Cocktail of the Month: Cherry Rye Smash
At Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, we love cocktails that highlight both the flavor of our spirits and the history that surrounds them. This month, we’re celebrating the Cherry Rye Smash—a bold, refreshing cocktail that brings together the spiced warmth of our Pennsylvania Straight Rye Whiskey with the juicy sweetness of fresh cherries and the brightness of mint and citrus. But before we get into the flavor, let’s talk a little about the roots of this drink.
What Is a “Smash” Cocktail?
The Smash is one of the oldest styles of American cocktails, dating back to at least the mid-1800s. Its name comes from the way fresh ingredients—often herbs and fruit—are “smashed” or muddled together to release their oils and juices.
Originally built with brandy, whiskey, or gin, the Smash was a popular choice in early American bars thanks to its simplicity, flexibility, and seasonal adaptability.
Unlike more rigid cocktail recipes, Smashes are meant to be rustic and improvisational. They’re often described as a more relaxed cousin of the Mint Julep, especially popular in warmer months. The earliest versions featured sugar, mint, and the spirit served over crushed ice—perfect for slow sipping.
Why Rye Whiskey?
Rye whiskey was America’s original whiskey, particularly in Pennsylvania, where our distillery is proudly located. It was the dominant spirit in the 18th and early 19th centuries, and for good reason. Rye adds a signature spice and dryness that balances the sweetness of fruit and sugar, giving Smashes made with rye a more complex and robust flavor than those made with bourbon or brandy.
Our Cherry Rye Smash brings that tradition into the present, using locally grown cherries, fresh mint, and our straight rye whiskey to create a cocktail that’s both approachable and richly flavored.
Cherry Rye Smash Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Eight Oaks Straight Rye Whiskey
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup (or to taste)
- 4–5 pitted cherries (plus one for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
How to Make It:
- In a shaker, muddle the cherries and mint with lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Add rye whiskey and ice.
- Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a cherry and a sprig of mint.
Tasting Notes
The Cherry Rye Smash is bright, juicy, and refreshing with layers of flavor. The sweetness of the cherries plays beautifully with the spice of the rye, while mint adds a cooling herbal note. Lemon juice provides balance and acidity, making this cocktail ideal for early summer sipping.
A Toast to Tradition and Innovation
The Cherry Rye Smash honors the long American tradition of Smash cocktails while showcasing the vibrant, spicy profile of our Pennsylvania rye. Whether you’re sitting on a back porch, behind the bar, or just unwinding after a long day, this cocktail delivers both history and flavor in every sip.
Stop by Eight Oaks Farm Distillery to try it in person—or grab a bottle of our Straight Rye and make one at home. Either way, you’re raising a glass to a true American classic.
