Strawberry Cherry Cocktail

Dive into a tall glass of ruby-red refreshment: the Strawberry Cherry Cocktail greets you with the bright perfume of crushed strawberries, the warm, almond-like aroma of cherries, and a citrusy kiss of fresh lemon. On the palate it’s balanced—sweet but not cloying—with the lush, jammy body of blended fruit, the cooling clarity of a spirit (or a crisp zero-proof splash), and a whisper of effervescence if you top it with soda. The texture can be velvety when strained, or delightfully pulpy if you leave the bits in. Picture the first sip on a sun-warmed patio, the breeze stirring the mint on your table—simple pleasures in a glass.

This cocktail is perfect for late-spring and summer gatherings, brunches that linger over light bites, or quiet weekend evenings when you want something celebratory but unfussy. It also doubles as a refreshing zero-proof drink for sober-curious guests. If you love fruity cocktails but want one that’s bright, drinkable, and visually stunning for social media, this is a recipe you’ll return to. For a dessert-adjacent pairing, try it alongside a creamy berry pudding to echo the strawberry note—see this strawberry banana pudding for inspiration.

At a Glance

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 cocktails
Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginners

Nutrition Highlights
Estimated nutrition per serving (standard alcoholic version: 1.5 oz / 44 ml vodka per serving). Values are approximate and based on typical ingredient amounts using USDA FoodData Central and alcohol guidance from reputable health sources such as the Mayo Clinic.

Calories: ~220 kcal
Protein: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Sugars: ~22 g (from fruit and simple syrup)
Fat: 0–0.5 g
Fiber: ~2 g
Alcohol: ~14 g (approximate for 1.5 oz vodka)

Notes:

A zero-proof version (replace vodka with club soda or a nonalcoholic spirit) reduces calories by roughly 95–110 kcal (vodka calories) and eliminates alcohol content.
These estimates come from standard food-composition data (USDA) and alcohol measures (Mayo Clinic). For precise tracking, plug your exact brands and quantities into a nutrition calculator.

Why You’ll Love It
This cocktail hits a sweet spot between nostalgic and modern:

Irresistible taste: Ripe strawberries and cherries create a natural candy-like fruitiness that’s brightened by citrus and balanced by spirit or soda.
Social and seasonal: Its color and aroma make it a show-stopper at summer barbecues, bridal showers, or a casual Friday night.
Effortless to make: Minimal ingredients and no complicated techniques—muddle, shake, strain, and serve.
Flexible: Easily made boozy or alcohol-free, and tweaked for sweetness or tartness depending on the fruit.

How to Make Strawberry Cherry Cocktail
Ingredients (serves 2)

1 cup hulled strawberries (about 6–8 medium)
3/4 cup pitted cherries (fresh or thawed frozen)
1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka per serving (3 oz / 90 ml total) — or omit for zero-proof
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (adjust to taste)
1–1.5 tbsp simple syrup* (or to taste)
6–8 ice cubes for shaking
Sparkling water or club soda, to top (optional)
Fresh mint sprigs and a slice of lemon or a cherry, for garnish

Optional ingredients and substitutions

Simple syrup substitute: 1 tbsp honey warmed and thinned with a little water, or agave syrup for a vegan option.
Spirit swap: Use gin for herbal notes, tequila blanco for a brighter edge, or a nonalcoholic spirit for zero-proof.
Fruit swap: Replace cherries with raspberries for a different tartness, or add a few blueberries for color depth.

Step-by-step instructions

Prep the fruit: Hull strawberries and pit cherries. Roughly chop if large.
Muddle: In a cocktail shaker or sturdy jar, add strawberries, cherries, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Muddle until you have a chunky puree.
Add spirit and ice: Pour in vodka (if using) and add ice cubes to the shaker.
Shake: Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain (optional): If you prefer a smooth cocktail, double strain into two ice-filled glasses using a fine mesh strainer; for a rustic presentation, pour through a single strainer and leave some pulp.
Top: Finish with a splash (1–2 oz) of sparkling water if desired for effervescence.
Garnish and serve: Add a mint sprig and a cherry or lemon wheel. Serve immediately.

