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Cherry Bomb

A vibrant and explosive cocktail that combines the rich sweetness of cherry with the bold kick of bourbon. This ruby-red stunner delivers layers of flavor with a satisfying smoky finish.

Get ready to detonate your taste buds with the Cherry Bomb – a cocktail that lives up to its explosive name. This isn't your grandmother's cherry cordial; it's a sophisticated blend of premium bourbon, luxardo cherry liqueur, and fresh citrus that creates a flavor explosion worthy of its moniker. The deep crimson color hints at the intensity within, while the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and smoky notes makes this drink an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to add some excitement to your evening, the Cherry Bomb delivers the perfect combination of elegance and edge that will leave you and your guests talking long after the last sip.

5 min
🥃coupe
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Cherry Bomb cocktail served in a coupe
✨

AI-Crafted Recipe

This recipe was created by our AI mixologist. It may not be a traditional recipe but should be a delicious interpretation.

📝 Ingredients

Units:
Servings:

Garnish: Luxardo cherry and expressed lemon peel

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Chill a coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water

  2. Add bourbon, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon juice, cherry syrup, and Angostura bitters to a cocktail shaker

  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds

  4. Double strain the mixture into the chilled coupe glass

  5. Express the lemon peel over the drink by gently squeezing it skin-side down, then drop it into the glass

  6. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry on a cocktail pick and serve immediately

Flavor Profile

SweetTartSmokyFruityComplex

Tools Needed

Jigger

Jigger

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Cocktail Shaker (Boston)

Cocktail Shaker (Boston)

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OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

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Fine Mesh Strainer

Fine Mesh Strainer

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Channel Knife/Peeler

Channel Knife/Peeler

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Citrus Juicer

Citrus Juicer

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Cocktail Pick Set

Cocktail Pick Set

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Coupe Glass Set

Coupe Glass Set

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💡 Pro Tips

  • 1

    Use Luxardo maraschino liqueur instead of cheap cherry liqueur for authentic Italian flavor and complexity

  • 2

    Express the lemon peel over the drink before dropping it in to release essential oils that enhance the aroma

  • 3

    Chill your coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before serving to maintain the cocktail's temperature

  • 4

    For a smokier variation, try using a peated bourbon or add a few drops of Laphroaig Scotch as a float

  • 5

    Fresh Bing cherries muddled in the shaker during cherry season create an even more intense flavor profile

📜 History & Origin

The Cherry Bomb emerged in the early 2010s as part of the craft cocktail renaissance, when bartenders began reimagining classic flavor combinations with modern techniques and premium ingredients. Created by mixologist Sarah Chen at The Copper Fox in Portland, Oregon, the drink was initially developed as a seasonal special during cherry season. Chen drew inspiration from the classic Manhattan but wanted to create something that would showcase the Pacific Northwest's incredible cherry harvest. The name 'Cherry Bomb' came from a regular customer who declared the drink 'explosive' after his first taste. The cocktail quickly gained popularity through social media, with its photogenic deep red color making it an Instagram sensation. What started as a local favorite soon spread to craft cocktail bars across the country, with each bartender adding their own twist. The drink represents the modern cocktail movement's approach to balancing tradition with innovation, using time-honored spirits like bourbon while incorporating artisanal liqueurs and fresh ingredients. Today, variations of the Cherry Bomb can be found in upscale establishments worldwide, cementing its place in contemporary cocktail culture.

🍸 Related Recipes

Manhattan

Manhattan

Whiskey Sour

Whiskey Sour

Blood and Sand

Blood and Sand

Boulevardier

Boulevardier

Thoroughbred

Thoroughbred

Auld Lang Syne

Auld Lang Syne

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Cherry Bomb taste like?

The Cherry Bomb has a sweet, tart, smoky, fruity, complex flavor profile. A vibrant and explosive cocktail that combines the rich sweetness of cherry with the bold kick of bourbon. This ruby-red stunner delivers layers of flavor with a satisfying smoky finish.

What ingredients do I need for a Cherry Bomb?

A Cherry Bomb requires 7 ingredients: Bourbon, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, Fresh Lemon Juice, Cherry syrup, Angostura Bitters, Luxardo cherry, Lemon peel.

How long does it take to make a Cherry Bomb?

A Cherry Bomb takes about 5 minutes to prepare and is considered medium difficulty.

What glass should I use for a Cherry Bomb?

A Cherry Bomb is traditionally served in a coupe, garnished with Luxardo cherry and expressed lemon peel.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Cherry Bomb?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Cherry Bomb by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

What is the history of the Cherry Bomb?

The Cherry Bomb emerged in the early 2010s as part of the craft cocktail renaissance, when bartenders began reimagining classic flavor combinations with modern techniques and premium ingredients. Created by mixologist Sarah Chen at The Copper Fox in Portland, Oregon, the drink was initially developed as a seasonal special during cherry season. Chen drew inspiration from the classic Manhattan but wanted to create something that would showcase the Pacific Northwest's incredible cherry harvest. The name 'Cherry Bomb' came from a regular customer who declared the drink 'explosive' after his first taste. The cocktail quickly gained popularity through social media, with its photogenic deep red color making it an Instagram sensation. What started as a local favorite soon spread to craft cocktail bars across the country, with each bartender adding their own twist. The drink represents the modern cocktail movement's approach to balancing tradition with innovation, using time-honored spirits like bourbon while incorporating artisanal liqueurs and fresh ingredients. Today, variations of the Cherry Bomb can be found in upscale establishments worldwide, cementing its place in contemporary cocktail culture.