Cherry Vodka Sour: A Sweet & Tart Cocktail Delight

The Cherry Vodka Sour is a vibrant and refreshing cocktail that balances the sweetness of cherries with the tartness of lemon or lime, all rounded out by the smooth kick of vodka. This delightful drink is perfect for warm summer evenings, festive gatherings, or simply when you’re in the mood for a sophisticated and flavorful treat. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a cocktail novice, this recipe is easy to follow and yields consistently delicious results.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Vodka Sour Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You likely have many of the ingredients on hand already.
• Easy to Make: No complicated techniques or equipment required.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking.
• Visually Appealing: The vibrant red color makes it a beautiful drink to serve.
• Delicious: A perfect balance of sweet, sour, and boozy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The key to a great Cherry Vodka Sour lies in using high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Vodka: 2 ounces (60ml). Use a good quality vodka that you enjoy. A neutral vodka will allow the cherry flavor to shine, but you could also experiment with flavored vodkas like vanilla or citrus.
• Cherry Liqueur: 1 ounce (30ml). Cherry liqueur (like Cherry Heering or a similar brand) is essential for the distinct cherry flavor. Different brands offer varying degrees of sweetness and cherry intensity, so experiment to find your favorite. Luxardo Maraschino liqueur can also be used for a drier, more complex cherry flavor, but you might want to adjust the simple syrup accordingly.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 ounce (30ml). Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for the tartness that balances the sweetness. Bottled lemon juice often lacks the bright, fresh flavor needed for a good sour. Lime juice can be substituted if you prefer, but lemon is the classic choice.
• Simple Syrup: ¾ ounce (22.5ml). Simple syrup adds sweetness to the cocktail. You can easily make your own by combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heating until the sugar dissolves, and then cooling. Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your preference, depending on the sweetness of your cherry liqueur and your personal taste.
• Egg White (Optional): ½ ounce (15ml). An egg white adds a silky smooth texture and a frothy head to the cocktail. If you’re concerned about using raw egg white, you can use pasteurized egg whites or aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a vegan alternative.
• Ice: Use plenty of ice to chill and dilute the cocktail.
• Garnish: A maraschino cherry and a lemon or lime wedge are classic garnishes. You could also use a fresh cherry, a sprig of rosemary, or a candied ginger slice for a more elaborate presentation.

Equipment

• Cocktail Shaker: A standard cocktail shaker is necessary for chilling and mixing the ingredients.
• Jigger or Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients.
• Hawthorne Strainer: To strain the cocktail and prevent ice from entering the glass.
• Fine-Mesh Strainer (Optional): For double-straining the cocktail to remove any small ice shards or egg white particles.
• Cocktail Glass: A coupe glass or a rocks glass are both excellent choices.
• Bar Spoon: For stirring the ingredients.

Instructions: Making the Perfect Cherry Vodka Sour

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious and balanced Cherry Vodka Sour:

Step 1: Chill Your Glass

Place your cocktail glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill it. A chilled glass will help keep your cocktail colder for longer.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Shaker

In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, cherry liqueur, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using).

Step 3: Dry Shake (If Using Egg White)

If you’re using egg white, this step is crucial. Dry shaking means shaking the ingredients without ice first. This helps to emulsify the egg white and create a better foam. Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.

Step 4: Add Ice and Shake Again

Add ice to the shaker, filling it about two-thirds full. Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously again for another 15-20 seconds, until the shaker is well-chilled.

Step 5: Double Strain (Optional but Recommended)

Place a Hawthorne strainer over the shaker and strain the cocktail into your chilled glass. If you want an even smoother texture, use a fine-mesh strainer to double-strain the cocktail. This will remove any small ice shards or egg white particles that may have made it through the Hawthorne strainer.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a lemon or lime wedge. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Cherry Vodka Sour

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a huge difference in the flavor of the cocktail. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it often lacks the bright, fresh flavor.
• Adjust the Sweetness: The sweetness of the cherry liqueur can vary, so adjust the amount of simple syrup to your preference. Taste the cocktail after shaking and add more simple syrup if needed.
• Balance the Flavors: The key to a good sour is balancing the sweet and sour flavors. Make sure the cocktail is not too sweet or too tart.
• Use Good Quality Vodka: While the cherry flavor is prominent, the quality of the vodka still matters. Use a vodka that you enjoy drinking on its own.
• Don’t Skip the Dry Shake (If Using Egg White): The dry shake is essential for creating a good foam when using egg white. It helps to emulsify the egg white and create a silky smooth texture.
• Double Strain for a Smoother Texture: Double-straining removes any small ice shards or egg white particles, resulting in a smoother and more refined cocktail.
• Experiment with Garnishes: Get creative with your garnishes! A maraschino cherry and a lemon wedge are classic, but you can also use fresh cherries, a sprig of rosemary, or a candied ginger slice.
• Chill Your Glass: A chilled glass will help keep your cocktail colder for longer.
• Make Simple Syrup Ahead of Time: Simple syrup is easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month. Having it on hand makes it easy to whip up a Cherry Vodka Sour whenever you want.
• Consider Flavored Vodkas: While a neutral vodka is generally recommended, experiment with flavored vodkas like vanilla or citrus for a unique twist.

