13 Simple Cherry Cocktails

Cherries make for the perfect addition to your cocktails. No other fruit does it quite like them with their tangy, sweet, yet tart flavors, complimenting perfectly with alcoholic beverages.

Whether you’re using maraschino cherries, cherry liqueur, or, of course, actual cherries, they all share similar qualities of being both tart and sweet. Depending on the cherry variety, you may experience some tanginess, too.

Simple Cherry Cocktails

All these flavors work in harmony to create some popular, delicious drinks.

Their universally loved flavors and red or pink coloring makes them great for most occasions.

With this in mind, if you’re looking for your next summer flavor, something bubbly and red for Valentine’s Day or Christmas, or simply a new signature drink to impress all your friends, then you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s dive into these 13 simple cherry cocktail recipes below!

1. Fresh Cherry Lime Vodka Soda

If you’re looking for a refreshing drink to cool you down on those hot summer evenings, well you’ve come to the right place!

This cocktail is slightly more on the tart side; although, you will still receive hints of sweetness with every sip.

The step would be to make the base which consists of lime juice and vodka. Once done, you’ll add the cold lime seltzer water, cherry syrup, and crushed ice with some fresh cherries and lime wedges to garnish your drink.

You’ll be rewarded with a drink that tastes similar to Sprite but mixed with limeade, and topped off with cherry-infused sparkling water.

2. Cherry Bomb Cocktail

This drink features a deep, red hue that creates an intense appearance. It is sure to be an eyecatcher at any event.

Once your guests’ attention has been snatched, the fruity, bold flavors of the drink are sure to get them hooked.

While it may look complicated, it is surprisingly easy to make, requiring no more than five minutes of your time.

All you need are sliced cherries, maple syrup, pitted lemons, and some ice for the finishing touches.

While this recipe may call for the use of bourbon, to really enhance the cherry flavors you can replace it with Burnett’s Cherry Vodka, so a richer or bold flavoring.

3. Cherry Poke Cake Cocktail

Looking for a swoon-worthy drink to enjoy this Valentine’s day or any other occasion for that matter? Well, you’re about to be in for a treat!

Everyone loves poke cakes! Their creamy, light textures and their sweet flavors are reminiscent of childhood. This cocktail takes your childhood favorite and turns it into a grown-up version!

One thing about this drink is that it is not going to be left unnoticed, that’s for sure! With its vibrant pink colors and attractive bubbles, it is a show-stopping drink that will impress all your friends and family.

Although, its gorgeous appearance pales when compared to the taste – delicately sweet with hints of lemon, lime, and, of course, cherries.

4. Cherry Lime Bourbon Smash

With only a couple of ingredients – fresh cherries, mint leaves, lime juice, bourbon, soda, and ice cubes – this cocktail shouldn’t take more than five minutes to prepare.

Before you know it, you’ll have a deliciously refreshing drink sitting in front of you.

The drink itself features a rich red/pink color and is best served with ice.

The strong bourbon flavors pair perfectly well with the tartness of the cherries, and the garnished lime and mint add a zestiness with each mouthful.

5. Chocolate-Covered Cherry Martini

Move along chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate-covered cherries are in town!

But seriously, this martini is like dessert in a glass! You’ll find all your favorite ingredients including cherry vodka, grenadine, heavy cream, and creme de cocoa, with chocolate syrup drizzled in the glass and topped off with some cherries.

Similar to chocolate and cherry milkshake, however, you’ll want to make sure to keep this attractive drink away from the children.

Ideal for Valentine’s day (see also ‘26 Romantic Valentine’s Day Cocktails Perfect For Celebrating‘), you can’t get more prettier or romantic than this creamy, thick chocolate-covered cherry martini. We assure you, it tastes just as good as it looks!

6. Fresh Cherry Margarita

These cherry margaritas combine the flavors of citrus and tart cherries for a bold flavor that is only amplified by the sea salt rim.

Similar to most cocktails, in this drink, you’ll find generous amounts of tequila. However, with all the bold flavors from the cherry, you won’t even know you’re drinking it!

One thing to remember when drinking cocktails is that they are deceptively strong, this one included!

