As a bartender, I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to mix up classic ingredients. One of my all-time favorites?
Cherry liqueur. This sweet and fruity spirit adds a unique flavor to any cocktail, making it a must-have in any well-stocked bar.
Cherry liqueur is versatile, too. You can use it to add a touch of sweetness to a classic whiskey sour or mix it with sparkling wine for a refreshing spritz.
It’s even delicious when paired with bitter flavors like Campari or Aperol.
But not all cherry liqueurs are created equal. Some are cloyingly sweet or lack the depth of flavor that makes this spirit so special.
That’s why I’ve taken it upon myself to test out dozens of cherry liqueur cocktail recipes to find the very best.
So if you’re looking to add a little cherry flavor to your next happy hour, look no further. I’ve got the inside scoop on the tastiest cherry liqueur cocktails out there.
Whether you’re a fan of classic cocktails or love experimenting with new flavors, there’s sure to be a recipe on this list that will satisfy your taste buds. So grab a shaker and let’s get mixing!
1. Cherry Limeade for Grown-Ups
“Cherry Limeade for Grown-Ups” is a refreshing and versatile cocktail that captures the essence of mid-summer. The dark, sweet cherry flavor of Luxardo’s Sangue Morlacco liqueur perfectly complements the fresh lime juice and gin, resulting in a balanced and boozy drink.
This cocktail is easy to make and can be served on the rocks or as a fancy coupe cocktail. The vibrant red color of the drink makes it a perfect addition to any summer gathering, especially the 4th of July. If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to enjoy cherry liqueur, this cocktail is definitely worth a try.
2. Cherry Bounce
Cherry Bounce is a classic homemade cherry liqueur with a rich history and a delicious flavor. Made with tart pie cherries, sugar, and a choice of bourbon, vodka, rum, brandy, or whiskey, this cordial is left to sit and develop its unique taste.
The boozy cherries that are left after the infusion can be used in various desserts or cocktails. Cherry Bounce is perfect for Christmas gifts, and the longer it ages, the better it tastes. This unique infusion is a must-try for bourbon lovers and historians alike.
3. Cherry Bellinis
The Cherry Bellini is a perfect summer cocktail made with homemade cherry liqueur and champagne. The deep, rich, red color of the drink is simply gorgeous and the cherry flavor is bold and tart.
The homemade cherry liqueur is made with Everclear® which is perfect for making liqueurs because of its neutral flavor profile. The Bellinis are easy to make and take only a few minutes to mix up.
4. Fresh Cherry Margarita
The Fresh Cherry Margarita is a must-try cocktail for cherry lovers. This summery drink bursts with ripe cherry flavor and tart citrus in every sip, making it a perfect refreshing cooler for hot summer days. The recipe calls for reposado tequila, Luxardo cherry liqueur, and fresh lime juice muddled with stemmed and seeded cherries, all shaken together with ice and strained into a salted rim glass.
This cocktail is not only visually appealing but also has a complex flavor profile that will leave you wanting more. It pairs perfectly with chocolate desserts like chocolate-covered cherry cheesecake or frozen chocolate-cherry mousse pie. If you’re looking for a fruity and refreshing cocktail to add to your summer menu, the Fresh Cherry Margarita is definitely worth a try.
5. Cherry Margarita
The Cherry Margarita is a refreshing twist on the classic margarita, perfect for summertime sipping. Made with fresh cherries and a touch of maraschino liqueur, this cocktail is both sweet and tart, with just the right amount of tequila kick.
The use of silver tequila helps to balance out the flavors, making it a great choice for those who may not typically enjoy the harshness of tequila. Maraschino liqueur adds a unique cherry flavor that isn’t too sweet, making it a great addition to any home bar. If you’re looking for a new summer cocktail to try, the Cherry Margarita is definitely worth a taste!
6. Cherry Lime Rickey
The Cherry Lime Rickey is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that is perfect for a hot summer day. Made with fresh cherries, lime juice, cherry liquor, gin, and lemon-lime soda, this cocktail has a beautiful color and a delicious fruity flavor.
It’s not too boozy, making it a great choice for a relaxing afternoon in the yard or a refreshing drink after a long day at work. The cocktail is easy to make and can be garnished with a fresh cherry and a lime wedge for an added touch of elegance. Overall, the Cherry Lime Rickey is a must-try cocktail for anyone who loves fruity and refreshing drinks.
7. Homemade Cherry Liqueur
Homemade Cherry Liqueur is a sweet and fruity cocktail that’s perfect for those who love cherry flavors. It involves infusing cherries in vodka for at least a month, resulting in a deep red liqueur that can be used in various ways.
The leftover cherries can be used to make cocktail cherries by adding rum or bourbon. This cocktail is a great addition to any bar and can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other ingredients to create a delicious drink.
8. Cherry Brandy
Cherry Brandy is a classic liqueur that has stood the test of time. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of cocktails, making it a must-have in any bartender’s arsenal. This sweet and fruity liqueur adds a bold cherry flavor to any drink, making it the perfect addition to any cherry liqueur cocktail recipe.
