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Prep time
5 minutes
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makes
1 cocktail
Author Notes
Is there any cocktail more refreshing than a bourbon smash? In this cocktail, Basil Hayden® Kentucky Straight Bourbon is infused with fresh muddled cherries, basil, lemon wedges, and just a hint of honey syrup. For a more refined drinking experience, the recipe strains the muddled fruit and herbs out and serves the cocktail over a big rock to maintain maximum chill. The sweet-tart cherries and fragrant basil play nicely with the smooth, lightly spiced notes of the Basil Hayden®, but this bourbon’s versatility means you could swap in almost any of your favorite fruits or herbs.
To make the honey syrup, combine equal parts honey and water in a saucepan set over medium heat, and stir until the honey is dissolved. Let it cool and store in the fridge for about 2 weeks. Simple syrup would also work great here.
—Max Rappaport
Test Kitchen Notes
This recipe is shared in partnership with Basil Hayden®.
Basil Hayden® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 40% Alc./Vol. ©2021 Kentucky Springs Distilling Co., Clermont, KY —The Editors
Watch This Recipe
Cherry Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
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2
parts Basil Hayden® Kentucky Straight Bourbon
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1/2
part honey syrup
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5
fresh basil leaves (plus more for garnish)
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4
fresh cherries, pitted (plus more for garnish)
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4
lemon wedges
Directions
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Add all the ingredients to an empty cocktail shaker.
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With a muddler, gently press down on the contents of the shaker 4 or 5 times, just until everything is lightly muddled (too much will incorporate bitterness from the lemon pith).
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Fill the cocktail shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously for 10 seconds—or until the sides of the shaker are frosty and cold.
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Fine-strain the cocktail into a glass filled with one large ice cube. Garnish with additional cherries and fresh basil, and serve.
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