Paul Kushner
Cherry Spritz offers a refreshing blend of cherry vodka, Aperol, and lemon juice. The soda water adds a fizzy finish, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. The fresh cherries and lemon wheel garnish add a touch of elegance without being overly fancy. This cocktail is not only easy to make but also delicious. Try this Cherry Spritz recipe for your next gathering and impress your friends with a refreshing drink.
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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.
