If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s bold, smooth, and full of rich cherry flavor, my Cherry Glazed Whiskey Ginger is just the ticket. It takes a classic whiskey cocktail and gives it that signature Heath Riles BBQ twist — a splash of cherry-apple sweetness, a hit of warm whiskey, and a bubbly kick from ginger ale.

This drink looks like the holidays in a glass and tastes even better. It’s simple, refreshing, and guaranteed to impress whether you’re kicking back after a cookout or toasting around the firepit.

Cherry Glazed Whiskey Ginger | Heath Riles BBQ

You don’t need a long list of syrups and bitters to make a great whiskey drink. This one uses just a handful of ingredients — good whiskey, a spoonful of Heath Riles BBQ Cherry Apple Habanero Glaze, and a pour of crisp ginger ale. The glaze adds that deep cherry richness with a touch of apple tang, while the ginger ale brings balance and fizz.

It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing cocktail that takes less than two minutes to make but tastes like something straight from a high-end bar.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Cherry Glazed Whiskey Ginger is the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy — a cocktail that fits in just as well at a summer BBQ as it does at a holiday party.

Here’s why it’s one of my new favorites:

• It’s simple. You only need four ingredients and a few seconds to mix it.
• It’s flavorful. The cherry-apple glaze brings a rich, fruit-forward sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bold whiskey base.
• It’s versatile. You can make it strong, light, spicy, or sweet — whatever fits your mood.
• It looks amazing. The deep amber color with a cherry-red tint makes it a showstopper in the glass.

It’s the kind of cocktail that makes you look like a mixologist without ever leaving your kitchen or backyard.

The Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to mix up your new favorite whiskey cocktail:

• Whiskey (2 ounces) – I like using Jack Daniel’s for that smooth Tennessee flavor with notes of vanilla and oak, but any good whiskey will do.
• Heath Riles BBQ Cherry Apple Habanero Glaze (1 teaspoon) – The secret ingredient that makes this drink shine. It adds sweetness, body, and that signature cherry-apple flavor.
• Ginger Ale – Top it off with a good-quality ginger ale for fizz and spice.
• Ice – For shaking, chilling, and serving.
• Garnish: A fresh lime slice – the bright citrus cuts through the sweetness for the perfect finishing touch.

The Setup

You don’t need a full bar to pull this one off. A few basic tools will do the trick:

• YETI Cocktail Shaker – Keeps your drink icy cold while you shake.
• Measuring Jigger – For perfect pours every time.
• Rocks Glass – Ideal for serving and showing off that deep amber-cherry hue.
• Bar Spoon – Perfect for giving the cocktail a gentle stir after topping with ginger ale.

If you’re serving guests, you can mix a few at a time or batch it up ahead of time.

The Process for Making a Cherry Glazed Whiskey Ginger

You can catch the step-by-step in the video, but here’s exactly how to build it at home:

1. Start with a handful of ice in your YETI Cocktail Shaker or mixing glass. This chills the drink while slightly diluting it for the perfect balance.
2. Measure out two ounces of your favorite whiskey using your Measuring Jigger and pour it over the ice. This gives you a strong, smooth base with a little bite.
3. Scoop in about a teaspoon of Heath Riles Cherry Apple Habanero Glaze. The glaze is thick and flavorful, so take a second to stir or shake it until it fully dissolves. It’s the key to that rich cherry sweetness.
4. Mix it up well — about 10–15 seconds of shaking or a good stir will do the trick. You want the glaze fully incorporated so each sip is smooth and balanced.
5. Strain the mixture into your Rocks Glass filled with ice.
6. Pour ginger ale over the top until the glass is full.
7. Use your Bar Spoon to give the cocktail a light stir. This helps blend the ginger ale with the whiskey and glaze without losing carbonation.
8. Add a fresh lime slice to the rim or float it right on top. It adds a pop of color and a subtle citrus aroma that makes the drink shine.

That’s it — simple, clean, and incredibly tasty.

The Results

This cocktail looks good, smells good, and as I said in the video — it damn sure tastes good.

The first sip hits you with smooth whiskey and deep cherry sweetness. Then the ginger ale cuts in with its spice and fizz, rounding everything out. The cherry-apple glaze gives the drink body and a hint of fruit that lingers just long enough to make you go back for another sip, while the lime slice brightens each taste with just a touch of acidity.

It’s sweet without being sugary, refreshing without being light — and it’s got that signature BBQ twist that makes it unmistakably Heath Riles.

Serving Suggestions

This drink fits just about any occasion, but here are a few of my favorite pairings straight from the Heath Riles BBQ kitchen:

• Cherry Apple Habanero Baby Back Ribs on the Traeger Ironwood 885 – Sticky, smoky, and packed with sweet-heat flavor. The cocktail’s cherry notes complement the glaze perfectly.
• Korean Candy Apple Wings – These wings bring the spice, and the Cherry Glazed Whiskey Ginger balances them with a cool, sweet finish.
• Holiday Pork Tenderloin on the Outlaw Smoker – A festive pairing that echoes the cocktail’s warm, fruity profile for a complete holiday menu.

If you’re hosting a party, this drink makes an excellent batch cocktail. Just multiply the ingredients by your guest count, mix the whiskey and glaze together in your YETI Pitcher, and top each glass with ginger ale as you serve.

Storing and Make-Ahead Tips

You can easily make the base of this cocktail ahead of time — just the whiskey and glaze mixed together. Store it sealed in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

When it’s time to serve:

• Pour it over ice.
• Top with ginger ale.
• Stir with your Bar Spoon.
• Garnish with a lime slice and enjoy.

A few extra tips for the best flavor:

• Keep it cold. Chill your whiskey and glaze before mixing for a smoother drink.
• Use fresh ginger ale. Flat soda won’t give you that crisp, bubbly kick.
• Don’t skip the glaze. It’s the flavor backbone — sweet, smoky, and perfectly balanced.

The Final Sip

The Cherry Glazed Whiskey Ginger proves that sometimes the simplest drinks are the best. It’s smooth, sweet, and a little spicy — a cocktail that feels special without any fuss. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just winding down after a long day, this drink hits all the right notes.

It’s bold enough for whiskey lovers, approachable enough for casual drinkers, and festive enough to make any night feel like an occasion.

So grab your YETI Cocktail Shaker, measure out a couple ounces of your favorite whiskey with your Measuring Jigger, stir it with your Bar Spoon, and let that Cherry Apple Habanero Glaze work its magic.

Cheers, my friends — here’s to great whiskey, bold flavor, and the best nights shared around the fire.

Equipment and Tools

YETI Cocktail Shaker, Measuring Jigger, Rocks Glass, Bar Spoon, YETI Pitcher