Cherry Cola Highball Recipe
highwest rye whiskey, cola brandied cherry syrup
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Ingredients
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Syrup & Garnish
Cocktail
Method
Syrup & Garnish
Make or prep brandied cherry syrup
If you have store-bought cola brandied cherry syrup, measure 3/4 cup and proceed. To make a quick homemade cola brandied cherry syrup: combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cola, 1/4 cup good-quality brandy, and 4 halved cherries in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Simmer 3–4 minutes to meld flavors, then remove from heat and let cool. Strain out solids and reserve syrup. Final yield should be about 3/4 cup.
Reserve 4 whole cherries from the jar or prepared batch for garnish; if using homemade, keep the soaked cherries in the syrup to infuse flavor.
Cocktail
Build the highball
Fill a highball glass with large ice cubes (or crushed if preferred). Add 2 oz HighWest rye whiskey.
Add 3/4 oz (approximately) of the brandied cherry syrup to the glass. Note: Use about 3/4 oz (roughly 1.5 tablespoons) if you prefer a lighter sweetness; up to 1 oz for a sweeter cocktail. The recipe's syrup ingredient gives you extra for multiple drinks.
Slowly top with 4 oz chilled cola, pouring gently so the drink layers briefly and maintains carbonation. If you prefer a lighter finish, top with 1 oz club soda instead of part of the cola.
Gently stir once or twice with a bar spoon to integrate syrup, whiskey, and cola without flattening the drink.
Garnish & finish
Skewer one of the reserved brandied cherries on a cocktail pick and rest on the rim or drop it into the glass. Optionally express a lime wedge over the drink and drop it in for a bright contrast. Serve immediately.