12 Cherry Cocktails You Need To Try This Weekend!

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Cherries are set to be on the biggest viral food trends of 2025, and as soon as I saw the recipes starting to pop on TikTok and Pinterest, I knew that I had to create a collection of my favorite cherry cocktails!

Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet and tangy twist on a classic or something rich and decadent that doubles up as dessert, there’s a cherry cocktail for every occasion, and this list has it all. 

Why do I love cherries in cocktails? They add the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, a beautiful deep red hue, and that juicy, nostalgic flavor that makes every sip feel special. Plus, they pair beautifully with everything from whiskey and rum to vodka and prosecco—versatility at its finest! Here are the cherry cocktails that you’ll be sipping all summer long… 

1. Cherry Old Fashioned

cherry old fashioned

The Cherry Old Fashioned is a rich, smooth, and slightly sweet twist on the classic cocktail. This version swaps the traditional sugar cube for luxardo cherry syrup, adding a hint of cherry flavor while keeping the deep, caramel notes of bourbon intact. A dash of bitters and a luxardo cherry garnish make this drink an elegant choice that’s perfect for when you’re in the mood for a sophisticated happy hour! It’s also a great choice if you want to experiment with cherry cocktails but you don’t want something that’s overly sweet. 

Serves: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • ½ oz cherry syrup (from luxardo cherries)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 large ice cube
  • 1 orange peel (for garnish)
  • 1 luxardo cherry (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a rocks glass, add the cherry syrup and bitters. Stir gently to combine.

  2. Pour in the bourbon and add a large ice cube. Stir for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.

  3. Express the orange peel over the drink by squeezing it to release the oils, then rub the peel along the rim of the glass.

  4. Drop in a luxardo cherry for garnish and serve immediately.

2. Cherry Margarita

cherry margarita

A classic margarita is my favorite cocktail, so of course I had to put a cherry shaped spin on it – this one is sweet, tart, and oh so refreshing, and it’s definitely a must-try! Fresh cherry juice (or cherry purée) adds a fruity depth, while lime juice and tequila keep things bright and zesty. This cocktail is perfect for warm evenings, Taco Tuesdays, or anytime you want a margarita with a little extra flair!

Serves: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 oz tequila (silver or reposado)
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • ¾ oz cherry syrup (or cherry purée)
  • ½ oz triple sec (or orange liqueur)
  • ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • Ice cubes
  • Coarse salt or sugar (for rim, optional)
  • Fresh cherries and lime wedge (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rim a margarita glass with lime juice, then dip in salt or sugar for a festive touch.

  2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add tequila, lime juice, cherry syrup, triple sec, and simple syrup.

  3. Shake well for about 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.

  4. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.

  5. Garnish with fresh cherries and a lime wedge.

  6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

3. Cherry Mojito

cherry mojito

This Cherry Mojito is bursting with sweet cherry flavor, fresh mint, and zesty lime, and it’s crisp, bubbly, and oh-so-drinkable. The combination of white rum and cherries gives it a beautiful ruby hue, making it the perfect drink for warm evenings, summer parties, or whenever you’re craving something light and refreshing.

Serves: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 oz white rum
  • ¾ oz fresh lime juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • 6 fresh cherries, pitted and halved
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • Club soda (to top)
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedge and mint sprig (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a sturdy glass, muddle the cherries, mint leaves, and lime juice until the cherries release their juice and the mint is fragrant.

  2. Add the simple syrup and white rum, then stir to combine.

  3. Fill the glass with ice and top with club soda.

  4. Gently stir, then garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.

  5. Serve immediately and enjoy. 

4. Cherry Manhattan

cherry manhattan

This version of the classic Manhattan amps up the richness with a splash of cherry syrup and a garnish of luxardo cherries, giving it a subtle sweetness that complements the deep, oaky notes of whiskey and vermouth. It’s a smooth, well-balanced cocktail that’s perfect for slow sipping and elegant gatherings. 

Serves: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 oz rye whiskey (or bourbon)
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • ½ oz cherry syrup (or cherry liqueur)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Ice cubes
  • Luxardo cherries (for garnish)
  • Orange peel (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice, then add whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry syrup, and bitters.

  2. Stir for about 30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.

  3. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.

  4. Garnish with a couple of luxardo cherries (or fresh cherries, if preferred).

  5. Optionally, express an orange peel over the drink, then discard or drop it in.

  6. Serve immediately. 

5. Cherry Mule

cherry mule

The Cherry Mule swaps the usual lime for a burst of cherry flavor, giving this cocktail a fruity depth that pairs perfectly with the spicy kick of ginger beer. It’s a simple, fizzy, and crowd-pleasing drink that’s perfect for warm weather and happy hour! I love serving it in copper mugs as a nod to the classic version, though you can just use a glass if you prefer. 

Serves: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka
  • ¾ oz fresh lime juice
  • ¾ oz cherry syrup (or cherry juice)
  • 4 oz ginger beer
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh cherries and lime wedge (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a copper mug (or highball glass) with ice.

  2. Pour in the vodka, lime juice, and cherry syrup. Stir gently to mix.

  3. Top with ginger beer and give it another light stir.

  4. Garnish with fresh cherries and a lime wedge.

  5. Serve & enjoy. 

6. Cherry Aperol Spritz

cherry aperol spritz

If you love an Aperol spritz, you need to try this cherry infused version! I love this one enjoyed outside on a hot summer day, and it’s just the ticket for pool parties and barbecues. 

