Cherry Pie

Some cocktails taste like a memory, and this Cherry Pie drink is exactly that. The first time I made it, I was craving something sweet but I did not want to bake anything or wait for dessert to chill. Tart cherry juice, a creamy RumChata base, and that graham cracker rim gave me the same cozy vibe as a slice of cherry pie, but in a glass.

This cocktail hits a really fun balance. The cherry juice brings bright tart flavor, vodka adds a clean backbone, and RumChata makes it smooth and dessert like without needing heavy cream. I love this because it’s easy to make, but the rim and garnish make it feel like a special treat you’d order at a restaurant.

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Why You’ll Love This

This drink is basically dessert with a straw, but it still feels like a real cocktail. The tart cherry juice keeps it from tasting overly sweet, and the graham cracker rim gives that pie crust vibe right away. It’s also simple enough to make even when you’re tired, which is honestly when I want this kind of drink most.

• It tastes like cherry pie without baking anything
• Tart cherry juice keeps the flavor bright and balanced
• RumChata makes it creamy and smooth
• The graham cracker rim adds texture and a pie crust feel
• It’s quick to shake up and serve
• It’s a fun party cocktail for dessert lovers

Once you make it once, you’ll see how easy it is to adjust too. You can make it sweeter, tarter, or even a little stronger with small changes.

Ingredients

This recipe works because it keeps the ingredient list short but focused. Tart cherry juice provides the main flavor, and RumChata creates that creamy “filling” feeling you want in a pie inspired drink. Vodka keeps it from tasting too sugary and helps the drink stay smooth.

• 1.5 oz tart cherry juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 1.5 oz vodka
• 1.5 oz RumChata
• Crushed graham cracker for rim
• Cherry for garnish

Use tart cherry juice rather than cherry cocktail syrup, since you want a clean fruit flavor. If your cherry juice is already sweetened, you may want to reduce the simple syrup slightly. The graham cracker rim is optional, but it really helps sell the “pie” idea and makes each sip more fun.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

The good news is this cocktail does not require fancy bottles. You mainly want a smooth vodka and a creamy liqueur that blends well with fruit. RumChata is the classic pick, but there are alternatives if needed.

• RumChata as written for creamy cinnamon sweetness
• Tito’s Vodka for a clean, neutral base
• Ketel One if you want a crisp, smooth finish
• Vanilla vodka if you want a stronger dessert vibe
• Irish cream instead of RumChata if that’s what you have, though it will taste more cocoa like
• Maple syrup instead of simple syrup for a warmer pie style sweetness

If you do not have liquid cane syrup for the rim, honey or simple syrup works fine. Just use a thin layer so it doesn’t drip down the glass.

Equipment and Glassware

This cocktail is easy, but a few tools help it come out smooth and neat. A shaker chills it quickly and blends the creamy part evenly. A rocks glass is ideal, especially if you’re using a big ice cube.

• Cocktail Shaker
• Measuring Jigger
• Rocks Glass

A large ice cube is a nice touch because it melts slower and keeps the drink cold without watering it down fast. If you only have regular ice, use fresh ice and serve right away.

How to Make It

The rim is the first step and it sets the tone. After that, it’s a simple shake and strain. Keep everything cold and you’ll get that creamy cherry pie style sip from the first taste.

1. Brush the rim of your rocks glass with liquid cane syrup, making sure it’s evenly coated.
2. Dip the rim into crushed graham crackers, then set the glass aside so it can firm up a bit.
3. In a cocktail shaker, add tart cherry juice, vodka, simple syrup, and RumChata.
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 12 to 15 seconds until very cold.
5. Add a large ice cube to the prepared glass, then strain the cocktail into the glass.
6. Garnish with a cherry and serve immediately.

A common tweak is sweetness level. If you want it more like pie filling, add a touch more simple syrup. If you want it brighter, add a small splash more tart cherry juice.

