I’m not gonna lie, I’m not afraid of a little bourbon. Maker’s Mark, in particular is a favorite. I’ve always thought it had a nice caramel-brown sugary taste/smell to it. I had some cherries that I needed to use (in fact, a few were already bad and they had to be sorted through) they were quite ripe and perfect for this. I developed this drink last Sunday. I’m not that heavy a drinker, which is to say, I drink when I feel like it, which usually ends up being a few times a month. When I do drink, I make sure it’s worth it! I want to drink something perfect and I want to drink enough of it to get a sweet buzz. Let’s just say that I was disappointed that I had not thought to make this on Saturday when I was to be with my girlfriends, because Sunday I was not drinking and this beverage was TITS! I could have easily tossed back three or four without hesitation. This cocktail is my favorite that I have made so far. Get your cherries and your Maker’s and get right on this… Because TGIF, bitches!

You will need the following:

• Maker’s Mark or a bourbon of your choice
• Cherries, pitted and halved about 1/4 cup per two cocktails
• Brown sugar, 3 Tbsp. per two cocktails
• The juice of half a lemon
• Club soda

Directions:

1. Lay cherries out in an even layer on a lightly greased baking sheet and place into a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes, tossing them every five minutes. remove and allow to cool. 
     
2. Place 1/4 cup cherries, 3 Tbsp. brown sugar and the juice of half a lemon in a cocktail shaker (you can also use a mason jar and the dull end of a butter knife to muddle), with a muddling tool, smash the three ingredients into a paste. 
3. Add 3-4oz bourbon to the cherry mixture and swirl or stir well to fully incorporate.
4. Fill two rocks glasses with ice, pour bourbon cherry mixture evenly between the two and top off with club soda and a thin slice of lemon.

Do this! Seriously, it is SOOOOO good. You will not regret it.. in fact, I think you may thank me! Kampai!