Serves: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Aperol
  • 1 oz cherry syrup (or cherry liqueur)
  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • 1 oz soda water
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh cherries and orange slice (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Put ice in a wine glass.

  2. Pour in the Aperol and cherry syrup and give it a light stir to combine.

  3. Top with Prosecco and a splash of soda water for extra fizz.

  4. Garnish with fresh cherries and an orange slice.

  5. Serve and enjoy!

7. Cherry Vanilla Amaretto Sour

cherry vanilla amaretto sour

The Cherry Vanilla Amaretto Sour is a smooth, sweet, and slightly tangy variation on the classic amaretto sour. The rich almond flavor of amaretto pairs perfectly with tart cherry syrup and a hint of vanilla, creating a luxuriously balanced, velvety cocktail that’s as delicious as it is easy to sip. If you love a cocktail that’s both dessert-like and refreshing, this one’s for you! The egg is optional, but I like to include it for that signature froth. 

Serves: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 oz amaretto liqueur
  • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
  • ½ oz cherry syrup (or cherry juice)
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg white (optional, for a frothy top)
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh cherries and lemon slice (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a cocktail shaker, add the amaretto, lemon juice, cherry syrup, simple syrup, vanilla extract, and egg white (if using).

  2. Dry shake (without ice) for 15 seconds to create a foamy texture.

  3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15 seconds until well chilled.

  4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.

  5. Garnish with fresh cherries and a lemon slice.

  6. Serve immediately and enjoy. 

8. Cherry White Russian

cherry white russian

This dessert-like, velvety drink is perfect for after-dinner sipping! It’s grown up, sophisticated, and has a real boozy kick. 

Serves: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
  • ¾ oz cherry syrup (or cherry liqueur)
  • 1 oz heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh cherries (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.

  2. Pour in the vodka, coffee liqueur, and cherry syrup. Stir gently to combine.

  3. Slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect, or stir it in for a fully blended drink.

  4. Garnish with fresh cherries.

  5. Serve and enjoy. 

9. Cherry Bellini

cherry bellini

Made with sweet cherry purée and crisp Prosecco, this cocktail is vibrant, refreshing, and perfect for brunch, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a little sparkle! The deep cherry flavor adds a rich, slightly tart contrast to the light fizziness of the Prosecco, making every sip absolutely delicious.

Serves: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 oz cherry purée (made from fresh or frozen cherries)
  • 4 oz chilled Prosecco (or sparkling wine)
  • ½ tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
  • Fresh cherries (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. To make the cherry purée, blend fresh or thawed frozen cherries until smooth. Strain if desired for a silkier texture.

  2. Add the cherry purée to a champagne flute.

  3. Slowly pour the Prosecco over the purée, allowing it to mix naturally.

  4. Gently stir if needed, then garnish with a fresh cherry.

  5. Serve straightaway and enjoy. 

10. Cherry Chocolate Martini

cherry chocolate martini

The one is a decadent, rich, and indulgent cocktail that’s perfect for date nights, dessert drinks, or those evenings when you’re craving something super sweet and boozy. The combination of dark chocolate liqueur, vodka, and cherry syrup creates a silky-smooth, luscious cocktail that tastes like a chocolate-covered cherry in a glass!

Serves: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz chocolate liqueur (such as Godiva or crème de cacao)
  • ¾ oz cherry syrup (or cherry liqueur)
  • ½ oz heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
  • Ice cubes
  • Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (for garnish)
  • Fresh cherry or chocolate-covered cherry (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add vodka, chocolate liqueur, cherry syrup, and heavy cream (if using).

  2. Shake well for about 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and silky.

  3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

  4. Garnish with chocolate shavings and a fresh or chocolate-covered cherry.

  5. Serve and enjoy. 

11. Cherry Bourbon Milk Punch

cherry bourbon milk punch

This Cherry Bourbon Milk Punch is a creamy, smooth, and slightly boozy delight that combines rich bourbon, sweet cherry syrup, and velvety milk. It’s like a grown-up cherry milkshake with a kick!

Serves: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz cherry syrup (or cherry liqueur)
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • 3 oz whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • Ice cubes
  • Ground nutmeg or cinnamon (for garnish)
  • Fresh cherry (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add bourbon, cherry syrup, simple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract.

  2. Shake well for about 15 seconds until the mixture is chilled and frothy.

  3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

  4. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon and a fresh cherry.

  5. Serve and savor!

12. Spiked Cherry Limeade

spiked cherry limeade

The Spiked Cherry Limeade is sweet, tart, and ultra-refreshing, with a boozy kick that makes it perfect for warm days, backyard BBQs, or a fun happy hour drink. The combination of fresh lime juice, sweet cherry syrup, and vodka (or white rum!) creates a bright, fruity cocktail that’s super fun and drinkable!

Serves: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka (or white rum)
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • ¾ oz cherry syrup (or cherry juice)
  • ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 4 oz lemon-lime soda (or club soda for a less sweet version)
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh cherries and lime wheels (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a tall glass with ice.

  2. Add vodka, lime juice, cherry syrup, and simple syrup. Stir well to combine.

  3. Top with lemon-lime soda and give it a gentle stir.

  4. Garnish with fresh cherries and lime wheels.

  5. Serve immediately. 

Which of these cherry cocktails will you be trying first? I’d love to hear your thoughts and favorites in the comments section below!