This boozy summer cocktail is built for bourbon lovers: a straightforward, refreshing mix of bourbon-infused sweet cocktail cherries and bright lemon that keeps the bourbon front and center. The result is a chilled, thirst-quenching drink that’s easy to make and perfect for warm days.

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Finished with plenty of fruity bourbon-soaked cherries and a twist of fresh lemon peel, this cherry bourbon cocktail is served over lots of crushed ice so the glass frosts as you sip.

It’s an ideal cold bourbon cocktail for summer. Crushed cherries add sweet, fruit-forward flavor to every sip, and the cocktail develops even more character the longer it rests.

If you enjoy fruity cherry drinks, you’ll love the simple harmony of fresh lemon, crushed cherries, and bold bourbon, all chilled and crowned with crushed ice.

What You’ll Need To Make an Easy Summer Bourbon Cocktail with Cherry and Lemon

• Good quality bourbon – a favorite Kentucky straight bourbon such as Woodford Reserve, Four Roses, Bulleit, or Elijah Craig.
• Cocktail cherries – quality marinated cocktail cherries, ideally bourbon-infused for extra depth.
• Cherry syrup – a splash of the syrup from the cherry jar to heighten sweetness and color.
• Fresh lemon – juice for the cocktail and a peel or twist to garnish.
• Simple syrup – a touch of sweetness to balance the tart lemon and cherries.
• Sparkling water (optional) – to top off the drink for a lighter finish if you prefer.

Make A Sweet Crushed Cherry Bourbon Drink

• Add pitted cocktail cherries to the bottom of a rocks glass and muddle until the cherries are fully crushed.
• Pour the bourbon over the crushed cherries in the glass.
• Add fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, then stir in a splash of the cherry syrup from the bottle.
• Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice and stir lightly to combine and begin chilling the drink.
• Top the glass with more crushed ice and give one gentle stir with a bar spoon. As it sits, the crushed ice will frost the outside of the glass, keeping the cocktail deeply chilled.
• Garnish with lemon slices or a lemon twist and extra cocktail cherries on top.

An Easy Summer Cocktail That Lets Bourbon Shine

This is a delightful, boozy summer bourbon cocktail that showcases a good bourbon. Sip it from the glass (don’t use a straw) so you can enjoy the full aromas and texture.

Cold crushed ice mingles with rich cherry flavor, while fresh lemon brightens the bourbon-cherry combination. The ice smooths and evens the layers, keeping the drink cool and refreshing. Choosing bourbon-infused cocktail cherries, when available, amplifies the pairing and deepens the drink’s character.

Enjoy this fruity lemon-cherry bourbon cocktail on warm days when you want a truly cold, refreshing drink that frosts the glass as you sip.

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