I love shaking up a refreshing twist on Cherry Mixed Drinks in the summer. With 2 oz vodka, zesty lemon juice, a dash of grenadine and ripe pitted cherries, this cocktail captivates with its bright, invigorating flavor. The blend of ingredients creates a playful sip that feels light and simply irresistible.

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I’m super excited to share my twist on the Cherry Vodka Sour today. This drink is my go-to during hot summer days because its cherry flavor is fresh and a bit tangy.

I start by mixing 2 oz vodka with 1 oz fresh lemon juice and just a splash of 0.5 oz grenadine, and then I add 5 fresh pitted cherries. The cherries add a burst of color and flavor that reminds me a bit of those fun mixed drinks I’ve enjoyed before like one of those Sour Cherry Martini vibes.

I toss in a few ice cubes to chill it and give it that perfect zing. If you’re a fan of creative alcoholic drinks with a cherry twist like Cherry Vodka Soda or even a Cherry Vodka Martini variation, you’re definitely gonna love this simple recipe that adds that extra kick just when you need it most.

Enjoy creating your perfect summer sipper.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First off, the drink has this awesome fruity flavor from the cherries mixed with the tang of lemon juice and sweet grenadine that makes it feel so refreshing in the summer. I know it sounds simple but that’s like its super power; it’s so easy to fix up at home that anyone, even me on a lazy day, can whip it up in just no time.

Also, the process of shaking it all together is kinda fun, even if I sometimes mess it up a bit – it still comes out tasting great. I like that I can always adjust it by adding a bit more lemon if I want just the right amount of kick. And lastly, the presentation is pretty cool too; dropping an extra cherry on top really makes it look festive and inviting, perfect for a chill summer vibe.

Ingredients

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Making a Cherry Vodka Sour is fun and refreshing.

Each ingredient plays its role from tangyness to sweetness.

The balance of flavors creates a cocktail that’s both energizing and kinda tart.

Read on to see what makes each element special:

Vodka: Vodka forms the alcohol base offering a crisp taste and smooth finish.
Fresh lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a tangy sour burst with vitamin C benefits.
Grenadine: Grenadine introduces a sweet cherry flavor dash with a bright red hue.
Fresh cherries: Fresh cherries offer antioxidants, fiber and an extra burst of natural sweetness.
Ice cubes: Ice cubes chill the cocktail quickly to keep it perfectly refreshing.

Ingredient Quantities

2 oz vodka

1 oz fresh lemon juice

0.5 oz grenadine

5 fresh cherries, pitted (plus extra for garnish)

Ice cubes

How to Make this

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1. Chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for a few minutes while you prepare the drink.

2. Put the 5 pitted cherries in a cocktail shaker along with 2 oz of vodka.

3. Add 1 oz of fresh lemon juice and 0.5 oz of grenadine into the shaker.

4. Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes so that the mixture stays nice and cold.

5. Close the shaker and shake it vigorously for about 15 seconds until everything is well mixed.

6. Strain the mixture into your chilled glass; you can add a few extra ice cubes if you like.

7. Drop an extra cherry on top for garnish.

8. Give it a quick taste and adjust by adding a little more lemon juice if it needs a bit more tang.

9. Enjoy your Cherry Vodka Sour and relax knowing you made a perfect summer drink!

Equipment Needed

1. Cocktail glass (to be chilled in the freezer)
2. Freezer (for chilling the cocktail glass)
3. Cocktail shaker with lid
4. Jigger (for accurately measuring the liquid ingredients)
5. Strainer (to remove ice and cherry pieces when pouring)
6. Ice cube tray (or a ready supply of ice cubes)

FAQ

Q: How do I get rid of the cherry pits properly?

A: Make sure to pit them before blending because leftover pits can ruin the texture and might add a bitter taste.

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

A: You can but fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor and bright taste, so its worth squeezing your own.

Q: Is it okay to omit the grenadine?

A: If you dont like it, you can leave it out, but it helps balance the sour with a bit of sweet so you might wanna try to keep it.

Q: What's the best way to serve the Cherry Vodka Sour?

A: Serve it over ice in a chilled glass and garnish with a few extra cherries for that pretty look and extra fruity flavor.

Q: Can I blend the drink instead of shaking?

A: You can blend if you prefer a frozen style, but shaking it gives a smoother, more well-mixed drink.

How To Make The Cherry Vodka Sour Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Vodka: You can swap vodka for gin if you want a slightly different, herby taste.
Fresh lemon juice: Try using lime juice instead for a tangy twist that’s still refreshing.
Grenadine: Pomegranate syrup works well as an alternative to keep that sweet, fruity kick.
Fresh cherries: If you don’t have fresh cherries, maraschino cherries can do the trick but remember to drain out most of the syrup.
Ice cubes: Crushed ice is a cool substitute if you’re aiming for faster chilling and a fun texture.

Pro Tips

1. Try chillin your cocktail glass in the freezer for a bit longer than you think is needed, so your drink stays colder for a longer time and doesnt get watered down too quickly
2. If you want a more intense cherry flavor, lightly muddle a cherry or two before adding the rest of the ingredients, just be careful not to crush them completely
3. Use a really good quality vodka, cause if its good, it will make the difference between a pretty drink and a great one
4. Shake the mixture really hard for about 15 seconds so all the flavors blend well, but keep an eye on it cause over-shakin might end up with a drink thats too diluted

How To Make The Cherry Vodka Sour Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

200

kcal

Equipment: 1. Cocktail glass (to be chilled in the freezer)
2. Freezer (for chilling the cocktail glass)
3. Cocktail shaker with lid
4. Jigger (for accurately measuring the liquid ingredients)
5. Strainer (to remove ice and cherry pieces when pouring)
6. Ice cube tray (or a ready supply of ice cubes)

Ingredients

2 oz vodka
1 oz fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz grenadine
5 fresh cherries, pitted (plus extra for garnish)
Ice cubes

Directions

Chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for a few minutes while you prepare the drink.
Put the 5 pitted cherries in a cocktail shaker along with 2 oz of vodka.
Add 1 oz of fresh lemon juice and 0.5 oz of grenadine into the shaker.
Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes so that the mixture stays nice and cold.
Close the shaker and shake it vigorously for about 15 seconds until everything is well mixed.
Strain the mixture into your chilled glass; you can add a few extra ice cubes if you like.
Drop an extra cherry on top for garnish.
Give it a quick taste and adjust by adding a little more lemon juice if it needs a bit more tang.
Enjoy your Cherry Vodka Sour and relax knowing you made a perfect summer drink!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.