The Ultimate Cherry Vodka Sour: Your Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe
Experience the vibrant burst of summer in every sip with this Cherry Vodka Sour, a cocktail that perfectly marries the natural sweetness of fresh cherries with the crisp smoothness of vodka. This delightful drink strikes an impeccable balance between tart and sweet, making it the quintessential refreshment for any warm-weather occasion. Get ready to elevate your entertaining with a visually stunning and incredibly delicious homemade vodka sour!
table of contents
Toggle
About This Cherry Vodka Sour
If you’re searching for the ultimate summer cocktail that perfectly balances refreshment with tantalizing flavor, look no further than this delightful Cherry Vodka Sour. This vibrant libation is a celebration of seasonal bounty, bursting with the luscious taste of sweet cherries, the smooth kick of quality vodka, and a perfectly balanced tartness from fresh citrus. It’s essentially summer captured in a glass, embodying the true essence of summertime bliss and an absolute must-have for your warm-weather gatherings.
While there are countless colorful cocktails to choose from during the warmer months, for me, any drink featuring fresh cherries instantly earns my top vote as summer arrives. The plump, ruby-red fruit is incredibly rich in flavor and lends itself beautifully to a wide array of cocktail creations. This particular sour drink recipe is simply irresistible, offering a sophisticated yet approachable profile that’s sure to impress your guests and awaken your taste buds.
The gorgeous ruby hue of this cocktail, combined with the natural sweetness of the cherries, makes it a true showstopper. Fresh cherries infuse the drink with an authentic, fruity depth that melds harmoniously with the vodka and bright lemon, leaving you feeling utterly refreshed after every single sip. It’s an ideal companion for lounging on the patio, poolside relaxation, or even as a chic addition to a picnic spread alongside your favorite savory BBQ dishes.
This easy cherry vodka cocktail is not just delicious; it’s also remarkably simple to prepare, making it perfect for quick individual servings or easily scalable into larger batches for entertaining a crowd. So, grab your shaker, muddle those beautiful cherries, and let this Cherry Vodka Sour be your passport to a summer filled with unforgettable moments and deliciously refreshing sips. Cheers to the perfect summer cocktail!
Should you desire another fantastic sour cocktail for your summer gatherings, a blueberry gin sour cocktail offers a similarly refreshing and vibrant alternative.
What Is a Vodka Sour?
The vodka sour is a timeless classic in the world of cocktails, renowned for its simple yet perfect blend of strong, sour, and sweet elements. At its core, any “sour” cocktail adheres to a fundamental formula, typically combining three essential components: a base liquor, a tart citrus element, and a balancing sweetener. This simple framework allows for endless creativity while always delivering a refreshing and satisfying drink experience.
The most basic and widely recognized recipe for a sour cocktail generally calls for 2 ounces of liquor, ¾ ounce of a sour component (like lemon or lime juice), and ¾ ounce of a sweet element (such as simple syrup). This precise ratio ensures that the drink is neither overly tart nor excessively sweet, achieving that coveted equilibrium that defines a great sour.
While the classic vodka sour is a straightforward and delightful combination of vodka, fresh citrus, and a touch of sweetness, its versatility truly shines through its many variations. Bartenders and home enthusiasts alike enjoy incorporating additional ingredients such as fresh fruits – as we do with cherries in this recipe – along with flavored syrups, herbs, or even different spirits to create unique twists. Whether you prefer your sour shaken or stirred, with lemon or lime, or with or without an egg white for that signature frothy texture, a vodka sour is a remarkably adaptable cocktail that can be customized to suit virtually any taste preference or seasonal craving.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cherry Vodka Sour
Crafting the perfect Cherry Vodka Sour relies on a few key, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this amazing drink:
Cherries. Fresh, ripe cherries are absolutely paramount for this recipe! Their natural sweetness and rich flavor are what truly make this cocktail shine. Before using them, remember to pit and stem them thoroughly. If fresh cherries aren’t in season or readily available, you can certainly use frozen cherries. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent diluting your cocktail’s flavor.
Simple syrup. To enhance the cherry essence, I highly recommend using a homemade cherry simple syrup for this recipe. It significantly amplifies the fruit’s flavor profile, adding an extra layer of sweetness and complexity. Making it yourself is surprisingly easy and it stores well in the refrigerator for extended periods. However, if you’re short on time or prefer a more neutral sweetness, regular simple syrup will work just as effectively.
