This is a question that has been asked for many years, with no definitive answer. Some say that adding a cherry to an old fashioned is blasphemy, while others say it is a must. So, what is the right answer? Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Laws Whiskey House. As always, all opinions are my own. This is an updated version of the original post published on May 5, 2017. about this cherry whiskey smash With: Scotch whisky, Islay single malt, Cherry Heering cherry brandy, kirsch eau-de-vie, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth and orange juice. Yes, whiskey sours are very spirit forward. The cherries and lemon juice are the only non-spirit. Amaretto does have a lower ABV (alcohol by volume) than whiskey, which is usually 21-28%. Whiskey’s ABV is around 35-40%, sometimes higher. If you don’t have access to Laws Secale Straight Rye, you can use your favorite rye whiskey. For something a little sweeter, reach for a bourbon! ingredients

Price is always a consideration, and it's no different when you buy a specialty spirit. How much are you willing to spend? You could use your whole budget on one bottle, or buy a few and experiment to see which one you enjoy the most. Traditionally, whiskey sours are made with 80-proof bourbon which adds a touch of oak that doesn't overpower the sweet vs sour combination.Make some Instant Pot Pulled Pork to save time! You can use this in sandwiches, in tacos, or in my favorite BBQ pulled pork sliders. With: Scotch whisky, Cherry Heering cherry brandy, white crème de cacao, dry vermouth and orange bitters. One popular cherry whiskey is the Wild Turkey American Honey Cherry. It is made with natural honey and cherry flavors, and has a sweet and smooth taste. Another option is the Cherry Bomb Whiskey from Jim Beam. This whiskey is made with natural cherry flavors and has a slightly fruity taste.

I do love a classic bourbon smash, but since I’m more of a whiskey girl, I thought it was about time I made a whiskey smash instead! With: Luxardo Sour cherry gin, white crème de menthe, Cherry Heering cherry brandy, lemon juice and chocolate bitters. But yes, the Diageo mainframe was right. While I do like a peat of smoke, spice and sweet sherry notes, what I really love in a whisky is a fresh fruit note like apple, peach, pineapple, or bittersweet cherries. Though such flavours can come from the cask, fruit is usually a sign of something interesting going on at the fermentation stage. These carry through to distillation and can linger on in the whisky for decades. I was fortunate to try an old Laphroaig where the smoke and fire had faded but the fruit was vibrant. Ahhhh whisky magic!Add simple syrup, cherry juice, cherries, mint leaves, and lemon wedge to the bottom of an empty shaker. Muddle well, until the lemon wedge is broken down. shake Many seasoned whiskey drinkers turn their noses to the sky at the mere mention of "flavored whiskey"—and it's easy to see why. Most expressions on shelves at your local liquor store are less than good, despite being immensely popular. The infused whiskey is so strong that you can use it like an extract, mixing it with others liquors for what’s known as a “compound liquor”. For example, start mixing the cherry whisky with 1:4 parts dry white wine, adding cherry gastrique, or some burnt sugar for sweetness, along with a vanilla bean and a few peels or orange rind. simple syrup– you can buy this at your local store (liquor or grocery!), but I just make it at home. All you need are equal parts water and sugar. Bring to a boil in a saucepan and stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, cool, and store in the refrigerator! I usually make mine in batches of 2 c sugar/2 c water. A Cherry Whiskey Sour is an easy recipe made with fresh juices, whiskey, and Cherry Simple Syrup. Share this delicious refreshing drink with friends and family at your next holiday party or at any casual happy hour gathering. WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS WHISKEY SOUR RECIPE

If you are a fan of whisky, the Manhattan is a great choice. If you prefer bourbon, the Old Fashioned is the drink for you.

Cherry Shake

Here’s the rub: Not all flavored whiskeys are lousy. Some are even quite delicious. If you want to experience new and exciting flavors, it's worth it to keep an open mind. After all, there was a time not long ago when people thought the only good single malts came from Scotland. What makes bourbon distinct from other whiskey is how it is manufactured and aged. For more information about the difference between whiskey and bourbon read this interesting article from Food & Wine. Red wine casks can sometimes add a drying note to a whisky so need to be handled with care. Stephanie MacLeod, however, really lives up to her job title of master of blender here carefully balancing the sweet honeyed edge of classic Aberfeldy with ripe red cherry fruit from Napa valley cabernet sauvignon casks. Orange By combining, fresh cherries, sugar and water you'll have enough simple syrup to make many whiskey sours. Find complete instructions for cherry simple syrup here. Garnish– I used Luxardo cherries for my garnish. Again, avoid the bright red, cheap maraschino cherries if possible.A lemon wedge works great as a garnish too!