The Classic Red Wine Cherry Old Fashioned is a sophisticated twist on the traditional Old Fashioned, blending the rich, oaky depth of bourbon with the velvety fruitiness of red wine and the sweet, tart essence of cherry syrup. This modern variation brings a luxurious balance of bold and smooth flavors, making it a perfect cocktail for whiskey lovers and wine enthusiasts alike. The addition of red wine enhances the complexity of the drink, while the cherry syrup provides a natural sweetness that complements the bitters and citrusy undertones. Whether you’re looking to elevate your cocktail game, impress your guests, or simply enjoy a refined, flavorful drink, this Red Wine Cherry Old Fashioned is an elegant choice. Perfect for sipping on a cozy evening, serving at a dinner party, or enjoying as a celebratory toast, this cocktail is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- A Unique Twist on a Classic: This variation adds depth and complexity to the traditional Old Fashioned by incorporating red wine and cherry syrup.
- Perfectly Balanced: The smooth warmth of bourbon, the fruity richness of red wine, and the sweet yet tart cherry syrup create an exceptional harmony of flavors.
- Elegant and Sophisticated: This cocktail is ideal for special occasions, dinner parties, or as a refined nightcap.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can craft a bar-quality cocktail at home.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, bitterness, or fruitiness to match your personal preference.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon (your preferred brand) 🥃
- 1 oz red wine (a full-bodied variety like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Malbec) 🍷
- 1 oz cherry syrup 🍒 (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 oz simple syrup 🍯 (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 2 dashes of bitters 🌿 (Angostura or cherry bitters work best)
- Ice cubes ❄️ (enough to fill the mixing glass)
- Cherry for garnish 🍒
- Orange twist for garnish 🍊
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare Your Mixing Glass
Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes to chill the ingredients and maintain the drink’s smooth consistency. Chilling the glass beforehand can enhance the drinking experience.
Step 2: Add the Bourbon
Pour 2 oz of bourbon into the mixing glass. Bourbon serves as the foundation of the cocktail, delivering a smooth, caramelized depth with hints of vanilla and spice. Choose a high-quality bourbon for a refined and well-rounded taste.
Step 3: Incorporate the Red Wine
Add 1 oz of red wine to the bourbon. The red wine introduces a layer of fruitiness and tannins, enhancing the complexity of the drink. Opt for a full-bodied wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Zinfandel to complement the boldness of the bourbon.
Step 4: Add the Cherry and Simple Syrups
Pour in 1 oz of cherry syrup to infuse the cocktail with a rich, natural cherry sweetness. If you prefer a more tart flavor, use cherry juice instead. Follow up with 1/2 oz of simple syrup to enhance the smoothness and balance out the bold flavors. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
Step 5: Add the Bitters
Drop in 2 dashes of bitters, which help to round out the flavors and add subtle spice and aromatic complexity. Traditional Angostura bitters work well, but cherry bitters can elevate the drink’s fruitiness.
Step 6: Stir Well
Using a bar spoon, stir the ingredients gently for about 30 seconds to ensure they are well mixed and properly chilled. Stirring (rather than shaking) maintains the smooth texture of the cocktail.
Step 7: Strain into a Glass
Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube. Using a large ice cube slows dilution, allowing you to enjoy the drink’s full-bodied flavor longer.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a luxardo cherry or fresh cherry on a cocktail pick and a twist of orange peel. Express the orange peel over the drink by twisting it slightly to release its natural oils, then drop it into the glass for an added citrus aroma. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variation:
- Smoky Cherry Old Fashioned: Use a smoked bourbon or add a few drops of liquid smoke for an extra layer of depth.
- Cherry Vanilla Old Fashioned: Add a small dash of vanilla extract or use a vanilla-infused bourbon for a sweeter, dessert-like variation.
- Spiced Red Wine Old Fashioned: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to create a warm, spiced twist.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative, and use cherry juice in place of cherry syrup for a refreshing mocktail.
- Extra Boozy: For a stronger drink, increase the bourbon to 2.5 oz and reduce the simple syrup slightly.
Cooking Note:
- Select a high-quality bourbon for the best flavor profile. Brands like Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, or Buffalo Trace work exceptionally well.
- If making homemade cherry syrup, simmer fresh cherries with sugar and water until thickened, then strain.
- Red wine selection matters! Choose a bold wine that complements bourbon, avoiding overly sweet or light wines.
- The cocktail is best served immediately after mixing, as prolonged sitting can alter its balance.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve in a lowball or rocks glass with a large ice cube for slow dilution.
