Cherry Gin Sour Recipe: A Refreshing Blend of Tart and Sweet

Cherry Gin Sour Recipe –  is a vibrant and sophisticated cocktail that combines the botanical complexity of gin with the tangy sweetness of cherries and the bright acidity of lemon juice. Belonging to the family of “sour” cocktails (which typically balance a spirit, citrus, and sweetener), this variation introduces cherries, giving the drink a gorgeous ruby-red color and a luscious fruity depth.

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Classic gin sours are known for their crisp, refreshing profile, but cherries add a touch of indulgence and flair, making this cocktail perfect for those who enjoy both tart and sweet flavors. The addition of egg white (optional but recommended) creates a silky foam layer, adding texture and elegance to the drink.

The Cherry Gin Sour Recipe is ideal for cocktail enthusiasts who want a drink that looks impressive, tastes complex, and feels refreshing. Whether it’s served at a dinner party, a summer gathering, or during the holiday season, this cocktail stands out as both a crowd-pleaser and a conversation starter.

Recipe Details

• Cuisine: Modern Cocktail / Mixology

• Course: Beverage / Cocktail

• Servings: 1

• Calories: ~210 kcal per serving

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Active Time: 5 minutes

• Resting Time: None

• Total Time: 10–15 minutes

Equipment Needed

1. Cocktail shaker (Boston shaker or cobbler shaker)

2. Fine mesh strainer

3. Jigger (for measuring)

4. Muddler or spoon (if using fresh cherries)

5. Citrus juicer (for lemon juice)

6. Coupe glass or rocks glass

7. Ice cubes

Ingredients

For the Cherry Gin Sour Cocktail

• 2 oz gin (London Dry gin or your preferred style)

• 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 3/4 oz simple syrup (or cherry syrup for extra cherry flavor)

• 4–5 fresh cherries, pitted and muddled (or 1 oz cherry juice if fresh cherries aren’t available)

• 1 egg white (optional, for foam and silky texture)

• Ice cubes

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh cherry on a cocktail pick

• Lemon twist

• Mint sprig

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

1. If using fresh cherries, pit them and add them to the cocktail shaker.

2. Muddle gently to release the juices. This step ensures the drink gets that natural cherry sweetness and color.

Step 2: Add the Base Ingredients

3. Into the shaker, add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup (or cherry syrup), and the egg white (if using).

Step 3: Dry Shake (Without Ice)

4. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds without ice. This helps emulsify the egg white and create a thick foam.

Step 4: Wet Shake (With Ice)

5. Add ice to the shaker and shake again for 15 seconds. This chills and dilutes the cocktail to the perfect level.

Step 5: Strain and Serve

6. Double strain (through a fine mesh strainer) into a chilled coupe glass or rocks glass filled with ice.

7. Garnish with a fresh cherry on a pick, a lemon twist, or a mint sprig.

Step 6: Enjoy

8. Sip slowly and enjoy the perfect balance of tart lemon, sweet cherry, botanical gin, and velvety foam.

Tips for the Perfect Cherry Gin Sour Recipe

• Fresh vs. Syrup: Fresh cherries provide natural flavor and a less sweet profile, while cherry syrup makes the drink richer and sweeter.

• Egg White Foam: If raw egg white isn’t your preference, aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) can be used as a vegan substitute.

• Chill the Glass: Pre-chilling your glass keeps the cocktail cold longer and adds elegance.

• Balance Sweetness: Adjust simple syrup depending on how tart your cherries and lemon juice are.

• Experiment with Gin: London Dry gin provides a crisp, botanical base, while floral or fruity gins can enhance the cocktail’s flavor complexity.

Why Make the Cherry Gin Sour Recipe?

The Cherry Gin Sour Recipe is a cocktail that combines sophistication with accessibility:

• Beautiful Presentation: Its rich ruby color and frothy top make it visually stunning.

• Balanced Flavors: Tart, sweet, and botanical notes complement each other beautifully.

• Customizable: Easily adjusted for sweetness, sourness, or fruit intensity.

• Seasonal Appeal: Perfect in summer when cherries are in season, but also festive enough for winter holidays.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Elegant enough for cocktail parties, yet easy enough to enjoy casually.

Storage 

• Simple Syrup: Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

• Cherry Syrup: Homemade cherry syrup can last for 1–2 weeks refrigerated.

• Prepared Cocktail: Best consumed immediately. Once the foam settles and ice dilutes, the drink loses its signature texture and balance.

Conclusion

The Cherry Gin Sour Recipe is a modern, flavorful cocktail that takes the classic gin sour and enhances it with the juicy sweetness and stunning color of cherries. With its balance of tart lemon, smooth gin, and sweet cherry notes, this cocktail offers a refreshing yet sophisticated experience. The optional egg white foam adds a luxurious texture that elevates it to bar-quality standards.