I have the most refreshing cocktail for you today!
Fresh cherry vodka sodas — perfectly refreshing for hot summer days. If your air conditioning gives out and it’s sweltering inside, this might just be the cure.
I get ridiculously excited every year when cherry season arrives. This week I debated between a cherry bourbon smash — which feels more fall-like — and a cherry vodka soda for a bright, sunny afternoon. The vodka soda won. Add lime for a cherry-lime twist and you’ve got something that’s both light and lively.
The base is a lightly sweetened fresh cherry syrup made from pitted cherries, a bit of sugar and water. Simmer until the cherries burst, then puree the whole mixture — no straining — so the syrup is thick, vivid and full of cherry flavor. You’ll want to taste it straight from the pan.
You can keep it simple with a cherry vodka soda, or make it a cherry-lime vodka soda for a brighter, slightly tangy finish — part margarita, part vodka soda, all refreshing. It’s light, fizzy and not overly boozy, so it practically drinks like juice with bubbles.
This cocktail is also beautiful and easy to scale up. Make it in a pitcher for a casual happy hour, a poolside afternoon, or a relaxed Sunday gathering. It’s a great alternative to sangria if you want something crisp and soda-forward.
Fresh Cherry Lime Vodka Soda
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/3 cup fresh cherry syrup
- 2 cups cold lime seltzer water
- crushed ice for serving
- lime wedges and fresh cherries for garnish
cherry syrup
- 1 1/2 cups pitted fresh cherries
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
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In a large pitcher, combine the lime juice, vodka and cherry syrup. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Just before serving, add the cold seltzer water. Taste and adjust with more syrup or seltzer if desired. Serve over crushed ice and garnish with lime wedges, cherries and fresh mint.
cherry syrup
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Place the cherries, water and sugar in a saucepan. Heat over medium-low until the cherries are soft and begin to burst, about 6 to 8 minutes. Carefully transfer the mixture to a blender (cover the lid with a towel to prevent splashes) and blend until smooth and combined.
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This tastes like an icy, fizzy grown-up soda. I love it.