If you’re team light and refreshing over dark and boozy, this Cherry Vodka Sour is about to become your new go-to. It’s tart, subtly sweet, and has that irresistible frothy top that makes every sip feel like a special occasion.
Refreshing Cherry Cocktail
My husband loves a good Old Fashioned. I like the cherry in that drink… but I prefer something lighter, brighter, and a little more refreshing. Enter this Cherry Vodka Sour Recipe —my answer to his bourbon-heavy favorite.
I kept the sweet cherry notes, added vodka and lemon, gave it a frothy shake, and now I’ve got an ideal balance of components in a cocktail that feels just as sophisticated, but way more me. LOVE THAT.
While an Old Fashioned feels more like a winter sipper, I’m officially dubbing the Cherry Vodka Sour as the perfect summer cocktail of choice. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and effortlessly chic. Best enjoyed poolside with salty snacks and good company.
And if you’re looking for more fun delightful cocktails for the summer season, also try my Limoncello Spritz, this Georgia Peach Cocktail, this Blueberry Vodka Lemonade or a refreshing Watermelon Vodka Slush.
What does it taste like?
This isn’t your typical fruity take on a sugary cherry cocktail. The fresh lemon juice adds just the right amount of tang, the maraschino cherry juice brings that bold red hue and signature sweetness to the delicious drink, and the egg white (or aquafaba) gives it that smooth, silky top that makes you feel like you’re drinking something fancy with impressive presentation. It’s balanced, refreshing, and honestly goes down way too easy.
Recipe Ingredients
- Vodka – Plain vodka works best (I like Tito’s Handmade Vodka, but any regular vodka will do), but a cherry or citrus vodka could amplify the flavor.
- Maraschino Cherry Juice – Use the cherry syrup from the jar of cherries (not grenadine!). Adds color, strong cherry flavor and sweetness.
- Lemon Juice – For that signature sour zing. I prefer fresh lemons for the ideal balance of tart flavors.
- Egg White or Aquafaba – To give it that beautiful frothy top.
- Maraschino Cherries – To garnish!
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions and Variations
- Want it sweeter, more like a Cherry Martini? Just double the cherry juice or consider adding a little simple syrup.
- Vegan? Use aquafaba (liquid from a can of chickpeas) instead of egg white.
- No shaker? A tightly sealed mason jar or water bottle will work in a pinch.
How to Make This Recipe
1. Pop your cocktail shaker in the freezer 30 minutes before mixing. Trust me, a chilled shaker = a better drink.
2. Add ½ cup of ice cubes to the shaker. Measure in 2 oz vodka, 2 oz cherry juice, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1 oz raw egg white or aquafaba.
3. Shake hard for 35–40 seconds. It’s the best way to achieve the perfect blend of textures and flavors. You want the shaker to be frosty and the egg white to be fully emulsified and foamy.
4. Strain into a rocks glass. Swirl the rim with an orange slice (optional) and garnish with 2–3 maraschino cherries on a pick. Sip and enjoy your crisp drink immediately.
PRO TIPS
- Don’t skip the shake! It’s what gives you that creamy, Instagram-worthy foam on top.
- Chill your glassware (double old fashioned glass or chilled coupe glass) in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving for an extra cold sip.
- Prefer it less tart? Start with ½ oz lemon juice and adjust to taste. More tart? Use tart cherry juice from real cherries instead of the syrup from the maraschino cherries.
- Want to batch this for a party? Skip the egg whites and serve it as a cherry vodka punch over ice.
Recipe FAQs
Yes and no. You can taste that the lemon flavor gets mellowed out from adding the egg-white, but it is definitely not an eggy drink.
Yes, but the drink won’t have that signature frothy top. It’ll still taste great though!
Nope. Grenadine is made from pomegranate flavor and is much sweeter and more artificial-tasting. Stick with the syrup from real maraschino cherries.
Sort of. Mix everything except the egg white and ice in advance and store it in the fridge. Shake with ice and egg white right before serving for the best texture and foamy topping.
Serving suggestions
Pair this delicious summer cocktail with poolside snacks like: Cranberry Granola, or Lemon Puppy Chow!
More Recipes You’ll Love
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Cherry Vodka Sour
Equipment
- Jigger
- Cocktail shaker
- coupe glasses
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ice
- 2 oz Vodka
- 2 oz Maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 Lemon, juiced, ~1oz
- 1 oz Egg whites or aquafaba
- 3 maraschino cherries, to garnish
Instructions
- Pop your cocktail shaker in the freezer 30 minutes before mixing. Trust me, a chilled shaker = a better drink.
- Add ½ cup of ice cubes to the shaker. Measure in 2 oz vodka, 2 oz cherry juice, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1 oz raw egg white or aquafaba.
- Shake hard for 35–40 seconds. It's the best way to achieve the perfect blend of textures and flavors. You want the shaker to be frosty and the egg white to be fully emulsified and foamy.
- Strain into a cocktail glass. Swirl the rim with an orange slice (optional) and garnish with 2–3 maraschino cherries on a pick. Sip and enjoy immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Looking for this in MyFitnessPal?
If you’re using MyFitnessPal, search ‘A Paige Of Positivity’ and find Cherry Vodka Sour calories and nutrition facts. Disclaimer: for most accurate macronutrients and caloric breakdown, it is recommended that you input each ingredient into your MyFitnessPal food diary.
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. It’s my passion to create dishes that can be shared with others. Tell me something you loved or just say hi!
it’s a YES from me!
michigan girl in me loveeeees cherries. this is my summer time cocktail!!!