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer drink or a cozy winter cocktail, Cherry Brandy is sure to impress. So why not try it out and see what delicious concoctions you can create?
9. Cherry Long Island Iced Tea
Cherry Long Island Iced Tea is a classic cocktail that has been given a new twist with the addition of cherry liqueur. This drink is a perfect summer sipper, with its beautiful red color and refreshing taste. Despite the long list of spirits in the recipe, the cocktail is not highly alcoholic, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a lighter summer cocktail.
The cherry flavor adds a fruity sweetness to the drink, making it a perfect choice for those who love a sweet cocktail. Overall, Cherry Long Island Iced Tea is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and refreshing summer cocktail.
10. Amarena Cherry
One of the best Cherry Liqueur Cocktail recipes includes the luxurious Amarena Cherry. These small, dark, and sour Italian cherries are bottled in syrup and are perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to any cocktail.
The Amarena Cherry Cocktail is a must-try for any cherry lover, with its firm and sweet taste that pairs perfectly with gin, elderflower, and other delicious ingredients. This cocktail is a perfect addition to any summer gathering or cozy night in. Don’t miss out on the chance to try this delicious and luxurious cocktail!
11. Cherry Gin Bramble Cocktail
The Cherry Gin Bramble Cocktail is a refreshing and fruity twist on the classic Bramble cocktail. Made with fresh pitted cherries, maraschino liqueur, gin, and a squeeze of lemon juice, this cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and tangy drink.
The mixture is poured over ice, making it a perfect drink for a warm summer day. While the recipe is simple, the flavors are complex and delicious. If you’re looking for a cocktail that is easy to make and sure to impress your guests, the Cherry Gin Bramble Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
12. Cherrylicous Cherry Sour Cocktail
The “Cherrylicious Cherry Sour Cocktail” is a gin-based cocktail that combines sweet and sour flavors with a cherry twist. The frothy white foam on top gives it a luxurious look, making it a perfect drink for happy hour or any party.
The recipe is easy to follow, and the dry shake technique ensures that the egg white is frothed up nicely, giving it that perfect texture. Overall, it’s a refreshing and delicious drink that is sure to impress your guests.
13. Cherry Negroni
The Cherry Negroni is a delightful twist on the classic Negroni cocktail. This version combines gin, Campari, and Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur with fresh cherries, adding a pop of sweet cherry flavor. The key to a great Negroni is using high-quality ingredients and diluting the mixture before pouring it over ice.
This cocktail is stirred, not shaken, and garnished with an orange peel and cherry. If you’re looking for a refreshing and unique cocktail to try this summer, the Cherry Negroni is definitely worth a taste.
14. Whiskey Cherry Negroni
The Whiskey Cherry Negroni is a unique twist on the classic Negroni cocktail. This Harry Potter-inspired drink uses whiskey or bourbon instead of gin and includes a cherry liqueur or cherry juice to add a sweet and tangy flavor.
What sets this cocktail apart is the creamy cherry rim that adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the drink. Whether you’re a fan of the Wizarding World or just looking for a new and exciting cocktail to try, the Whiskey Cherry Negroni is a must-try.
15. Blood and Sand Cocktail
The Blood and Sand Cocktail is a sophisticated blend of fresh blood orange juice, sweet Vermouth, and Heering cherry liqueur. Its balanced taste, unique flavor, and blood-red color make it a perfect addition to any Halloween-themed party.
The cocktail’s history adds to its appeal, as it was created to promote Rudolph Valentino’s 1922 film about a great matador. The use of blood orange juice instead of regular orange juice elevates the cocktail’s flavor, making it a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast.
16. Coup De Roulis Cocktail
If you’re a fan of cherry liqueur, then the Coup De Roulis Cocktail is definitely worth trying. This cocktail recipe dates back to 1929 and features Cherry Rocher, a French liqueur that has been produced since 1704. The name “Coup de roulis” translates to “strong blow,” which could be a reference to the four different spirits used in the recipe.
The drink won the Prix d’honneur du Championnat de Cocktail des Artistes de Paris, so you know it’s a winner. The recipe is part of a larger collection of vintage cocktail recipes from Paris, which adds to the allure of this classic drink. Overall, the Coup De Roulis Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a strong and flavorful cherry liqueur cocktail.
17. Kirsch Rose Cocktail
The Kirsch Rose Cocktail is a vintage-style shaken cocktail that will transport you to the romantic streets of Paris with just one sip. Made with kirschwasser, dry vermouth, and grenadine, this cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet, floral, citrus, and cherry flavors. The kirsch adds a fragrant fruity aroma and a subtle bitter note that is balanced out by the sweet grenadine.
The deep red color of the cocktail is reminiscent of a rose, hence the name. This Parisian rose cocktail is perfect for classy parties and small get-togethers. If you’re looking for a sweet and aromatic cocktail that captures the essence of Paris, the Kirsch Rose Cocktail is a must-try.
