Sour Cherry Gin Sling

The Sour Cherry Gin Sling is a crisp, tart take on the classic sling. It balances sweet cherry cordial with bright lime, dry gin, and a touch of Cointreau for a little orange lift. A few dashes of bitters and sparkling water finish it off with depth and fizz. It’s fruity without being too sweet, and just complex enough to keep things interesting.

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Tasting Notes

The Sour Cherry Gin Sling is bright, slightly tart, and just sweet enough. The sour cherry cordial brings a bold cherry flavor that pairs nicely with the botanical gin and citrusy Cointreau. A splash of lime juice adds bite, while the Angostura bitters round everything out with a touch of spice. Sparkling water lightens the drink, giving it a refreshing finish. The lime and cherry garnish add a pop of color and hint at the flavors inside. It’s crisp, fruity, and smooth easy to drink without being too sugary or heavy.

Equipment and Glassware

To make this cocktail, you’ll need a shaker, a jigger, and a strainer. If your sour cherry cordial is homemade, a fine-mesh strainer and saucepan may also come in handy. For the sparkling water, keep a small bottle chilled so it stays fizzy when poured. Serve the Sour Cherry Gin Sling in a rocks glass or a stemless wine glass filled with fresh ice. A bar spoon is useful for the final stir, and garnish with a lime wheel and cherry to finish.

Ingredients

• 1 oz gin
• 0.5 oz Cointreau
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 1 oz sour cherry cordial
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 0.5 oz sparkling water
• Garnish: lime wheel and cherry

Instructions

• Add gin, Cointreau, lime juice, cherry cordial, and bitters to a shaker filled with ice.
• Shake well for about 15 seconds.
• Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
• Add the sparkling water and give it a gentle stir.
• Garnish with a lime wheel and cherry.

Pro Tips

• Use a dry-style gin to keep the drink crisp
• Chill the cordial before mixing to keep everything cold
• Fresh lime juice works better than bottled
• Add more sparkling water if you want a lighter sip
• For a stronger cherry note, muddle a cherry in the shaker
• Serve over crushed ice for extra chill
• Try a cherry-lime sugar rim for a fun twist

When to Serve

This Sour Cherry Gin Sling works well in early spring or late summer, especially when cherries are in season. Serve it at outdoor brunches, evening happy hours, or at any casual get-together where you want something that looks nice but isn’t complicated. It’s balanced enough for guests who prefer a lighter drink, but the bitters and gin give it some character. It also fits right in as a small-batch cocktail for holidays or special occasions where sour fruit flavors are welcome.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Gin: Tanqueray, Beefeater, Bombay Sapphire
• Cointreau substitute (if needed): Triple sec or dry curaçao
• Sour cherry cordial: Look for brands like Luxardo, Fabrizia, or make your own
• Bitters: Angostura is standard, but Peychaud’s can work for a twist
• Sparkling water: Use cold, unflavored soda water like Topo Chico or Fever-Tree

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