Cherry Vanilla Vodka Fizz

The Cherry Vanilla Vodka Fizz is crisp, fruity, and just sweet enough to keep things interesting. It brings together vodka, tart cherry juice, a splash of orange juice, and a hint of vanilla extract for a soft, smooth twist. Topped with club soda, it finishes light and bubbly, perfect for sipping when you want something refreshing without being too sugary. The cherry and vanilla combo adds a nostalgic touch, while the citrus and fizz keep it bright. It’s easy to mix up, easy to drink, and a great pick for brunch, happy hour, or laid-back nights.

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Tasting Notes

This Cherry Vanilla Vodka Fizz cocktail is fruity, crisp, and lightly fizzy with a smooth vanilla finish. Tart cherry juice brings a bold, slightly sour flavor that gets rounded out by the soft sweetness of orange juice and simple syrup. Lime juice adds a quick pop of brightness, and vanilla extract gives the drink a mellow, smooth layer that ties it all together. Vodka keeps the base clean and light. Club soda on top keeps the drink refreshing and balanced. The fresh cherry and mint garnish add color and aroma. It’s a fun mix of fruit, fizz, and light sweetness.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a shaker to mix and chill the ingredients before topping with soda. A jigger makes it easy to measure everything out, especially with small amounts like the vanilla extract. A strainer helps get a clean pour over ice. Use a tall glass—like a highball or Collins—to leave room for the soda and garnish. A citrus squeezer or reamer helps get fresh lime and orange juice quickly. A small paring knife is useful for prepping your cherry and mint garnish. A bar spoon can be helpful for a light stir after adding club soda.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 2 oz tart cherry juice
• 1 oz orange juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 0.25 oz vanilla extract
• Club soda, to top
• Garnish: fresh cherry and mint sprig

Instructions

• Add vodka, cherry juice, simple syrup, vanilla extract, lime juice, and orange juice to a shaker filled with ice.
• Shake well for about 15 seconds until chilled.
• Strain into a highball or Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top with club soda.
• Stir gently, then garnish with a fresh cherry and a sprig of mint.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh citrus juice for the best balance bottled versions can throw off the flavor.
• Shake the base ingredients hard enough to chill and blend the vanilla evenly.
• Add the club soda last and stir gently to keep the fizz.
• For a smoother drink, double strain to catch any pulp from the orange or lime juice.
• Use a high-quality vanilla extract just a little makes a big difference.
• Tart cherry juice varies by brand, so taste and adjust the syrup if needed.
• Garnish just before serving so the mint stays crisp and the cherry looks fresh.

When to Serve

This Cherry Vanilla Vodka Fizz is a great drink for brunch, happy hour, or summer evenings when you want something light and fruity but not overly sweet. The fizz and fresh juice make it perfect for casual gatherings, especially outdoors. Serve it at picnics, barbecues, or as a low-key welcome drink for guests. It also works as a fun weeknight cocktail when you want something easy to mix but full of flavor. It’s not too strong, so you can enjoy it earlier in the day or as part of a longer lineup of drinks.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Use a clean, neutral vodka like Tito’s, Absolut, or Prairie Organic they won’t compete with the fruit.
• For tart cherry juice, look for brands like R.W. Knudsen or Lakewood that are unsweetened and full-flavored.
• Simple syrup is easy to make at home (equal parts sugar and water).
• Fresh lime and orange juice are best, but high-quality refrigerated options like Simply can work in a pinch.
• Choose a real vanilla extract not imitation for the smoothest flavor.
• Use sparkling club soda like Fever-Tree, Topo Chico, or store brand with good fizz.
• Add fresh garnishes just before serving.

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