Known as NC’s oldest drink and Raleigh’s official cocktail, the cherry bounce has a strong history in Oak City and may have influenced the birth of Raleigh. Here’s the backstory of the historic cocktail and how to make one yourself.
The cherry bounce, made with cherries aged in liquor, first made its way to Raleigh in the 1760s via Isaac Hunter’s tavern in Wake Crossroads, generally believed to be the current site of the North Raleigh Hilton hotel. Although Hunter didn’t invent the cocktail — George Washington was a fan before it came to NC — NC bigwigs were fans and flocked to Hunter’s tavern.
When deciding on the capital of the Tar Heel State, North Carolina General Assembly members decided the capital should be within 10 miles of their favorite tavern, Hunter’s. Joel Lane however, wanted his land to be purchased for the capital instead of Hunter’s. The story goes that after a night full of cherry bounce at Lane’s home, his tract of land became the state capital and was named after explorer Sir Walter Raleigh and the rest was history.
Psst... learn more about Raleigh’s early days and more fun facts.
Now that you know its history, here’s how to make the cocktail two ways.
This traditional recipe from Southern Living has fresh or frozen cherries aged in spices + vodka, brandy, or bourbon for up to three months. The final product will be strong and sweet; make it into a more traditional cocktail with club soda or lemon-lime soda for a boozy Carolina Shirley Temple.
If you need to try this drink now, not three months from now, try Walter Magazine’s modified recipe via Dave Rose made with cherry vodka, cranberry juice, and lime.
