Okay, listen up! Father’s Day is just around the corner, and if your dad is anything like mine, he appreciates a really good drink. Forget the boring ties this year, we’re giving him something he’ll *actually* love. My dad was always the guy who could make a simple cocktail feel special, and this year, I wanted to do the same for him. That’s where my absolute favorite new creation comes in: the Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned – Father’s Day Classic! It’s got all the sophistication of a classic Old-Fashioned, but with this fun, sweet twist that just screams “celebration.” And honestly? It’s ridiculously easy to whip up. We’re talking just a few simple steps and ingredients, and you’ve got a cocktail that looks and tastes like you spent ages on it. Trust me, this is going to be your go-to for any special occasion, especially when you want to impress the dad in your life!
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned
So, why is *this* the drink you absolutely need to make? Honestly, there are so many reasons! It’s:
- Crazy Quick: Seriously, you can have this in your hand in about 5 minutes. Perfect for when Dad just got home!
- Super Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy or hard to find here. Just your basic bar staples with a couple of fun additions.
- A Unique Twist: It’s not just another Old-Fashioned. The cherry and cola add this sweet, nostalgic layer that’s totally unexpected and delicious.
- Perfect for Father’s Day: It’s got that classic feel he’ll appreciate, but with a fun, modern vibe. Plus, it just *feels* like a celebration in a glass!
Ingredients for Your Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned – Father’s Day Classic
Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s what you’ll need to mix up this fantastic Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward stuff. Precision is key here though, so grab your jigger!
- 2 oz bourbon: Pick a good one you enjoy sipping!
- 0.5 oz cherry liqueur: Something like Luxardo or a quality cherry brandy works beautifully.
- 0.25 oz cola syrup: You can find this at specialty stores or online. It’s concentrated cola flavor!
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters: Just a couple of dashes to add that classic spice and complexity.
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish: The classic cherry on top!
- Orange peel for garnish: A little twist of citrus really brightens everything up.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for the Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned
Okay, quick little notes on the ingredients. For the bourbon, feel free to use whatever your dad (or you!) loves. A higher proof will give it more backbone. If you can’t find cola syrup, you could try a tiny splash of regular cola, but the syrup is best for that intense flavor without diluting the drink. And for garnishes, feel free to get fancy! Maybe a cocktail cherry and an orange slice, or even a twist of lemon if you’re feeling adventurous.
Equipment Needed for a Perfect Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned
You don’t need a fancy bar setup for this, promise! Just a few key pieces of equipment will make mixing this Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned a breeze. You’ll definitely want:
- A mixing glass: This is where the magic happens before it goes into the glass.
- A bar spoon: For that all-important stir!
- A rocks glass: The perfect vessel for enjoying your creation over a big ice cube.
Crafting Your Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned – Father’s Day Classic: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get this delicious drink made! It’s super easy, just follow these steps and you’ll have a perfect Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned ready in no time. This is where you really get to show off your cocktail skills, even if you’re just starting out!
- Combine the good stuff: Grab your mixing glass and carefully pour in the bourbon, cherry liqueur, cola syrup, and those two dashes of Angostura bitters. Get it all in there!
- Add ice and stir: Now, fill your mixing glass with ice. Don’t be shy! Then, grab your bar spoon and gently stir. Stir, stir, stir! You want to stir for about 20-30 seconds. This chills the drink down perfectly and gives it that silky smooth texture without diluting it too much. You’ll feel the glass get nice and cold in your hand.
- Strain it out: Place a large ice cube in your rocks glass. Then, carefully strain the mixture from the mixing glass over the ice cube in your rocks glass. You want all that lovely liquid, none of the ice from the mixing glass.
- Garnish and admire: The fun part! Pop that maraschino cherry right in there, and then take your orange peel and give it a little twist over the glass to release those oils. Rub it around the rim for extra aroma if you like, then drop it in or perch it on the edge. Ta-da! You’ve made a masterpiece.
Tips for Success with Your Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned
A couple of little tricks to make your Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned absolutely perfect! First off, always use a nice, big ice cube in your serving glass. It melts slower, keeping your drink cold without watering it down too fast. Also, if you have time, pop your rocks glass in the freezer for a few minutes before you start. A chilled glass makes a huge difference! And honestly, using good quality ingredients, especially the bourbon, really shines through in a simple cocktail like this.
Serving Suggestions for Your Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned – Father’s Day Classic
Okay, so you’ve made this beautiful Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned. Now, when and how do you serve it? Obviously, Father’s Day is *the* perfect time! It’s also fantastic for backyard BBQs, casual get-togethers, or honestly, just a nice evening on the porch. Pair it with something a little savory, like some smoked almonds or even a cheese board. The sweetness of the drink balances it out perfectly!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned
Got questions about this Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few things people often ask:
Can I make a big batch of this for a party?
You totally can mix up the bourbon, cherry liqueur, cola syrup, and bitters ahead of time! Just multiply the ingredients by how many servings you want. Store this mixture in the fridge. But *don’t* add the ice until you’re ready to serve each individual drink. You still want to stir each one with ice right before straining for that perfect chill and texture.
Is there a way to make a non-alcoholic version?
Absolutely! You can skip the bourbon and cherry liqueur. Use a really good quality cherry juice or a cherry syrup instead of the liqueur, and then use the cola syrup and bitters. You could even try a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative if you find one you like! It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll capture that lovely cherry cola flavor profile.
Where do I find cola syrup?
Cola syrup can sometimes be a little tricky to track down. Check out specialty liquor stores, gourmet food shops, or even online retailers. There are a few different brands out there, so you might have to do a little searching, but it’s worth it for that authentic cola flavor in your Old-Fashioned!
Storing and Reheating Your Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned
Okay, since this is a cocktail, there’s no “reheating” involved – please don’t heat up your Old-Fashioned! If you happen to have any of the pre-mixed liquid (the bourbon, liqueur, syrup, and bitters combo) left over before you added ice, just pop it in a sealed container in the fridge. It should keep nicely for a few days. Once it’s been mixed with ice and strained, it’s really best enjoyed right away for that perfect flavor and temperature!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up about the nutrition info! While I’m including some estimates here, please remember that these numbers can totally change depending on the specific brands of bourbon, liqueur, and syrup you use. Think of it as a general idea, not a strict rule! Every bottle is a little different.
Share Your Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned Creation
Okay, now it’s YOUR turn! I would absolutely LOVE to hear how your Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned turned out. Did you make it for Father’s Day? Did you try any fun variations? Let me know in the comments below! And if you snap a picture, please share it! I can’t wait to see your delicious creations.
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Cherry Cola Old-Fashioned: Crazy Easy in 5 Mins
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A classic Old-Fashioned cocktail with a sweet cherry and cola twist, perfect for Father’s Day.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 0.5 oz cherry liqueur
- 0.25 oz cola syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Combine bourbon, cherry liqueur, cola syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass.
- Add ice and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and orange peel.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of cola syrup to your sweetness preference.
- Use a good quality bourbon for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cherry cola, old fashioned, cocktail, father's day, bourbon, cherry liqueur, cola syrup, bitters