Vodka. When selecting your vodka, opt for the best quality within your budget. Since vodka serves as the foundational spirit in this cocktail, a smooth and clean-tasting variety is essential, though it doesn’t need to be a top-shelf spirit typically reserved for a martini where its flavor profile is the undisputed star. Mid-range options like Tito’s or Absolut are excellent choices, offering great value and a consistent, clean taste. If you’re looking to splurge for an exceptionally smooth finish, Absolut Elyx is a fantastic premium option.
Lemon juice. For that bright, zesty sour element, fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable. I consistently advocate for using freshly squeezed lemon juice because bottled alternatives often contain preservatives and tend to taste far more concentrated and overtly sour, which can throw off the delicate balance of your cocktail.
Egg white. This ingredient is entirely optional but comes highly recommended if you desire that beautiful, silky texture and a luscious frothy head that you see in professional-grade sours. The egg white provides a rich mouthfeel and visually appealing foam. If you prefer to omit it due to dietary preferences or concerns, the cocktail will still be delicious, just without the signature froth.
Luxardo cherries. For a truly elegant finish and an extra pop of flavor, I love to garnish my Cherry Vodka Sour with luxardo cherries. These aren’t your typical bright red maraschino cherries; luxardo cherries are rich, dark, and possess a complex, almost savory sweetness that perfectly complements the cocktail. Of course, fresh cherries also make a beautiful and equally delicious garnish.
Everyday Seasonal: Summer
With seasonal summer recipes, a comprehensive produce guide, and more, this is the cookbook to help you celebrate the season.
This Recipe’s Must-Haves: Essential Bar Tools
To effortlessly craft this delicious cherry vodka sour, a few basic bar tools are essential for success and efficiency:
You will definitely need a **jigger** to accurately measure out all your liquid ingredients. Precision in measurement is key for achieving that perfect sweet-tart balance that defines a great sour cocktail.
The cocktail itself comes together beautifully in a **cocktail shaker**. A two-piece Boston shaker is ideal, allowing for vigorous shaking that properly chills and aerates your drink. You will also need a **muddler** to gently crush and release the flavorful juices from the fresh cherries, forming the aromatic base of the cocktail.
Once shaken, have your **cocktail strainer** ready to separate the liquid from the muddled cherries and ice. This ensures a smooth, clean sip. I find this cocktail truly shines when served in elegant **coupe glasses**! For an extra touch of sophistication and to keep your drink perfectly chilled without dilution, I recommend placing your coupe glasses in the fridge or freezer for about 15 minutes beforehand.
Here’s How to Make a Cherry Vodka Sour
Making this beautiful Cherry Vodka Sour is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly balanced and refreshing cocktail:
Muddle for Flavor
First, prepare your serving glass: place a coupe glass in the freezer to chill. This step is crucial for keeping your cocktail cold without relying solely on ice, which can dilute the drink.
Next, take your fresh, pitted cherries and add them along with your cherry simple syrup to the bottom of an empty cocktail shaker. Using a muddler, gently but firmly press down on the cherries, twisting as you go. The goal here is to extract their delicious juices and essential oils, infusing the syrup with their vibrant flavor without completely pulverizing the fruit.
Shake for Froth and Chill
Now, add the remaining liquid ingredients to the shaker: vodka, fresh lemon juice, and the cherry simple syrup. If you are opting for the frothy texture, add the egg white at this stage. Close the shaker tightly and perform a “dry shake” – that is, shake vigorously *without ice* for about 15-20 seconds. This step is essential for emulsifying the egg white and creating that desirable, luxurious foam.
After the dry shake, open the shaker, add a generous amount of fresh ice, and shake again, this time briefly, for another 10-15 seconds. This “wet shake” chills and slightly dilutes the cocktail to perfection.
Strain and Serve
Carefully retrieve your chilled coupe glass from the freezer. Using a cocktail strainer, strain the contents of the shaker directly into the glass, ensuring that any muddled fruit pieces and ice remain in the shaker. This results in a beautifully clear, frothy cocktail. Finally, garnish your Cherry Vodka Sour with fresh cherries on a toothpick or a premium luxardo cherry, and serve immediately to enjoy its peak freshness and flavor.
Tips for Crafting the Perfect Cherry Vodka Sour
Achieving a truly outstanding Cherry Vodka Sour is all about attention to detail. Here are some pro tips to ensure your cocktail is consistently delicious:
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: This cannot be stressed enough! Freshly squeezed lemon juice will provide a bright, clean, and balanced tartness that store-bought lemon juice simply cannot replicate. Bottled juices often have a more concentrated, less nuanced sourness due to preservatives, which can overpower the delicate cherry flavors.
