The Spiced Cherry Old Fashioned is a bold, flavorful twist on the classic Old Fashioned, infusing the deep, rich flavors of bourbon with the warmth of spices and the sweet-tart complexity of cherries. This cocktail is smooth, slightly smoky, and perfectly balanced, making it a perfect drink for cozy nights, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a sophisticated, spiced variation of a timeless classic.
By combining dark cherries, warm cinnamon, cloves, and a touch of bitters, this drink creates an inviting aroma and layered depth that makes every sip a delight. Whether you prefer it as a classic stirred cocktail or with a smoky infusion, the Spiced Cherry Old Fashioned is a must-try for whiskey lovers.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey – The foundation of the cocktail; choose a high-quality option for a smooth finish
- ½ oz spiced cherry syrup (recipe below) – Infuses warm spices and rich cherry sweetness
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters – Enhances complexity with subtle spice
- 1 dash orange bitters (optional) – Adds a hint of citrus depth
- 1 large ice cube or sphere – Helps maintain the drink’s integrity without over-diluting
Spiced Cherry Syrup Ingredients:
- ½ cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 star anise (optional, for extra warmth)
Garnish:
- Luxardo cherry or brandied cherry – For an elegant finishing touch
- Orange peel twist – Adds a bright citrus aroma
- Cinnamon stick (optional) – Enhances the spiced flavor
Preparation
Step 1: Make the Spiced Cherry Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine cherries, water, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise.
- Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Strain out solids and store syrup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Step 2: Prepare the Glass
- Place a large ice cube or sphere in a rocks glass.
Step 3: Mix the Cocktail
- In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, spiced cherry syrup, and bitters.
- Stir gently for 30 seconds to chill and blend flavors.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
- Strain the mixture into the prepared rocks glass over ice.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
- Express the orange peel over the glass by squeezing it to release oils, then drop it in.
- Add a Luxardo cherry and, if desired, a cinnamon stick for extra aroma.
Variation
1. Smoked Spiced Cherry Old Fashioned
- Smoke the glass with a torched cinnamon stick or cherry wood before pouring the cocktail.
2. Rum Cherry Old Fashioned
- Swap bourbon for aged dark rum for a sweeter, molasses-like depth.
3. Honey Spiced Cherry Old Fashioned
- Replace brown sugar in the syrup with honey for a floral sweetness.
4. Spicy Cherry Old Fashioned
- Add a slice of jalapeño to the syrup for a fiery kick.
Cooking Notes
- Use High-Quality Bourbon – Aged bourbon or rye whiskey works best.
- Adjust Sweetness – Reduce syrup amount for a drier version.
- For a Stronger Cherry Flavor, muddle fresh cherries in the glass before adding liquid ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
- Best Glassware: Serve in a rocks glass for a traditional Old Fashioned experience.
- Food Pairing: Pairs well with dark chocolate, smoked meats, or spiced nuts.
- Occasions: Perfect for holiday gatherings, winter nights, or a classy evening cocktail.
Tips
- For a Richer Flavor, let the syrup steep longer before straining.
- For a Pre-Batched Version, mix in advance and store in a bottle.
- For a Non-Alcoholic Version, replace bourbon with black tea or a cherry-infused soda.
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cooking Time:
10 minutes (for syrup)
Total Time:
15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Protein: ~0g
- Sodium: ~5mg
- Carbohydrates: ~14g
- Sugar: ~12g
FAQs
1. Can I use cherry juice instead of fresh cherries?
Yes, but fresh cherries add a richer, more natural flavor.
2. What’s the best bourbon for this cocktail?
Use a high-quality aged bourbon like Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, or Bulleit Bourbon.
3. How long does the spiced cherry syrup last?
Store it in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container.
4. Can I make this drink without alcohol?
Yes! Use black tea, cherry juice, and a touch of vanilla extract for a delicious non-alcoholic alternative.
5. What bitters work best for this cocktail?
Angostura bitters are classic, but you can experiment with cherry, chocolate, or cardamom bitters for extra complexity.
Conclusion
The Spiced Cherry Old Fashioned is a rich, sophisticated, and warming take on the classic cocktail, infused with warm spices, deep cherry flavors, and smooth bourbon. Whether you enjoy it smoky, extra sweet, or with a spicy twist, this drink is perfect for sipping by the fire, celebrating special occasions, or elevating your cocktail game. Try it today and experience the perfect balance of bourbon, cherry, and spice! 🍒🥃✨