Cherry Vodka Sour Cocktail Recipe — Ingredients, Instructions

Cherry Vodka Sour – Bright, sweet-tart, and wonderfully refreshing, the **Cherry Vodka Sour ** is a vibrant twist on the classic sour cocktail — blending smooth vodka with fresh cherry flavor, citrusy lemon, and a lightly sweet finish. It delivers the perfect balance of fruity richness and zesty acidity, making it an ideal drink for parties, summer evenings, or anytime you’re craving a cocktail that feels playful yet sophisticated.

• Save

This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from prep time and ingredients to equipment, instructions, nutrition details, serving ideas, and helpful variations to personalize the flavor to your taste.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Active Time: 10 minutes

• Resting Time: 0 minutes

• Total Time: 10 minutes

• Cuisine: American / Cocktail

• Course: Drinks / Cocktail

• Servings: 1 glass

• Calories: ~180–220 kcal per serving

This cocktail works beautifully with fresh cherries when in season, but it can also be made with cherry syrup or juice for year-round enjoyment.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka

• 1½ oz cherry juice or cherry syrup (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweet)

• ¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

• ½–¾ oz simple syrup (adjust to sweetness preference)

• 1 small egg white or 1 tbsp aquafaba (optional, for silky foam)

• Ice cubes

• Fresh cherries or cocktail cherry — for garnish

• Lemon slice or twist — optional

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker

• Jigger or measuring shot glass

• Fine-mesh strainer (optional, for smoother texture)

• Citrus juicer

• Coupe glass or rocks glass

Instructions

1. Optional dry shake for foam
   Add vodka, cherry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (or aquafaba) to the shaker without ice. Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds to create thick, creamy foam.

2. Add ice and shake again
   Fill the shaker with ice and shake firmly until chilled and frothy — about 10–12 seconds.

3. Strain into your glass
   Strain into a chilled coupe glass or over ice in a rocks glass. Double-strain if you prefer a smoother consistency without pulp or foam bubbles.

4. Garnish and serve
   Top with a fresh cherry, lemon twist, or both — then serve immediately while cold and aromatic.

This double-shake method gives the cocktail its signature velvety body and bar-quality finish.

Cherry Vodka Sour — Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Most calories come from vodka, fruit juice, and simple syrup. Reducing the syrup or using tart cherry juice lowers overall sugar content.

Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh lemon juice for brighter acidity.

• Choose tart or lightly sweet cherry juice for better balance.

• Shake firmly — the drink relies on aeration for body.

• Taste and adjust the sweetness depending on cherry intensity.

• Skip egg white if you prefer a lighter texture — flavor remains the same.

If using sweetened cherry syrup, reduce the simple syrup slightly to avoid overpowering sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

This cocktail pairs beautifully with:

• Chocolate desserts

• Cheese boards

• Light pastries or fruit tarts

• Appetizers and party snacks

It also works well for:

• Holiday celebrations

• Valentine’s-style menus

• Dinner parties

• Summer gatherings and bridal showers

The fruit-forward profile makes it both festive and approachable.

Conclusion

This beautifully balanced cherry-forward sour cocktail offers the perfect harmony of fruit sweetness, zesty citrus brightness, and smooth vodka character — elevated by optional silky foam and a chilled, velvety finish. Simple enough for beginners yet refined enough for cocktail enthusiasts, it’s a versatile drink that works for celebrations, date nights, brunch gatherings, or relaxing evenings at home.