7. Cherry Moscow Mule

Give the original Moscow Mule a much-needed makeover with a few extra fresh cherries!

Made with easy-to-find ingredients including grenadine, lime juice, vodka, and ginger beer with lime wedges for garnishing.

You’ll still receive the flavors you know and love from the Moscow Mule, such as the tangy, bright flavors; although, the cherries add an extra touch of tartness to the drink that makes it delicious.

8. Bourbon Cherry Old-Fashioned

Everyone is familiar with an old-fashioned – its combination of bitter and sweet, adding bourbon with garnishes of orange slices.

However, once you add lime juice, honey, and of course, fresh cherries, you’ll never want the regular old-fashioned ever again!

With only 10 minutes of your time, you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously stunning drink. The sweet, citrus flavors provide a tarter, fruitier element, while the honey adds to the sweetness.

9. Cherry Vodka Lemonade

Not only does this cocktail look simply stunning, but it tastes delicious, as well.

First of all, the drink features a hot pink color at the bottom of the glass which fades into a baby pink and then a striking white color.

On top of this, it’s extremely easy to make. With only three ingredients – cherry vodka, fresh lime, and lemonade – and five minutes of your time, you’ll be whipping these drinks out in record time.

If you want to go one step further, you can also add ice and some maraschino cherries; however, it tastes perfectly fine on its own, as well.

This drink stops just short of being mouth-puckeringly sour since there’s a touch of sweetness that cancels out the tartness of the lemonade.

10. Cherry Lime Tequila Cocktail

End your day the right way with this happy, refreshing drink. This cherry lime tequila cocktail is sweet, tangy, and fizzy – the perfect combination of 7up, lime, tequila, and, of course, cherries.

This is the perfect drink to make for your guests without having to spend hours in the kitchen preparing different cocktails, only requiring one minute of your time, you’ll have a dozen of these drinks whipped up in no time.

For this recipe, all you need to do is pour your cherry juice, tequila, and lime juice over some ice and stir until combined.

Top the glass with some Cherry 7up to produce some irresistible fizz, bubbles, and hints of zestiness.

While you may taste the tequila, when combined with the other ingredients, it doesn’t become overpowering- working in perfect harmony together.

11. Dirty Shirley

If a drink could define summer, it would definitely be this one.

This vibrant drink is a boozy twist on the classic Shirly Temple, a childhood favorite featuring ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, maraschino cherries, and grenadine. Add vodka and it becomes a Dirty Shirly.

This drink is bubbly, fun, and irresistibly sweet, perfect for lounging around the pool on a hot summer day.

12. Watermelon And Cherries On The Rocks

Once in a while, you’re granted a special beverage that can withstand the test of time. This watermelon and cherries on the rocks are one of them!

Perfect for Holidays, special occasions, or simply to treat yourself once in a while!

With each sip, you’ll experience a slice of heaven with the perfect combination of rich and sweet.

Only requiring four ingredients and 15 minutes of your time, the hardest part you’ll encounter is deciding who gets the first sip!

13. Cherry Gin And Tonic

Nothing is more refreshing than a classic gin and tonic on a warm summer’s evening, but have you ever considered adding fruit to the mix?

Why not combine the two summer classics – gin and tonic with cherries – to achieve the ultimate summer drink?

With only a few ingredients, you can impress all your friends and family with this stunningly delightful drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Are Cherries In Season?

Once the cherry blossoms start to bloom you can expect to pick your cherries anywhere between June and July. The U.S. cherry season starts in California in late April/ early May and continues towards Oregon and Washington, ending in late August.

Final Thoughts

Cherries are the perfect fruits to include in your cocktails. They balance on the line of being slightly sweet and tart, but when mixed with drinks, it takes on a whole new flavor. Hopefully, this guide has inspired you for your next cherry cocktail creation.

13 Simple Cherry Cocktails

13 Simple Cherry Cocktails

Recipe by Jenna

Cherry is one of the most popular cocktail ingredients. Here are 13 cherry cocktails that are sure to please any cocktail enthusiast.

Course: Beverages
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Jenna
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