Pro Tips

Dessert cocktails taste best when they’re cold, balanced, and not too thick. Small choices like the type of cherry juice and how you rim the glass matter more than you’d think. These tips help you nail the flavor and presentation every time.

• Use tart cherry juice for a cleaner flavor and better balance
• Chill your glass if you want a thicker, colder sip
• Crush graham crackers finely so the rim sticks better
• Use a large ice cube to reduce fast dilution
• Shake well so the RumChata blends smoothly
• Taste before straining and adjust sweetness in small steps
• Keep the rim neat by wiping drips before dipping into crackers
• Serve right away because creamy drinks change texture as they warm

Once you get comfortable, try playing with the rim and garnish. A tiny pinch of cinnamon on top can make it smell even more like pie.

Variations

This Cherry Pie cocktail is easy to customize because the base idea is simple. You’re combining cherry flavor, creamy sweetness, and a pie crust vibe. These variations keep that theme but change the details.

• Add a splash of vanilla extract for a stronger pie filling vibe
• Swap graham crackers for crushed shortbread cookies
• Use cherry vodka for extra cherry flavor
• Replace simple syrup with brown sugar syrup for a deeper sweetness
• Make a mocktail version with cherry juice, cream soda, and a splash of vanilla

If you want a thicker texture, blend the drink with a cup of ice and serve it frozen. Keep the rim and garnish because they make the drink feel complete.

When to Serve and Pairings

This is a great after dinner cocktail, but it also works for parties where dessert style drinks fit the mood. It feels cozy and familiar, so it’s a strong pick around holidays or cold weather gatherings. I like serving it with salty snacks too, because the contrast makes the cherry flavor pop.

• Serve after dinner as a dessert cocktail
• Great for holiday parties and birthdays
• Pair with chocolate desserts, brownies, or cookies
• Works well with salty snacks like pretzels or mixed nuts
• Pair with lighter cocktails earlier in the night, then bring this out as the finale

If you’re building a dessert cocktail trio, this pairs nicely with a chocolate martini and a creamy coconut drink. That gives guests options without repeating the same flavor.

Storage and Serving Notes

This cocktail is best made fresh because it’s creamy and shaken. Once it sits, the texture can change and the drink can lose that smooth, cold feel. The rim also softens over time, so it’s better to rim the glass close to serving.

For hosting, crush the graham crackers ahead of time and store them in a container. You can also pre mix the vodka and simple syrup, then add cherry juice and RumChata right before shaking. Garnish should be added at the end so it looks fresh and clean.

FAQs

This drink is simple, but people usually have questions about sweetness, the rim, and substitutions. The good news is it’s easy to adjust. These answers help you get the result you want without guessing.

Can I use sweet cherry juice instead of tart cherry juice?
Yes, but reduce or skip the simple syrup so it doesn’t get too sweet. Taste before shaking and adjust slowly.

Does RumChata curdle with cherry juice?
It usually stays smooth when shaken cold and served right away. Keep everything chilled and do not let it sit too long before serving.

What’s the best vodka for this?
A clean vodka works best. Vanilla vodka is also great if you want a stronger dessert flavor.

Can I make it without the rim?
Yes, the drink still tastes great. The rim just adds the pie crust vibe and makes it more fun.

Can I batch this cocktail?
You can batch the liquid ingredients, but shake individual servings with ice for best texture. Rim the glasses right before serving so they look neat.

More Cocktails to Try

If you liked this Cherry Pie cocktail, you’ll probably enjoy other dessert style cocktails with creamy textures and familiar flavors. These options keep the same cozy vibe and are great for after dinner. They also help you build a rotation of sweet cocktails without repeating the exact same taste.

• Banana Pudding Cocktail: creamy dessert drink with vanilla wafers
• Bailey’s Peppermint Martini: smooth chocolate cocktail for dessert lovers
• Oreo White Russian: creamy coffee style classic
• Raspberry Rosé Float: bubbly dessert drink with sorbet
• Blackberry Cobbler Cocktail: fruit and dessert notes with a richer finish