Cherry Berry Smash

August 1, 2012July 10, 2024 Beverages, Seasonal

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Like fruity cocktails? Try this refreshing Cherry Berry Bramble Smash made with fresh cherries, strawberries, citrus fruit, and a touch of sweetness from simple syrup. (This recipe was originally published in August 2012)

In the summer I love using fresh fruits in all my desserts, side dishes, and cocktails. There’s just something about using seasonal ingredients that makes it special.

I’ve made a lot of cocktails in my time but I’m always searching for new ones. I’ve been looking for one a sweet and tart cocktail that uses fresh fruits and I came across a recipe for a Cherry Smash.

What type of cocktail is a smash?

A Smash is a type of cocktail that features a base spirit, fresh herbs, a sweetener, and some form of fruit or citrus. The cocktail is muddled to release the flavors of the ingredients. It’s a drink that is easy to customize to your tastes.

I’ve been looking for a way to use up the citrus fruit and cherries in my refrigerator and this sounded like the perfect way to do it. I figured I could add in some berries as well since I am always well stocked on berries in the summer.

As for the herb part of the cocktail I decided to go with mint because mint is great in so many cocktails. One of my favorites is my Fresh Cherry Mojito. Of course the classic Mint Julep can’t be beat for that fresh mint flavor.

I’ve also used other herbs in my cocktails like using rosemary in a Rosemary and Blood Orange Sangria. I have a non-alcoholic Citrus Rosemary Spice Infused Sparkling Water that is so refreshing in the summer.

I had both lemons and limes in my refrigerator so I decided to use them both in this drink. I thought that the tartness of the citrus would balance out the sweetness in the simple syrup and berries.

How do you make Simple Syrup?

Simple syrup is easy to make. Combine equal parts of water and sugar in a small saucepan on the stove. I like to use a half cup of each. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir until the sugar has melted. Remove from the stove top and cool completely. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

The last thing I had to think about is the type of liquor I wanted to use in this cocktail. I was deciding between vodka and rum but in the end rum won out as this reminds me of several cocktails I enjoy with rum.

Can I use a different type of liquor?

You can choose whatever base liquor you would like for this cocktail. I think bourbon, whiskey, vodka, gin, or rum would all work with the fruits in this drink.

Ingredients:

strawberries (or you can substitute blackberries or raspberries)
fresh sweet cherries (I used Bing cherries in this cocktail)
lemon
lime
fresh mint leaves
simple syrup
white rum (I used Bicardi rum for my base)
carbonated or sparkling water

To make the cocktail combine the strawberries, cherries, lemon, lime, mint leaves, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler to mash the fruit together which will help to release the juices.

Add the rum to the shaker. Put the lid on a shake for a minute or so.

Fill a short glass with ice. Strain the mixture into the glass. Top with carbonated water. Garnish with a cherry or citrus slice.

I really enjoyed this cocktail. It was refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day. The fruit was both sweet and tart and I could hardly tell there was alcohol in the beverage.

It would be easy to switch up the type of berries, citrus fruit, and liquor for a number of people to make a number of different cocktails.

If you’ve tried my Cherry Berry Smash or any other recipe on Hezzi-D’s Recipe Box please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you! You can FOLLOW ME on:

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