Black Cherry Bourbon Cola Smash – a refreshing cocktail perfect for hot summer evenings, simple, a little sweet, and popular with everyone.
You will also love… a Classic Long Island Iced Tea
This edition of Cocktail Friday is coming to you live from Skiathos, Greece. Yes folks, I am actually on holiday. The sky is blue, the sun is shining, the sea is sparkling invitingly in the distance and the cicadas are singing madly.
Despite coming here every summer since I was a little kid, the joy of returning to our little house on Xanemos hill never fades. If anything the nostalgic pull gets more intense with each passing year, almost like a physical pang.
Nowadays it’s the children that dictate the daily schedule – visiting one of the many beautiful beaches and swimming twice daily. I don’t about you but swimming twice a day builds up quite an appetite – and when in Greece that means one thing is in order: souvlaki!
When they finally drop exhausted into their beds it’s time for the adults to indulge in a little cocktail drinking and star gazing – far away from the city lights the night sky is a source of endless fascination.
There’s something magical about sitting on the porch with a cold drink listening to the cricket symphony – they take over singing duties from the cicadas at dusk – and spotting constellations.
This black cherry bourbon cola smash cocktail is perfect for hot summer evenings: super-refreshing, simple, a little sweet, and popular with everyone.
Cherries and cola are a proven match (although I don’t actually like Cherry Cola) – add Bourbon and a splash of Cherry Brandy and you are on to a real winner.
If you don’t happen to have the cherry brandy, the cocktail works well without it too. And if you find cola a little too sweet, you can use soda water or ginger beer to top up instead.
This works well as a party drink too – double or triple the quantities and make a big jug to serve a crowd. Don’t add the ice until the last minute however, otherwise the cocktail will be too diluted.
MAKING THIS RECIPE OR OTHERS?
Post a photo on my Facebook page, share it on Instagram, or save it to Pinterest with the tag #supergoldenbakes. I can’t wait to see your take on it!
REFRESHING SUMMER COCKTAILS
- Strawberry Gin Sour
- Blackberry lavender gin and tonic
- Cherry Bomb cocktail
- Blueberry basil Moscow Mule cocktail
Cocktail Friday: Black Cherry Bourbon Cola Smash
Ingredients
- 6 ripe black cherries pitted
- 60 ml | 2oz bourbon
- 30 ml | 1oz cherry brandy
- Juice of half a lime plus wedges to serve
- cold cola to top up or ginger beer, soda water
Instructions
- Put the cherries, bourbon, cherry brandy and lime juice in your cocktail shaker (or a large glass will do). Muddle the cherries with a muddling spoon or the end of a rolling pin.
- Fill the cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 30 seconds.
- Fill two rocks glasses with plenty of ice. Strain the cocktail over the ice, dividing between the glasses.
- Top up with cola and serve with a wedge of lime. Serve immediately.
Carolyn says
I just have to try this. Cherries are my favorite fruit, actually more the red tart ones. And I love bourbon
John says
I did this the easy way, dumped everything, except the Coke, in my bullet blender then strained it. Excellent.
Rye Whiskey Distillery says
I am crazy about Cherry Brandy from Maraska as it is one of my favorite!! also i like Dash of Lime juice.
Coriander Queen says
This is unbelievably tasty! A little bit too tasty really…! Such gorgeous photos, feel I could reach through the screen onto your table. Just gorgeous.
Michelle Nahom says
Oh I could definitely go for one of these! It looks amazing!! And your pictures are gorgeous! I'm so glad you shared it with us at #FoodieFriDIY! Sending lots of foodie love you way! If you are still away, I hope you are having an amazing vacation!
Angela Field says
This looks fantastic Lucy! I love the pictures, it's amazing how you've captured this. I want to get home from work tonight, slip off my shoes, sit in the garden and have someone bring me one of these!
Elizabeth says
Oh these photographs! It's only half past seven in the morning but I want to reach in and drink! Gorgeous! I hope you are having a lovely relaxing time on holiday – you deserve it! 🙂
Louise | Cygnet Kitchen says
Stunning photos, Lucy!! Just love the look of this cocktail, hope you are having a fabulous holiday! x
belleau kitchen says
oh I think I pressed publish by mistake… your drink looks stunning but your photography is insanely good!
Lucy Allen says
This looks so beautiful, I feel thirsty just looking at the pictures. I bet this is the perfect drink for a warm sultry evening
Lucia says
They're beautiful shots, wonderful light! Skiatos is a fantastic island, I was there last july. ..
Jennie Cranham says
I absolutely love these shots, Lucy! I can't stop looking at them – just beautiful! Your description of sitting out under a starry sky, cocktail in hand, has me really longing for a holiday too! Have a wonderful time 🙂
Jennie // Scarletscorchdroppers
Julia@Vikalinka says
Oh I know what I am having tonight!! These shots, Lucy! I love that I can see fizz rising from the glass. You are a photographic genius!