This Cherry Cocktail is a quick, refreshing drink made with cherry syrup, lemon-lime soda, and your choice of rum or vodka. It’s the perfect way to enjoy cherries in a drink, whether you’re hosting a party or just want a fruity cocktail to sip on a warm evening. Plus, you can easily adjust it into a cherry mocktail or add a splash of bourbon for a deeper flavor twist.
I’ve always loved cherry season, not just for desserts but for the simple pleasure of adding fresh cherry flavor to drinks. This cherry cocktail started as something I threw together on a Friday evening when I wanted a quick, fruity drink that felt a little special without much effort.
Now, this has become one of my favorite easy cocktails to make during cherry season or when I want a simple cherry-flavored drink to serve friends. It’s quick, pretty in the glass, and it lets the sweet-and-tart cherry flavors shine, proving that sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones we reach for again and again.
Why you’ll love this cherry cocktail
- Quick and easy, ready in 5 minutes.
- Bursting with cherry flavor, using either homemade or store-bought cherry syrup.
- Easily adjustable: make it a cherry mocktail or add bourbon for depth.
- Pairs well with BBQ, appetizers, or your favorite snacks.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Cherry Syrup: Use store-bought or homemade cherry syrup for the best cherry flavor. You can also blend fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and water to make your own.
- Alcohol: White rum or vodka keeps the cocktail light and crisp. For a deeper flavor, try bourbon or cherry brandy.
- Lemon-Lime Soda: Adds fizz and balances the sweetness. Use sparkling water for a less sweet option.
- Lemon Slices and Cherries: For garnish and a fresh pop of flavor.
- Ice Cubes: Keeps your cherry cocktail cold and refreshing.
How to Make the Perfect Cherry Cocktail Recipe
- Cherry syrup – In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and cherry juice. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until all the sugar has melted and thickened to a syrup consistency.
- Single-serve – Add the cherry syrup and white rum to a cocktail glass. Top with lemon-lime soda and garnish with fresh lemon slices and fresh cherries.
- Jug – Add ice to a tall jug, followed by the cherry syrup and white rum. Top with lemon-lime soda just before serving. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and cherries.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh cherries to make your own cherry syrup for the brightest flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by using more or less cherry syrup or swapping soda for sparkling water.
- Chill all ingredients beforehand for an extra cold drink.
- Add a splash of lime juice if you like a tangy twist.
- Use a cocktail shaker for an extra frothy finish.
- Cherry Champagne Cocktail
- Watermelon Mojito
- Strawberry Mojito
- Blueberry Mojito
- Strawberry Moscow Mule
- Easy Moscow Mule Recipe
Frequently asked questions
Bing and Rainier cherries add sweet, juicy flavor to cherry cocktails, while maraschino cherries are great for garnish and a classic look.
Yes! Thaw frozen cherries before using. They add flavor and color to cherry cocktails, though they may be softer than fresh cherries.
Yes, you can make cherry mocktails with cherry syrup, soda, and citrus for a refreshing non-alcoholic cherry cocktail.
Vodka and rum keep cherry cocktails light and fruity, while bourbon and cherry brandy add deeper flavor.
Cherry Cocktail Recipe
Are you ready to take your mixology skills to new heights? Get ready to unleash the hidden power of cherry cocktails that will captivate your taste buds and wow your guests.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (100 g) Sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) Cherry juice 12 cherries blended until smooth
- ½ cup (120 ml) Water
- 1 oz (30 ml) Cherry syrup or 1 oz cherry juice with 1 tsp sugar
- 2 oz (60 ml) White rum or vodka
- 4 oz (120 ml) Lemon-lime soda or sparkling water
- 2 Lemon slices
- 2 Cherries for garnish
- ½ cup Ice cubes (optional)
- 6 oz (170 ml) Cherry syrup
- 8 oz (225 ml) White rum or vodka
- 12 cups (3 liters) Lemon lime soda or sparking water
- 1 Lemon sliced
- 8 Cherries for garnish
Method
- Cherry syrup – In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and cherry juice. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until all the sugar has melted and thickened to a syrup consistency.½ cup Sugar, 1 cup Cherry juice, ½ cup Water
- Single-serve – Add the cherry syrup and white rum to a cocktail glass. Top with lemon-lime soda and garnish with fresh lemon slices and fresh cherries.1 oz Cherry syrup, 2 oz White rum , 4 oz Lemon-lime soda , 2 Lemon slices, 2 Cherries , ½ cup Ice cubes
- Jug – Add ice to a tall jug, followed by the cherry syrup and white rum. Top with lemon-lime soda just before serving. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and cherries.6 oz Cherry syrup, 8 oz White rum, 12 cups Lemon lime soda, 1 Lemon , 8 Cherries
Notes
- Use fresh cherries to make your own cherry syrup for the brightest flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by using more or less cherry syrup or swapping soda for sparkling water.
- Chill all ingredients beforehand for an extra cold drink.
- Add a splash of lime juice if you like a tangy twist.
- Use a cocktail shaker for an extra frothy finish.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
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Hi, I’m Veena
I’m the recipe developer, baker, and food photographer behind Veena Azmanov Kitchen.
I’ve spent years developing and testing recipes, from everyday meals and homemade breads to cakes and desserts.
I share the practical tips and little details I’ve learned along the way so you can get great results in your own kitchen.
