The Cherry Rum Cocktail is smooth, fruity, and perfect for easy sipping. It blends the rich flavor of cherries with the warm, sweet notes of rum, balanced out with a splash of lime or lemon juice to keep things fresh. You can use cherry juice, syrup, or muddled fresh cherries depending on how sweet you like it. Serve it over ice with a splash of soda water for a light, bubbly finish or keep it simple and bold. Garnish with a few cherries or a lime wedge, and you’ve got a laid-back drink that’s great for any occasion.
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail blends fruity and tropical flavors with a smooth, creamy finish. The white rum provides a light, clean base that lets the fruit juices shine. Blood orange juice brings a slightly tart, rich citrus flavor, while pineapple juice adds sweetness and a hint of tropical warmth. Cherry simple syrup layers in a bold cherry note without overpowering the drink. Topped with whipped cream and a cherry garnish, the final sip combines creamy sweetness with bright, fruity flavors, making each sip feel refreshing yet satisfying. The garnish also adds a playful and colorful finishing touch.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a cocktail shaker to mix the ingredients thoroughly and chill them before serving. A jigger ensures accurate measurements for balanced flavor. Serve the drink in a coupe glass or a stemless wine glass for a fun presentation that holds the whipped cream topping. A bar spoon helps layer the whipped cream smoothly. Have a small knife and cutting board ready if you’d like to add any additional garnishes like a fresh orange twist or extra cherries. Chilling the glass ahead of time will help keep the drink cold longer.
Ingredients
- 2 oz white rum
- 0.5 oz orange liqueur
- 2 oz blood orange juice
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 0.5 oz cherry simple syrup
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Garnish: maraschino cherry
Instructions
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine white rum, orange liqueur, blood orange juice, pineapple juice, and cherry simple syrup. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Add a generous swirl of whipped cream on top.
- Finish with a maraschino cherry for a festive touch.
Pro Tips
- For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed blood orange juice if it’s in season. Chill all ingredients before mixing to keep the drink cold and refreshing.
- If you’re making cherry simple syrup at home, simmer equal parts sugar and water with fresh or frozen cherries, then strain.
- For a richer whipped cream topping, use homemade whipped cream rather than canned.
- Add the whipped cream slowly with a spoon to keep it sitting neatly on top of the drink.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
When to Serve
This Cherry Rum Cocktail is perfect for summer parties, poolside lounging, or holiday celebrations when you want something fruity and colorful. It also makes a great dessert cocktail thanks to the creamy whipped topping. Serve it at casual gatherings, birthday parties, or after dinner when guests want something light and sweet. The vibrant colors and fun garnish also make it a festive choice for Valentine’s Day or other romantic occasions.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Choose a smooth, light white rum like Bacardi Superior, Don Q Cristal, or Cruzan Light Rum for a clean flavor that blends well with the fruit juices.
- For the orange liqueur, Cointreau provides a premium citrus flavor, but DeKuyper Triple Sec works well if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.
- For cherry simple syrup, you can use store-bought brands like Torani, or make your own for a fresher, more natural flavor.
- Use real whipped cream for the garnish to add a rich and creamy finish.
Similar Cocktails
- Blue Hawaiian Long Island
- Chocolate Piña Colada
- Hibiscus in Hawaii
- Aruba Ariba Cocktail
- Blood Orange Pineapple Margarita

Ingredients
- 2 oz white rum
- 0.5 oz orange liqueur
- 2 oz blood orange juice
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 0.5 oz cherry simple syrup
- Whipped cream for topping
- Garnish: maraschino cherry
Instructions
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine white rum, orange liqueur, blood orange juice, pineapple juice, and cherry simple syrup. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Add a generous swirl of whipped cream on top.
- Finish with a maraschino cherry for a festive touch.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cooler longer.
- For extra flavor, drizzle a bit of cherry syrup over the whipped cream.
- Swap regular whipped cream for coconut whipped cream to enhance the tropical feel.
I will try anything cherry!