Paul Kushner
The Cherry Spritz is bubbly, fruity, and super easy to enjoy. It blends cherry juice or liqueur with something fizzy like prosecco, soda water, or both for a drink that’s light but full of flavor. A splash of citrus keeps it from feeling too sweet, and the bubbles give it a fun, refreshing finish. It’s great for warm afternoons, brunch, or anytime you want a drink that feels easygoing but still brings a little something extra. Whether you’re using fresh cherries or cherry syrup, this spritz keeps things crisp, cool, and simple.
This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy
Tasting Notes
The Cherry Spritz is a bold, citrusy cocktail with a fun, fizzy finish and a vibrant cherry twist. Cherry vodka infuses the drink with bright, fruity sweetness, while Aperol adds a hint of bitter orange complexity. Lemon juice keeps it crisp and zesty, and simple syrup smooths it out. Topped with soda water and garnished with fresh cherries and a lemon wheel, it’s light, refreshing, and perfect for sunny sipping.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a jigger for measuring and a bar spoon for stirring. Serve in a wine glass or large rocks glass to showcase the bubbles and garnishes. A cocktail pick or skewer is great for the cherries.
Ingredients
- 2 oz cherry vodka
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz soda water
- cherries for garnish
- Lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass or large cocktail glass with ice.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the cherry vodka, Aperol, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over the ice.
- Top off the glass with soda water and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with fresh cherries and a lemon wheel.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Cherry Spritz.
Pro Tips
- For a stronger cherry flavor, muddle a few fresh cherries into the shaker before mixing.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup to taste.
- Use chilled soda water to maintain fizz.
- Swap soda water for prosecco to turn this into a boozy cherry spritz cocktail.
When to Serve
Perfect for brunches, afternoon gatherings, summer celebrations, or casual happy hours, this bubbly cocktail offers a flavorful, easygoing experience in every glass. With its balance of fruit-forward notes and effervescent finish, it’s a go-to option when you’re craving something light, refreshing, and full of character. Whether you’re toasting with friends or relaxing on a sunny patio, this drink brings just the right amount of flair without being fussy. Serve it chilled with a fresh garnish for a simple yet delightful addition to any occasion that calls for something fun, fizzy, and full of flavor.
Recommended Brands to Use
- Soda water: Fever-Tree, Topo Chico, or San Pellegrino for crisp bubbles
- Cherry vodka: Smirnoff Cherry, Absolut Cherry, or Veil Cherry
- Aperol: The classic Italian aperitivo for balance and color
- Simple syrup: Homemade or bottled (1:1 sugar to water)
Similar Cocktails
- Cherry Collins
- Cherry Lemon Drop Cocktail
- Peach Strawberry Cherry Summer Sangria
- Blueberry Lemon Thyme Vodka Smash
- Blue Long Island Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 2 oz cherry vodka
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz soda water
- cherries for garnish
- Lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Glass:
- Fill a wine glass or large cocktail glass with ice.
Mix the Cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the cherry vodka, Aperol, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
Strain and Serve:
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over the ice.
Add the Fizz:
- Top off the glass with soda water and gently stir to combine.
Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh cherries and a lemon wheel.
Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Cherry Spritz.
Tips:
- For a sweeter cocktail, add a bit more simple syrup to taste.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- You can substitute cherry vodka with regular vodka and add cherry syrup if you prefer a stronger cherry flavor.