Practical tips

Taste as you go: sweetness of berries varies—start with less syrup and add more if needed.
Avoid over-muddling seeds: press enough to release juices, but not so much that seeds burst into the drink.
For a chilled, slushy version, blend the fruit and a handful of crushed ice instead of shaking.

Best Pairings

Light bites: Goat cheese crostini, prosciutto-wrapped melon, or bruschetta.
Brunch foods: Flaky pastries, scrambled eggs with herbs, or lemon ricotta pancakes.
Sweets: Berry tarts, panna cotta, or shortcake (the cocktail mirrors strawberry dessert flavors).
Nonalcoholic pairing: Serve alongside iced herbal tea or this bright frozen strawberry lemonade for a coordinated fruit-forward spread.
Presentation tip: Serve in a Collins or highball glass over large clear ice to showcase the color, or in coupe glasses for an elevated feel.

Shelf Life & Storage

Room temperature: Not recommended—fresh fruit blends should not sit at room temp for more than 2 hours.
Refrigeration: Prepared, strained cocktail (without soda) can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours; flavor and carbonation (if added) degrade quickly.
Freezer: You can freeze blended fruit puree (without alcohol) in an airtight container for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before using. Alcoholic cocktails should not be frozen in regular conditions because alcohol lowers freezing point and affects texture.

Storing leftovers safely

If you plan to pre-batch for a party, mix the fruit, citrus, and sweetener ahead, refrigerate up to 24 hours, and add ice, spirit, and soda just before serving.

Chef’s Advice

Fruit ripeness matters: Use the ripest strawberries and cherries you can find—they’ll give the best aroma and natural sweetness.
Balance acid and sugar: Lemon brightens the cocktail and prevents the drink from tasting cloying; add acid slowly.
Texture choice: Decide whether you want a silky, strained cocktail or a rustic, pulpy one—both are valid. For silky texture, double strain through a fine mesh.
Ice is flavor: Use fresh, odor-free ice and consider large cubes to minimize dilution if serving over ice.
Garnish with intention: A bruised mint sprig will smell stronger—slap the mint in your hands to release oils before topping the glass.

Creative Twists

Frozen Strawberry-Cherry Slush: Blend the ingredients with 2 cups crushed ice for a frozen cocktail perfect for hot days.
Sparkling Rosé Float: Replace vodka with 3 oz sparkling rosé per serving for a wine-forward version that’s elegant and brunch-ready.
Herb Infusion: Muddle a few basil leaves with the fruit for an herbal twist that pairs beautifully with cherry’s almond notes.
Low-Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like stevia-based syrup and increase lemon slightly to keep brightness while cutting calories.
Spiced Cherry: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a star anise in the muddle for warm, cozy undertones—great for late-summer to fall transition.

Common Questions & Answers
Q: Can I make this nonalcoholic?
A: Yes—omit the vodka and top with club soda or a nonalcoholic spirit. The flavor is very similar and calories drop significantly.

Q: My cocktail is too sweet — how do I fix it?
A: Add a squeeze more lemon juice or a splash of soda to dilute sweetness. Next time, start with less syrup.

Q: Can I use frozen fruit?
A: Absolutely. Thaw slightly and drain excess water to avoid watering the cocktail. Frozen fruit often makes the drink fruitier and more affordable off-season.

Q: How do I avoid seeds in the drink?
A: Strain through a fine mesh sieve after shaking. If muddling, press gently to release juices without pulverizing seeds.

Q: Can I batch this for a party?
A: Yes—pre-mix fruit puree and sweetener up to 24 hours ahead; keep chilled and add spirits and carbonation just before serving.

Conclusion

Pouring a Strawberry Cherry Cocktail is like bottling a bright summer memory—fragrant, juicy, and wonderfully drinkable whether you add a spirit or keep it zero-proof. If you’re planning a road trip or a gathering and want a ready-made, nonalcoholic option that pairs well with fruity cocktails, check out the Road Tripping Zero-Proof Cocktail Kit – We Are Raising The Bar. For a close cousin in technique and flavor inspiration, you might enjoy this guide on How to Make an ICHIGO COCKTAIL: A Step-by-Step Recipe.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you garnish it or what twists you make—share your photos and notes in the comments or on social with the community. Cheers to bright sips and good company!