Black Cherry Recipe

Black Cherry Cocktail

1. 1

   Prepare purée (if using jam)

   If using black cherry jam instead of purée, place 1/2 oz jam into a small bowl and thin with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon warm water until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Stir or whisk until fully combined.

2. 2

   Combine ingredients

   In a cocktail shaker add 2 oz black cherry bourbon, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur, 0.5 oz simple syrup, 0.5 oz black cherry purée (or thinned jam), and 2 dashes Angostura bitters.

3. 3

   Dry shake (optional)

   If you want a slightly silkier texture, dry shake (shake without ice) the mixture vigorously for 10 seconds to help emulsify the purée.

4. 4

   Shake with ice

   Add about 1 cup of ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch and the exterior is frosty.

5. 5

   Prepare glass

   Fill a rocks glass or short tumbler with cracked or cubed ice (about 1 cup).

6. 6

   Strain

   Double-strain the shaken cocktail into the prepared glass using both the shaker strainer and a fine mesh strainer to remove solids from the purée, pouring over the ice.

7. 7

   Garnish and finish

   Garnish with 2 pitted fresh black cherries or a brandied cherry skewered on a pick and rest a lemon twist or wheel on the rim. Optionally express a lemon twist over the drink to add aromatic oils.

8. 8

   Serve immediately with a short stirring pick or straw so the drink can be mixed as it mellows.