CHERRY ON TOP

Cherry

ON TOP

BY NICHOLAS DEKKER

This holiday season, whip up your favorite festive drinks using cherry liquors. The rich cherry flavors enhance any beverage, whether you’re using brandy or cherry whiskey or cordials. Search the shelves at your favorite OHLQ store to stock your cabinet.

GINGER CHERRY SMASH

21/2 oz. cherry whiskey 1 oz. ginger liqueur 1 oz. lemon-lime soda 1 orange wedge 1 cherry Ice

Add ice to a rocks glass, then add alcohol and stir briskly. Top with lemon-lime soda and garnish with orange wedge and cherry. From Bird Dog Whiskey

Cherry-flavored whiskey is the perfect addition to the signature cocktail. 2 oz. cherry whiskey 1 oz. sweet vermouth 1 Maraschino cherry 1 orange peel Ice

Stir whiskey and vermouth with ice for 10–15 seconds, then strain into coupe glass. Garnish with Maraschino cherry and orange peel. From Noble Cut Distillery The sweet and sour Brandy Crusta combines flavors popular in New York and New Orleans.

2 oz. cherry brandy 1/4 oz. triple sec 1/2 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice 1/4 oz. simple syrup 2 dashes bitters 1 lemon wedge 1 lemon peel Sugar Ice

Run the lemon wedge around the rim of a flute, then dip into sugar. Add cherry brandy, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters to a shaker with ice, then shake until well-chilled. Strain into the flute and garnish with lemon peel. From 451 Spirits

COCOA AND FIVE SPICE SIMPLE SYRUP INGREDIENTS

1 c. water 1/2 c. demerara sugar 1/2 c. coconut sugar 1 tbsp. Dutch-processed cocoa 1 tbsp. Five Spice powder

Stir together all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil, then simmer until sugars are fully dissolved. Strain and cool; store in the fridge for up to one week.

CHERRY COSMO CHERRY MOCKTAIL

Cherry vodka gives this classic a tart twist!

3 oz. cherry vodka 1/2 oz. triple sec 1 oz. cranberry juice 1 lime wedge Splash of fresh lime juice Ice This non-alcoholic cocktail still brings out all the fresh and tart flavors of cherries.

6 oz. cherries 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice Fresh mint Sparkling water

IT’S A Mocktail!

Mix all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with lime wedge. From Three Olives Dice up cherries and muddle completely in a bowl. Combine cherries and lime juice in a glass, then top with sparkling water or spritzer to taste. Garnish with mint.

BOURBON WORLD TRAVELER

Cocoa and Five Spice create a flavor that takes you on a trip across the globe. 2 oz. cherry bourbon 1 oz. Cocoa and Five Spice Simple Syrup 5–8 frozen raspberries 8 oz. can of ginger beer or ginger ale Ice

Combine bourbon, simple syrup, and five raspberries in cocktail shaker, muddle lightly, then add ice and shake. Strain into a glass with ice, top with ginger beer, or ginger ale, and garnish with remaining raspberries. From Cleveland Underground