Paul Kushner
The Cherry Collins Mocktail is a crisp, refreshing drink with a fruity twist. It mixes cherry syrup with fresh lemon juice and tonic water, creating a balance of sweet, tart, and slightly bitter flavors. The cherry adds rich sweetness, the lemon keeps it bright, and the tonic brings a clean, bubbly finish. It’s simple, easy to make, and perfect for warm afternoons or casual gatherings. Serve it over ice with a lemon wheel and a cherry on top for a fun, colorful drink that’s full of flavor without the alcohol.
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Tasting Notes
The Cherry Collins Mocktail is a bright, bubbly, and refreshing non-alcoholic drink that perfectly balances sweet cherry syrup with zesty lemon juice. The tonic water adds a dry, crisp fizz that cuts through the sweetness, giving this mocktail a grown-up edge. It’s light, flavorful, and thirst-quenching, with a beautiful blush pink hue and a festive garnish of cherry or lemon wheel for added flair.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a highball glass, a bar spoon for stirring, and a jigger to measure your ingredients. A citrus press is useful for juicing fresh lemon.
Ingredients
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz cherry syrup
- Tonic water (to top)
- Cherry or lemon wheel (for garnish)
Instructions
- Build the Drink: In a highball glass filled with ice, pour in the lemon juice and cherry syrup.
- Top and Stir: Add tonic water to fill the glass, then stir gently to mix.
- Garnish: Add a cherry or a lemon wheel for a colorful finish.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and brightness.
- Want more depth? Add a few drops of orange or aromatic bitters (alcohol-free versions available).
- Swap tonic for club soda or lemon-lime soda if you prefer less bitterness or more sweetness.
- For a layered effect, pour the cherry syrup last and stir lightly.
When to Serve
This Cherry Collins Mocktail is ideal for brunches, summer lunches, baby showers, or any gathering where you want a booze-free drink that still feels festive and grown-up. It’s also a great happy hour option or sparkling alternative for anyone skipping the spirits.
Recommended Brands to Use
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled works in a pinch.
- Cherry syrup: Monin, Torani, or homemade with real cherries.
- Tonic water: Fever-Tree, Q Mixers, or Schweppes for bold bubbles and clean bitterness.
Similar Cocktails
- Cherry Spritz Mocktail
- Lemon and Lavender Mocktail
- Grapefruit Paloma Mocktail
- Kiwi & Strawberry Smash Mocktail
- Strawberry Mimosas Mocktail
