a true North Carolina cocktail

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What is the official drink of North Carolina? The answer is milk. What is the “unofficial” cocktail of North Carolina? The Cherry Bounce.

The cherry bounce cocktail is actually the official drink of Raleigh, the state capital of North Carolina and has a long history in the area. This drink has said to have been a favorite of George Washington on his visits through the Tarheel state in the 1700’s. Records date back to the mid 1600’s of this cocktail being served in Isaac Hunter’s Tavern that was situated between Fayetteville, NC and Virgina on what is today known as Old Wake Forest Road.

The original Raleigh version of the cherry bounce was made with Brandy, and as its popularity spread to the mountain region of North Carolina, the liquor of choice used in this drink was moonshine. Today, cherry vodka is the official ingredient used to concoct this historic drink. …but WAIT, I thought…what if I use another North Carolina favorite to make this delicious cocktail??? Cheerwine is a cherry flavored soft drink that all started in Salisbury, North Carolina in 1917. So instead of using the original recipe that includes cherry vodka and club soda, I just used regular vodka and Cheerwine. (You can also omit the vodka for a “mocktail” version if you want to taste this little sip of history sans alcohol.) After making and trying it, I decided that Cheerwine was the perfect complement to this presidential cocktail.

So now you can add a little extra credit to your 5th grade state book report for North Carolina by including this historic drink. Okay, I’m joking, but does anybody else remember making a small booklet presentation on your official state symbols? Like the official tree of North Carolina is the Pine Tree and the official flower of North Carolina is the Flowering Dogwood. (Which I tried to include in my photos with the drink, but only found a different variety (Kousa) of a dogwood flower because the other was out of season.) However, I vividly remember drawing and coloring each state symbol. I also included three cherries in the spoon to pay ohmage to Cheerwine’s 1920’s bottle label, which is my favorite design. This is my adult extra credit and nod to the state I was born and raised in. Cheers to you North Carolina, I will always call you home! ❤️

Let’s begin!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Enjoy!

💜Julie