- Pair with dark chocolate, roasted nuts, or a charcuterie board for an enhanced tasting experience.
- Serve alongside grilled steak or rich cheeses for a sophisticated dinner pairing.
- Enjoy as an after-dinner drink, perfect for winding down in style.
Tips:
- For extra cherry flavor, muddle a few fresh cherries in the glass before mixing.
- To reduce sweetness, adjust the simple syrup or cherry syrup to taste.
- Use clear, high-quality ice cubes to prevent dilution and maintain the drink’s elegance.
- For a bolder citrus note, rub the orange peel along the rim of the glass before dropping it in.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: ~0.5g
- Sodium: ~5mg
FAQs
Q: What’s the best red wine for this cocktail? A: Full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, or Zinfandel work best as they complement the bold flavors of bourbon without overpowering them.
Q: Can I make this drink in advance? A: It’s best prepared fresh, but you can mix the bourbon, wine, syrups, and bitters ahead of time. Stir with ice just before serving.
Q: Can I use rye whiskey instead of bourbon? A: Yes! Rye whiskey adds a spicier note, which can enhance the depth of the cocktail.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftover cherry syrup? A: Store homemade cherry syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Q: Can I use cherry juice instead of cherry syrup? A: Yes, but it will be less sweet. If using cherry juice, consider adding a bit more simple syrup to maintain balance.
Conclusion
The Classic Red Wine Cherry Old Fashioned is a bold and refined cocktail that takes the beloved Old Fashioned to a whole new level. The fusion of bourbon’s warmth, red wine’s depth, and cherry syrup’s sweetness creates an unforgettable drinking experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a nightcap, or impressing guests with a sophisticated cocktail, this recipe is a must-try. With simple ingredients and effortless preparation, you can craft a luxurious drink that perfectly balances classic and contemporary flavors. Try it tonight and elevate your cocktail game with every sip!
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Classic Red Wine Cherry Old Fashioned
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon (your preferred brand) 🥃
- 1 oz red wine (a full-bodied variety like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Malbec) 🍷
- 1 oz cherry syrup 🍒 (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 oz simple syrup 🍯 (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 2 dashes of bitters 🌿 (Angostura or cherry bitters work best)
- Ice cubes ❄️ (enough to fill the mixing glass)
- Cherry for garnish 🍒
- Orange twist for garnish 🍊
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Mixing Glass
Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes to chill the ingredients and maintain the drink’s smooth consistency. Chilling the glass beforehand can enhance the drinking experience.
Step 2: Add the Bourbon
Pour 2 oz of bourbon into the mixing glass. Bourbon serves as the foundation of the cocktail, delivering a smooth, caramelized depth with hints of vanilla and spice. Choose a high-quality bourbon for a refined and well-rounded taste.
Step 3: Incorporate the Red Wine
Add 1 oz of red wine to the bourbon. The red wine introduces a layer of fruitiness and tannins, enhancing the complexity of the drink. Opt for a full-bodied wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Zinfandel to complement the boldness of the bourbon.
Step 4: Add the Cherry and Simple Syrups
Pour in 1 oz of cherry syrup to infuse the cocktail with a rich, natural cherry sweetness. If you prefer a more tart flavor, use cherry juice instead. Follow up with 1/2 oz of simple syrup to enhance the smoothness and balance out the bold flavors. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
Step 5: Add the Bitters
Drop in 2 dashes of bitters, which help to round out the flavors and add subtle spice and aromatic complexity. Traditional Angostura bitters work well, but cherry bitters can elevate the drink’s fruitiness.
Step 6: Stir Well
Using a bar spoon, stir the ingredients gently for about 30 seconds to ensure they are well mixed and properly chilled. Stirring (rather than shaking) maintains the smooth texture of the cocktail.
Step 7: Strain into a Glass
Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube. Using a large ice cube slows dilution, allowing you to enjoy the drink’s full-bodied flavor longer.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a luxardo cherry or fresh cherry on a cocktail pick and a twist of orange peel. Express the orange peel over the drink by twisting it slightly to release its natural oils, then drop it into the glass for an added citrus aroma. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Select a high-quality bourbon for the best flavor profile. Brands like Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, or Buffalo Trace work exceptionally well.
- If making homemade cherry syrup, simmer fresh cherries with sugar and water until thickened, then strain.
- Red wine selection matters! Choose a bold wine that complements bourbon, avoiding overly sweet or light wines.
- The cocktail is best served immediately after mixing, as prolonged sitting can alter its balance.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Sodium: 5mg
- Protein: 0.5g