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Cherry Almond Old Fashioned


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

To make the Cherry Almond Old Fashioned, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 ounces of bourbon, which serves as the base of this cocktail. Choose a quality bourbon for a rich, full-bodied flavor.
  • 1 ounce of cherry syrup or fresh muddled cherries to introduce the sweet and tart cherry flavor. If using fresh cherries, muddle about 45 cherries in the glass to release their juices.
  • ¼ ounce of almond syrup or almond extract for the nutty depth that complements the cherry. Almond syrup adds sweetness, while almond extract offers a more intense flavor.
  • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to enhance the complexity of the cocktail and balance the sweetness.
  • 1 sugar cube or 1 teaspoon of simple syrup to add sweetness and help dissolve the bitters.
  • Ice cubes for chilling the drink and ensuring the flavors are well-integrated.
    Optional garnishes include a cherry on top, a twist of orange peel for a citrusy note, or a sprig of fresh mint for added aroma and visual appeal.

Instructions

Step 1: Start by preparing your glass. An Old Fashioned glass (also known as a rocks glass) is ideal for this cocktail. If desired, you can rim the glass with a little sugar or cherry syrup to enhance the sweetness. Step 2: Place the cherry syrup (or muddled cherries) in the glass, followed by the almond syrup or almond extract. Add the sugar cube or simple syrup, then top with the Angostura bitters. Step 3: Gently muddle the ingredients together with a muddler or the back of a spoon to combine the flavors. Be careful not to over-muddle, as you want the cherries to release their juices without crushing them too finely. Step 4: Add a few ice cubes to the glass to chill the ingredients. Then, pour the bourbon over the ice, ensuring that it mixes well with the muddled fruit and syrup. Step 5: Stir the mixture gently for about 15–20 seconds to fully incorporate the flavors and chill the cocktail. Step 6: Garnish the Cherry Almond Old Fashioned with a cherry, a twist of orange peel, or a sprig of fresh mint, depending on your preference. The orange peel adds a refreshing citrusy note that balances the sweetness of the cherry, while the mint brings a touch of herbaceous freshness.

Notes

For the best results, use high-quality bourbon as the base for this cocktail. A smooth, well-balanced bourbon will provide the ideal foundation for the cherry and almond flavors to shine through. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, use more cherry syrup or add an extra sugar cube, but be cautious not to overpower the balance of flavors. If you’re using fresh cherries, make sure they’re ripe and juicy to extract the most flavor. When choosing almond syrup, select one that’s made with real almonds for a more authentic taste, though almond extract can be used for a more concentrated flavor. The bitters are essential to balance the sweetness and add depth to the drink. Adjust the amount of bitters to suit your taste preferences.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: None

Nutrition

  • Calories: Approximately 200 per serving
  • Sodium: 20mg
  • Protein: 1g