- Experiment with Different Liquors: While vodka is the star of this recipe, the “sour” format is incredibly versatile. Don’t hesitate to experiment with other base spirits. Whiskey or bourbon are classic choices for a sour cocktail, and both spirits pair exceptionally well with the rich, fruity notes of cherries. A cherry bourbon sour, for example, offers a deeper, warmer profile.
- The Egg White is Optional (but Recommended!): The addition of an egg white (or aquafaba for a vegan alternative) is completely optional but highly encouraged. It creates a beautiful, creamy foam on top of the cocktail, contributing to a silky texture and a more luxurious mouthfeel. If you choose to use it, remember the “dry shake” (without ice) first to emulsify the egg white, followed by a “wet shake” (with ice) to chill and dilute.
- Chill Your Glassware: Always chill your coupe glasses (or any serving glass) in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before pouring. This simple step helps keep your cocktail colder for longer, enhancing the refreshment factor and slowing down any potential dilution from ice.
- Quality Ice Matters: Just as important as fresh ingredients, quality ice can make a difference. Large, dense ice cubes melt slower than smaller, fragmented ice, meaning your drink stays cold without getting watered down too quickly.
- Taste and Adjust: Every cherry batch and lemon can vary in sweetness and tartness. After the initial shake, taste your cocktail before straining. If it’s too tart, add a tiny bit more simple syrup. Too sweet? A splash more lemon juice will balance it out.
More tasty vodka cocktails to sip on: Homemade Vodka Lemonade | Strawberry Mint Vodka Gimlet | Vodka Cherry Limeade
Can I Use Frozen Cherries?
Absolutely! You can certainly use frozen cherries for this recipe, especially if fresh ones are out of season or difficult to find. However, there are a couple of important steps to take to ensure the best results. First, make sure to thaw them completely before you begin muddling. Frozen fruit is too hard to muddle effectively and won’t release its juices properly. Second, and perhaps most crucially, drain any excess liquid that accumulates during thawing. Frozen cherries tend to release a lot of water, and if you don’t drain it, you risk diluting the vibrant flavors of your cocktail and compromising its potency.
Can I Use Cherry Vodka?
Yes, you can absolutely use cherry-flavored vodka for an intensified cherry experience! This can add an extra layer of cherry deliciousness to your cocktail. However, it’s important to be mindful that flavored vodkas often contain added sugars, which will make your cocktail sweeter than intended. If you opt for cherry vodka, I recommend tasting the mixture after shaking but before straining. You may find that you need to add an extra splash of fresh lemon juice to re-establish that characteristic tart balance that defines a sour cocktail. Adjusting to taste is key to customizing your perfect drink.
What Glass Do I Use for a Cherry Vodka Sour?
While this cocktail is adaptable to various glassware, I personally adore serving it in a coupe glass. The elegant design of a coupe just adds a touch of classic sophistication to the drinking experience, making it feel extra special. To keep the cocktail perfectly chilled and prevent dilution from melting ice, I prefer to chill my coupe glass in the fridge or freezer for about 15 minutes beforehand. This method ensures you get a wonderfully cold cocktail in a beautiful glass, preserving its full flavor profile. Alternatively, if you prefer a drink over ice, a double old-fashioned glass is an excellent choice for serving this cocktail.
Can I Use Sour Mix?
While many commercial sour cocktails often rely on a pre-made sour mix, I strongly recommend against using it for this Cherry Vodka Sour. Store-bought sour mixes are typically high in artificial flavors and sugars, and they lack the fresh, nuanced brightness that comes from using real lemon juice and simple syrup. My preference for homemade simple syrup combined with fresh lemon juice allows for greater control over the flavor profile, enabling you to achieve a perfectly balanced sweet and tart taste that highlights the natural cherry essence. Using fresh ingredients will always result in a superior-tasting cocktail.
Can I Make This Cocktail Ahead of Time?
Due to the inclusion of an egg white for that beautiful frothy texture, I generally do not recommend making this cocktail too far ahead of time. The egg white component will not hold its texture well if left to sit, and the foam will dissipate. However, if you choose to omit the egg white, you can prepare the base of the cocktail (cherries, simple syrup, vodka, and lemon juice) ahead of time. Simply muddle the cherries, combine all liquid ingredients without ice, and store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, pour the mixture into a shaker with ice, shake until well chilled, strain into your prepared glass, and garnish. This way, you can still enjoy a delicious, fresh-ttasting cocktail with minimal fuss.
Can I Use Cherry Juice Instead of Cherry Simple Syrup?
