Sips

Cherry Blossom Bourbon Cocktail with Cherry-Infused Bourbon

A light, spring-ready cherry bourbon cocktail made with cherry-infused bourbon and sparkling soda, balanced, refreshing, and easy to sip.

For whiskey lovers ready to welcome spring, this cherry bourbon cocktail offers a fresh, easygoing take on a classic bourbon pour. I use Elijah Craig Bourbon in both the bourbon-soaked cherries and the cocktail itself for its warm vanilla and oak notes, which pair beautifully with cherry and sparkling soda.

The cherry notes shine without overpowering the bourbon, and the bubbles do what they do best: keeping each sip refreshing and relaxed. It’s the kind of cocktail you can enjoy in the afternoon sun or ease into at the end of the day.

And part of the fun? Making your own cherry-infused bourbon. It’s simple, seasonal, and adds a personal touch that makes this cocktail feel just a little more special — like spring in a glass.

Cherry Blossom Bourbon Cocktail with Cherry-Infused Bourbon

Servings: 1 cocktail

What'll You Need

Cherry-Soaked Bourbon:

2 cups Elijah Craig Bourbon
½ cup fresh dark pitted cherries

Cherry Blossom Cocktail:

2-3 drops of Angostura Orange Bitters
2 ounces of Elijah Craig dark cherry-soaked bourbon
1 ounce simple syrup
½ ounce fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice (yes, juice from those old school bright red ones!)
2 ounces club soda, or another unsweetened sparkling soda (not tonic water)

How to Make Cherry-Soaked Bourbon:

1. Pour 2 cups of Elijah Craig Bourbon in a food safe glass container.

2. Add ½ cup fresh dark pitted cherries. Use a muddler to macerate the cherries.

3. Cover and store in a cool dark place for at least 1 week, optimally 3 weeks. Stir bourbon periodically as it rests.

4. Strain and store in the refrigerator. Cherry-Infused Bourbon will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 6 months.

Use a cheesecloth when straining.

To strain, I use a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth for the silkiest results.

Cherry Blossom Bourbon Cocktail:

1. In a large rocks glass, add the orange bitters.

2. Add the bourbon, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Stir well and add ice.

3. Stir in the soda.

4. Gently pour in the teaspoon of maraschino cherry juice on top of the cocktail. Watch as it settles to the bottom of the glass. Sexy, right?

Chef’s Note: Cherry-Infused Bourbon

Cherry-infused bourbon is easier than it sounds and worth the wait. A simple infusion adds depth, softness, and a seasonal note that plays beautifully with sparkling soda. Make a small batch and keep it on hand — once spring arrives, you’ll find plenty of reasons to pour!

cherry blossom bourbon cocktail recipe

For the perfect cherry blossom bourbon cocktail, the making of the cherry-infused bourbon can’t be rushed or skipped—it’s the signature ingredient which sets this bourbon cocktail recipe apart from the rest, adding a ripe, slightly tart sweetness that rounds out the warmth of the bourbon without overpowering it.

Garnish with a Luxardo cherry or a fresh cherry skewered on a cocktail pick for a polished finish. This cherry blossom bourbon cocktail recipe is perfect for cozy nights, celebratory toasts, or simply when you want something a bit more special than your usual pour. Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or just starting to explore whiskey drinks, this stand-out bourbon cocktail recipe deserves a spot in your rotation.