If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s both vibrant and delicious, the Cherry Vodka Sour is a perfect choice. It’s a refreshing, tangy drink with a delightful cherry flavor that’s ideal for spring and summer gatherings or just a relaxing evening at home. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Let’s dive into how to craft this tasty cocktail step-by-step.
What Is a Cherry Vodka Sour?
A vodka sour is a classic cocktail made with vodka, citrus juice (usually lemon), and a sweetener, often simple syrup. The cherry vodka sour adds a fruity twist by incorporating cherry flavor, either through cherry-infused vodka or cherry syrup. Some recipes also include egg white for a frothy texture, but that’s optional depending on your preference.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Cherry-infused vodka (or regular vodka with cherry syrup)
– Fresh lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
– Simple syrup (or cherry syrup as a sweetener)
– Cherries for garnish (maraschino, Luxardo, or fresh cherries)
– Ice
Optional:
– Egg white (for a frothy top)
– Orange bitters or orange juice (for added complexity)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Cherry Vodka Sour
1. Prepare Your Cherry Vodka
If you want the freshest cherry flavor, consider making your own cherry-infused vodka by soaking sweet cherries in vodka for several days. This homemade infusion tastes much fresher and avoids the medicinal flavor some store-bought cherry vodkas have.
2. Measure Your Ingredients
For a balanced cocktail, use the following proportions (adjust for personal taste):
– 4 ounces cherry-infused vodka
– 6 ounces fresh lemon juice
– 3 ounces simple syrup (or cherry syrup)
If you prefer a single serving, scale down to about 2 ounces vodka, 1.5 ounces lemon juice, and 1 ounce syrup.
3. Shake It Up
Fill a cocktail shaker about three-quarters full with ice. Pour in the vodka, lemon juice, and syrup. If you want a frothy texture, add an egg white or a vegan cocktail foamer.
Shake vigorously for about 15 to 30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and, if using egg white, frothy.
4. Serve
Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with fresh ice. Popular glass choices include a coupe, Collins, or double old-fashioned glass.
5. Garnish and Enjoy
Add two cherries to each glass for a beautiful and tasty garnish. You can also add a lemon twist or an orange wedge for extra flair.
Tips for the Perfect Cherry Vodka Sour
– Use fresh lemon juice: It makes a huge difference in flavor compared to bottled juice.
– Adjust sweetness: Depending on your taste and the tartness of your lemons, tweak the simple syrup or cherry syrup amount.
– Try different cherries: Luxardo cherries add a rich flavor, while maraschino cherries are sweeter and more common.
– Add a frothy top: Egg white adds a silky texture, but if you prefer to avoid raw egg, try a vegan cocktail foamer.
– Make it in batches: This cocktail is easy to scale up for parties—just multiply the ingredients and shake in a large shaker or pitcher.
Variations to Explore
– Add orange juice or bitters: A splash of orange juice or a few dashes of orange bitters can add depth.
– Swap vodka for bourbon or whiskey: For a richer, warmer flavor profile, try a cherry whiskey sour.
– Infuse with other fruits: Blueberry or strawberry-infused vodka can be a fun twist on the classic cherry version.
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
The Cherry Vodka Sour is not just delicious; it’s visually stunning with its pretty pink hue from the cherries. It balances tart citrus with sweet cherry flavor perfectly, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether for a casual happy hour, a brunch party, or a summer barbecue, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests.
Enjoy crafting your Cherry Vodka Sour—cheers to a refreshing, fruity sip that brightens any day!