a few mint leaves with the cherries for a fresher profile, or add a tiny sprig of rosemary for aroma.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes.
Thaw them first so they release more juice when muddled. Frozen cherries are often sweeter and consistent year-round.
What bourbon works best?
Choose a mid-proof, balanced bourbon with notes of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of spice. Avoid heavily peated or smoky styles that fight the cherry and vanilla.
How sweet should this be?
Aim for lightly sweet with a crisp, tart edge.
Start with 1/2 ounce of vanilla syrup and adjust after tasting. It’s easier to add more than to fix an oversweet drink.
Do I need a cocktail shaker?
It helps, but you can stir vigorously in a mixing glass with ice. Just make sure the drink is properly chilled and slightly diluted before straining over fresh ice.
What if I don’t have bitters?
You can skip them, but bitters add depth.
A tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or a drop of almond extract can bring some complexity in a pinch—use sparingly.
Can I batch this for a party?
Yes. Multiply the bourbon, lemon juice, syrup, and bitters, and chill the batch in a pitcher. Muddle cherries per glass so the fruit stays fresh and vibrant.
How do I make it less strong?
Use 1.5 ounces bourbon instead of 2, and add a splash of sparkling water.
Keep the lemon and syrup the same for balance.
What glass should I use?
A rocks glass is perfect. If you’re making the spritz variation, use a highball or stemmed wine glass.
In Conclusion
The Vanilla Bourbon Cherry Smash is a cozy, fragrant cocktail that feels special without taking over your evening. It blends the richness of bourbon with juicy cherries, warm vanilla, and a bright lift from lemon.
Make it to unwind after a long day, or batch the base for a relaxed night in with friends. Keep it simple, tweak it to your taste, and let each sip bring a little comfort to the moment.
