Cherry Tree Anecdote Cocktail Recipe

I CANNOT TELL A LIE…

I love my bourbon neat, but on a really hot day, I want something a little more refreshing. Summer means a lot of great fruit is in season, and right now that includes cherries. Cherries and bourbon pair well together whether in desserts or in the bottom of a Manhattan.

As I wrote this on the 4th of July weekend, I was reminded of the founders and in particular the most famous cherry tree in American History: the one chopped down by George Washington. The story may not be true, but most of the best ones shared over a drink aren’t.

The Cherry-Tree Anecdote

• 4 dark sweet cherries, pits, and stems removed
• 1/4 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 oz orgeat (B.G. Reynold’s)
• 2 oz bourbon (Bulleit or another high-rye bourbon)

Muddle the cherries in a shaker. Add the lime juice, orgeat, and bourbon and shake with ice. Double strain (you don’t want any fruit bits in your drink) into a rocks glass over ice. Slap a mint sprig and put it in the glass as a garnish.

The bourbon provides the backbone, sweetness comes from the cherries, the lime lends brightness, and the orgeat almond syrup balances the tartness of the citrus. The whole thing goes down easy and is quite refreshing. Cheers!