Cherry Blossom Bourbon Cocktail with Cherry-Infused Bourbon
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
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.
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!