Cool off on a hot day with this delicious Cherry Smash Cocktail! It's easy to make, refreshing, and the perfect summer treat!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I grew up in Wisconsin, where the Old-Fashioned is the unofficial state drink, and it's always been one of my favorite classic drinks! It's pretty much all my mom ever ordered, and our house always had a bottle of Canadian Club at the ready.
I tend to associate the Old-Fashioned with winter and old school Wisconsin wood-paneled bars, so a hot, humid summer doesn't seem like the best time to enjoy one. When I happened to have some whiskey on hand recently, though, I I decided to do a little experimenting.
That's how I came up with this Cherry Smash Cocktail. This delicious drink all of the qualities of the traditional drink (the cherries, the whiskey, the orange garnish), but it's lighter and fresher tasting.
You are going to love this refreshing cocktail! It's the perfect way to showcase fresh summer cherries! Plus, it's fun and easy to make with just a few ingredients. You just found your new summer drink!

Ingredients
You need six simple ingredients to make this easy cocktail:
- Cherries - Of course, you'll need some fresh cherries. The sweet kind you find in grocery stores work perfectly.
- Whiskey - Choose your favorite whiskey! I used a rye whiskey.
- Club Soda - A little club soda lightens up the drink.
- Orange - You use a fresh orange in the drink, as well as for the garnish.
- Sugar - A little superfine sugar adds a touch of sweetness.
- Thyme - You'll garnish the finished drink with a sprig of fresh thyme, which adds a lovely herbal flavor.
You'll Also Need
You'll need a jigger to measure the ingredients, muddler the smash them together, a bar spoon for stirring, and highball glass for preparing and serving the cherry cocktail.

How to Make a Cherry Smash Cocktail
This delicious summer drink couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Add cherries, orange, sugar, and thyme to glass.
- Muddle ingredients together.
- Add whiskey + ice.
- Stir in club soda.
- Garnish cocktail with remaining fruit and thyme sprig.
And that's all there is to it ... time to enjoy your Cherry Smash Cocktail!
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to try my Rum Old Fashioned next! And you'll love these fruity cocktails, too:
- Watermelon Margarita
- Rhubarb Shrub Cocktail
- Mango Mojito
- Strawberry Gin and Tonic
- Raspberry French 75
Are you looking for more cherry recipes? Try my Chocolate Cherry Granola, Cherry Freezer Jam, Cherry Tarts, and Balsamic Cherry Sauce recipe, too!

Cherry Smash Cocktail
Ingredients
- 5 cherries, pitted
- 1 slice orange
- 2 teaspoons superfine sugar
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 2 ounces whiskey
- 5 ounces club soda
Instructions
- Place 3 cherries, ½ of the orange slice, sugar, and 1 thyme sprig in the bottom of a tall glass.
- Use a muddler (or the end of a wooden spoon) to smash cherries and other ingredients.
- Add whiskey to glass and stir well.
- Fill glass with ice.
- Add club soda to glass and stir.
- Garnish cocktail with remaining fruit and thyme sprig. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition










This looks delish! Thanks for sharing!
You're welcome, Kristin! Let me know if you try it:)
Oooo this sounds GOOD! I remember my grandparents talking about Old Fashions, that and High Balls. Funny how drinks go in and out of style.
Allie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com
Ha ha ... it's definitely a drink from the grandparent's era;) Thanks so much for stopping by, Allie!