Cherry Old Fashioned

How to Make Cherry Old Fashioned

1. 1

   Step 1: Sweeten and bitters

   In a mixing glass or the serving rocks glass, add the demerara syrup (or if using a sugar cube, place it in the glass and add a few dashes of bitters then muddle until dissolved). Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters per cocktail (6 dashes total for two) and stir briefly to combine the sugar and bitters.

   For this step

   • 1/2 ozDemerara syrup (or simple syrup / 1 sugar cube)
   • 6 dashAngostura bitters
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Add spirits

   Pour in the bourbon and the Luxardo maraschino (or your chosen cherry liqueur). The maraschino liqueur adds a distinct cherry-amaro note — reduce or omit if you prefer a more spirit-forward drink.

   For this step

   • 4 ozBourbon
   • 1/2 ozLuxardo maraschino liqueur (or cherry liqueur like Cherry Heering)
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Ice and stir to chill

   Add large ice cubes to the mixing glass, then stir steadily for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted. Proper stirring brings the flavors together and gives the Old Fashioned its silky mouthfeel.

   For this step

   • 6 piecesLarge ice cubes
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Strain, garnish, and finish

   Strain the cocktail over a fresh large ice cube in a rocks glass. Express an orange peel over the drink to release oils, rub the rim with the peel, then drop it in along with a Luxardo cherry (one cherry per cocktail, two total). Add a splash of water or club soda only if you want a lighter version.

   For this step

   • 4 pcLuxardo cherries (or brandied/maraschino cherries)
   • 2 pcOrange peel (for express and garnish)
   • 1/4 ozOptional: splash of water or club soda (if you prefer lighter)
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Variations and tips

   For a sweeter, fruitier profile use a touch more maraschino liqueur; for a drier, more classic Old Fashioned reduce the liqueur and use a sugar cube or demerara only. Luxardo is the classic cherry choice — other cherry liqueurs (Cherry Heering, Amarena cherry syrups) and brand notes like Luxardo's richer, slightly bitter marasca cherry flavor are all excellent depending on how cherry-forward you want the cocktail.
   

1. In a mixing glass or the serving rocks glass, add the demerara syrup (or if using a sugar cube, place it in the glass and add a few dashes of bitters then muddle until dissolved). Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters per cocktail (6 dashes total for two) and stir briefly to combine the sugar and bitters.
2. Pour in the bourbon and the Luxardo maraschino (or your chosen cherry liqueur). The maraschino liqueur adds a distinct cherry-amaro note — reduce or omit if you prefer a more spirit-forward drink.
3. Add large ice cubes to the mixing glass, then stir steadily for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted. Proper stirring brings the flavors together and gives the Old Fashioned its silky mouthfeel.
4. Strain the cocktail over a fresh large ice cube in a rocks glass. Express an orange peel over the drink to release oils, rub the rim with the peel, then drop it in along with a Luxardo cherry (one cherry per cocktail, two total). Add a splash of water or club soda only if you want a lighter version.
5. For a sweeter, fruitier profile use a touch more maraschino liqueur; for a drier, more classic Old Fashioned reduce the liqueur and use a sugar cube or demerara only. Luxardo is the classic cherry choice — other cherry liqueurs (Cherry Heering, Amarena cherry syrups) and brand notes like Luxardo's richer, slightly bitter marasca cherry flavor are all excellent depending on how cherry-forward you want the cocktail.