Bourbon-Cherry Smash
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Bourbon-Cherry Smash

Prep: 5 minutes • Serves: 2

10 pitted ripe sweet cherries plus additional for garnish
3 fluid ounces (1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) bourbon whiskey
1 fluid ounce (2 tablespoons) orange-flavored liqueur such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier®
1 fluid ounce (2 tablespoons) simple syrup*
1/2 fluid ounce (1 tablespoon) fresh lime juice
1 dash citrus or orange bitters
Ice
6 fluid ounces (3/4 cup) lemon sparkling seltzer water
Lime wedges for garnish

1.In cocktail shaker, muddle cherries, bourbon, orange liqueur, simple syrup, lime juice and bitters with a muddler or wooden spoon handle. Fill shaker halfway with ice cubes; cover and shake vigorously.

2.Fill 2 (8-ounce) glasses with ice; strain bourbon mixture into glasses. Top with seltzer; garnish with cherries and lime wedges.

Chef Tips:
*To make simple syrup: Stir a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water in a small saucepan (i.e., 1 cup sugar to 1 cup water). Heat the sugar mixture just to boiling, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the mixture is clear; do not stir.

Similar to a pestle, a muddler is a long stick used to mash fruits, herbs and spices in the bottom of a cocktail shaker or glass.