Yes, if you don’t have homemade cherry simple syrup on hand or prefer a quicker alternative, you can absolutely use cherry juice! For the best flavor balance, especially with the “sour” profile, I recommend a combination. Substitute the cherry simple syrup in the recipe with 1/2 ounce of tart cherry juice and 1/2 ounce of regular simple syrup. This blend will provide both the desired cherry flavor and the necessary sweetness without making the cocktail overly fruity or lacking in the characteristic sour kick.
Need more inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!
What to Serve with a Cherry Vodka Sour
This versatile and vibrant Cherry Vodka Sour is perfect for an array of occasions, adding a touch of elegance and refreshment to any celebration:
- Valentine’s Day
- Bridal Showers
- Weddings
- Bachelorette Parties
- Mother’s Day Drinks
- Summer BBQs
- Happy Hour gatherings
- Dinner Parties
If you’re planning to serve this delightful cocktail at a party, consider pairing it with these festive and flavorful bites that complement its sweet and tart notes:
- Dry rub wings are an incredibly easy and flavor-packed appetizer, perfect for casual entertaining.
- A plate of spicy baked crispy buffalo cauliflower offers a sneaky yet delicious healthy twist on classic bar snacks.
- Grilled vegetable egg rolls serve as an ideal appetizer, offering a lighter option that can be fried or prepared in an air fryer.
For a sophisticated dinner party, this cherry cocktail pairs wonderfully with hearty and flavorful meals, especially those fresh off the grill:
- Chipotle lime flank steak, grilled to perfection and topped with a creamy avocado salsa, offers a robust and fresh pairing to the tart cocktail.
- If you’re a fan of gourmet burgers, this mouthwatering and savory French onion burger provides a rich counterpoint to the drink’s brightness.
- Savory BBQ apple cider ribs deliver the ultimate juicy and meaty dinner, making a fantastic main course that stands up to the cocktail’s flavor.
And don’t forget dessert! Complete your cherry-themed feast with these sweet treats:
- A bourbon cherry crisp is the perfect way to enjoy a summer pie fix without all the traditional effort.
- When you bake a stunning brandy cherry galette, every guest will be eager for a slice of this rustic delight.
- The delightful combination of cherries and peaches in this bourbon cherry peach crumble creates an irresistible symphony of summer fruits.
More Refreshing Cherry Cocktails to Try
If you’re a fan of the vibrant taste of cherries in your drinks, here are a few more enticing cherry cocktail recipes you’ll love:
A very cherry amaretto sour offers a delightful and tart twist on the classic almond-flavored cocktail, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of sweetness with their tang.
For whiskey lovers, this fresh and fruity cherry whiskey smash is incredibly easy to prepare and an ideal choice for summer sipping, highlighting the robust notes of whiskey with juicy cherries.
If bourbon is your spirit of choice, you absolutely must try this rich and flavorful cherry bourbon sour cocktail, offering a deeper, more complex cherry experience.
Seasonal Tip: Choosing the Best Cherries
For the freshest and most flavorful Cherry Vodka Sour, selecting ripe cherries is key! Look for cherries with a deep, rich color – this can range from a bright red to a darker burgundy, or even yellow, depending on the variety. Avoid any cherries that have greenish tones or appear pale, as these are indicators of under-ripeness. Ripe cherries should feel plump and firm to the touch, and their stems should be green and fresh, not dry or shriveled. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to taste one before making your purchase to ensure maximum sweetness and juiciness!
Finally, if you whip up this delightful Cherry Vodka Sour cocktail recipe, please don’t hesitate to give it a rating or leave a comment below! I genuinely love hearing about your experiences in the kitchen (or at the bar!), and I always take the time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop any questions you might have about the recipe too!
Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you share a photo of your creation! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is truly my favorite thing, and it means the world to me to scroll through those amazing photos!
Everyday Seasonal Cookbook
With seasonal produce guides, recipes, and more, this cookbook is filled with seasonal food for every occasion.
Cherry Vodka Sour
Equipment
-
Boston Shaker
-
OXO Steel Cocktail Strainer
-
Coupe Glasses
Ingredients
- 6 cherries pitted and stemmed
- 1 oz cherry simple syrup or simple syrup
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 egg white optional
- For garnish: luxardo cherries
Instructions
-
Add cherries and simple syrup to an empty cocktail shaker. Muddle together until cherries are smashed.
-
Add vodka, lemon juice, cherry simple syrup, and egg white. Close the shaker and shake vigorously, until a nice foam is achieved. This is also known as a dry shake.
-
Add ice and shake briefly, until chilled.
-
Strain into a chilled coupe glass or a cocktail glass filled with ice.
-
Garnish with cherries and serve.