The Smoked Cherry Bourbon Smash is a standout drink that blends the richness of bourbon with the tart-sweet complexity of smoked cherries, finished with a fizzy lift of club soda. It’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes like it came straight from a craft cocktail bar — but it’s easy to make right at home.

3 Reasons You’ll Love This Cocktail

1. The Smoked Cherry Syrup Adds Depth and Drama
Forget overly sweet or one-note cocktails. Smoking the cherries brings out a rich, complex flavor with notes of caramelized fruit and woodsy depth that pairs beautifully with bourbon.

2. It’s a Showstopper for Entertaining
The cocktail’s vibrant ruby hue, fresh lime peel garnish, and bourbon-soaked cherry on top look just as impressive as they taste. Perfect for backyard BBQs, dinner parties, or date night at home.

3. Versatile and Easy to Batch
Make the smoked cherry syrup ahead and keep it in the fridge for easy cocktails on demand. It scales up beautifully for a pitcher-style cocktail that’s ready when your guests are.

Ingredients

For the Smoked Cherry Simple Syrup:

• 2 cups water

• ½ cup sugar

• 2 cups pitted sweet northern cherries

For the Smoked Cherry Bourbon Smash:

• 2 oz bourbon (plus a splash for topping)

• 1 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice

• 1½ oz smoked cherry simple syrup

• 2 oz club soda

• 1 cup crushed ice

• Lime peel, for garnish

• Bourbon-soaked cherry, for garnish

How to Make It

Smoked Cherry Simple Syrup:

1. Soak the Wood: Soak cherry wood chunks in water for at least 1 hour before cooking.

2. Fire Up the Grill: Use lump charcoal like Jealous Devil for a clean, hot burn.

3. Simmer & Smoke: In a heat-safe pot, combine cherries, sugar, and water. Stir to dissolve the sugar.

4. Smoke It: Once coals are hot, add cherry wood chunks to create smoke. Place the pot directly on the grill and close the lid.

5. Bring to a Boil: Let the syrup come to a boil, checking every 5 minutes. Once boiling, let it boil for 5 minutes.

6. Let It Smoke: Reduce heat and continue to smoke for another 5 minutes.

7. Cool & Store: Remove from the grill and let cool. Strain out the cherries and save them! They’ll become delicious bourbon-soaked cocktail cherries when stored in a small jar and covered with bourbon.

8. Bottle the Syrup: Pour the cooled syrup into a clean jar and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 3 weeks.

To Make the Bourbon Smash:

1. In a shaker, combine bourbon, lime juice, and smoked cherry syrup. Shake briefly to chill.

2. Add crushed ice to a rocks glass and pour over the cocktail.

3. Top with club soda and a splash more bourbon.

4. Garnish with a twist of lime peel and a bourbon-soaked cherry.

Other Delicious Ways to Use Smoked Cherry Syrup

This syrup is a flavor bomb that goes far beyond just cocktails:

• Mocktails: Mix with lemon-lime soda or sparkling water for a booze-free refresher.

• Over Ice Cream: Drizzle over vanilla bean or dark chocolate ice cream.

• In BBQ Sauce: Stir a tablespoon into homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce for a fruity, smoky twist.

• Glaze for Meats: Brush over grilled pork chops or chicken thighs for a cherrywood flavor upgrade.

How to Store Leftovers

• Smoked Cherry Syrup: Store in an airtight container (like a mason jar) in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

• Bourbon-Soaked Cherries: Keep in a small jar covered in bourbon — these will last several months in the fridge and only get better with time.

Whether you’re making a single drink to unwind or prepping a round for friends, the Smoked Cherry Bourbon Smash is an easy win. With a little grill time and some fresh summer cherries, this cocktail delivers rich, smoky, fruity magic in every sip.

Cheers! 🍒🥃