Variations on the Cherry Vodka Sour

The Cherry Vodka Sour is a versatile cocktail that can be easily customized to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:

• Cherry Lime Vodka Sour: Substitute lime juice for lemon juice for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Spicy Cherry Vodka Sour: Add a slice of jalapeño to the shaker for a spicy kick.
• Sparkling Cherry Vodka Sour: Top the cocktail with a splash of sparkling wine or club soda for a bubbly twist.
• Cherry Vanilla Vodka Sour: Use vanilla vodka instead of plain vodka for a richer, more decadent flavor.
• Cherry Almond Vodka Sour: Add a few drops of almond extract to the shaker for a subtle almond flavor.
• Black Cherry Vodka Sour: Use black cherry liqueur instead of regular cherry liqueur for a deeper, richer cherry flavor.
• Vegan Cherry Vodka Sour: Substitute aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) for the egg white. Aquafaba creates a similar frothy texture without the use of animal products.
• Cherry Vodka Sour with Muddled Cherries: Muddle a few fresh or frozen cherries in the shaker before adding the other ingredients for a more intense cherry flavor.
• Cherry Rosemary Vodka Sour: Muddle a sprig of rosemary in the shaker with the other ingredients for an herbal twist. This adds a complex and aromatic dimension to the drink.
• Cherry Ginger Vodka Sour: Add a small piece of fresh ginger to the shaker while muddling or add a dash of ginger liqueur (like Domaine de Canton) to the shaker. The ginger brings a spicy and warming element to the cocktail.

Substitutions

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? Here are some substitutions you can make:

• Cherry Liqueur: If you don’t have cherry liqueur, you can use cherry brandy or even cherry juice, but you’ll need to adjust the amount of simple syrup accordingly. You could also use grenadine, but it will significantly alter the flavor profile (making it much sweeter and less complex).
• Lemon Juice: Lime juice can be substituted for lemon juice, although the flavor will be slightly different.
• Simple Syrup: If you don’t have simple syrup, you can use sugar, but make sure to dissolve it completely in the shaker before adding ice. Agave nectar or honey can also be used as substitutes, but they will add a slightly different flavor.
• Egg White: Aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) is a great vegan substitute for egg white. You can also use pasteurized egg whites if you’re concerned about using raw egg whites.

Serving Suggestions

The Cherry Vodka Sour is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Appetizers: Serve it with light appetizers like bruschetta, cheese and crackers, or olives.
• Desserts: Pair it with chocolate desserts, cherry pie, or cheesecake.
• Main Courses: It can also be paired with grilled chicken or fish.
• Summer Parties: Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or pool parties.
• Holiday Gatherings: A festive cocktail for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or Valentine’s Day.

Make Ahead Tips

While it’s best to make the Cherry Vodka Sour fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time:

• Simple Syrup: Make a large batch of simple syrup and store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.
• Lemon Juice: You can squeeze lemon juice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, fresh squeezed is always best for optimum flavor.
• Garnish: Prepare your garnishes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.

Storage Instructions

The Cherry Vodka Sour is best enjoyed immediately. It is not recommended to store it for later, as the ice will melt and dilute the cocktail. If you have leftover ingredients, store them separately in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

The nutritional information for a Cherry Vodka Sour will vary depending on the specific ingredients and proportions used. However, here is an approximate estimate:

• Calories: 200-250
• Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
• Sugar: 15-20 grams
• Alcohol: Approximately 1 ounce (depending on the vodka used)

This is just an estimate, and the actual nutritional content may vary. Always drink responsibly.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of cherry liqueur?

A: Yes, you can use different types of cherry liqueur, such as Cherry Heering or Luxardo Maraschino liqueur. The flavor will vary depending on the brand, so adjust the amount of simple syrup accordingly.

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

A: It’s highly recommended to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice often lacks the bright, fresh flavor needed for a good sour.

Q: Can I make this cocktail without egg white?

A: Yes, you can omit the egg white if you prefer. The cocktail will still be delicious, but it won’t have the same silky smooth texture and frothy head.

Q: What is aquafaba?

A: Aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas. It can be used as a vegan substitute for egg white in cocktails.

Q: Can I make a large batch of this cocktail for a party?

A: While it’s best to make the cocktail fresh, you can prepare a large batch of the ingredients (vodka, cherry liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply add ice and shake.

Q: What kind of vodka should I use?

A: Use a good quality vodka that you enjoy. A neutral vodka will allow the cherry flavor to shine, but you could also experiment with flavored vodkas like vanilla or citrus.

Conclusion

The Cherry Vodka Sour is a delightful and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients, easy instructions, and customizable flavors, it’s a drink that everyone can enjoy. So, gather your ingredients, grab your shaker, and get ready to experience the sweet and tart deliciousness of a Cherry Vodka Sour! Cheers!