Kentucky Slim Cherry Punch

Did you pick up a bunch of cherries at the store, but now you’re not really feeling like Betty Crocker or making a pie? Pit them, chop them and juice them to create a bourbon punch cocktail recipe instead! This Kentucky Slim Cherry Punch is a great addition to any summer cookout. (Keep reading even if you don’t have fresh cherries.)

“Wait, did you say bourbon?” Yes! We tried vodka, tequila, gin, you name it. When we got to bourbon it stopped us in our tracks!

I always thought of bourbon as a Dad drink. After crafting this bourbon punch cocktail, I think it’s time to drop the stereotypes. These flavor combinations are absolutely delightful together. Everyone at your barbecue will be sipping on this bourbon punch, so you should probably make a double batch to begin with!

Cherries: Fresh, Frozen or Juiced

This recipe is so flexible. You can use cherries in any form.

Fresh Cherries

• pit and halve a pound of cherries
• add the cherries and 2 cups of filtered water to a small sauce pan
• turn the heat to medium low and bring to a simmer
• let simmer for 7-10 minutes
• cool and strain with a fine mesh strainer

Frozen Cherries

• 12 oz bag of frozen cherries (they are usually already pitted)
• let thaw for a few mins so you can cut them in half
• add the cherries and 2 cups of filtered water to a small sauce pan
• turn the heat to medium low and bring to a simmer
• let simmer for 7-10 minutes
• let cool and strain with a fine mesh strainer

Store-Bought Cherry Juice

• Check the ingredient label to be sure there is no added sugar

Limes: Perfect with Cherries

The thing about limes is… I love them! I would put limes in every drink if I could. This recipe is a testament to that, as it is very “limey.”

You’ll need 5-7 limes for this punch. Bottled lime juice will work in a pinch, but if you’re going to the grocery store anyway, add fresh limes to your list. It makes all the difference between a good punch and great punch!

Juice them up! You’ll need 3/4 cup of lime juice. Remember to cut some up for garnishes as well.

Making a Healthy Bourbon Punch Cocktail

While creating this recipe with my family we could all agree that bourbon was the secret ingredient, but we all had different opinions on the sweetness part. Half of the family likes sugary drinks and half of us like them on the healthier side.

This drink is full of healthy ingredients. Cherries bursting with antioxidants, apples keeping the doctor away, and limes to improve digestion and fight infection. I have even read that bourbon can help reduce the risk of certain carcinogens! (I do not remember where I read this, therefore I have no proof.) I didn’t want to ruin this healthy bourbon punch with unnecessary added sugar.

We played with the juices and stevia ratios all afternoon and after many taste tests we settled on this recipe. The result is a tasty, fruity, healthy cocktail that’s not too sweet, but just sweet enough. (Check out my Skinny Margarita recipe for more!)

The Kentucky Slim Cherry Punch works great as a pitcher drink, or make half the recipe for two to enjoy.

Kentucky Slim Cherry Punch

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Wait, did you say bourbon? Yes! The flavor combinations in this bourbon cherry punch are absolutely delightful together. Perfect for your summer cookout, you should probably make a double batch!

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Ingredients

• 2 cup Cherry Juice
• 1 1/4 cup Apple juice
• 3/4 cup Lime juice
• 1 cup Kentucky Bourbon
• 1 1/2 tsp Stevia (6 packets)
• 1 can Seltzer (cherry, lime or plain)

Instructions

1. Prepare cherry juice (see notes below) or use a store-bought, no-sugar-added cherry juice.
2. Add juices and stevia to a 1/2 gallon pitcher and stir until stevia is dissolved.
3. Add bourbon and seltzer.
4. Serve over ice and garnish with lime.
5. Please drink responsibly.

Notes

You can use store-bought, no-sugar-added cherry juice or make your own with fresh or frozen cherries:

- 1 pound fresh (or one 12 oz bag frozen) cherries pitted and halved.

- Add cherries and 2 cups of water to small sauce pan.

- Simmer for 7-10 mins over medium-low heat.

- Let cool and strain with a fine mesh strainer.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 106Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 39mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 0gSugar: 11gProtein: 0g

Nutritional information is estimated and should only be used as a general guideline.