Cherry Martini Recipe

A sensational cherry martini with vodka and cherry liqueur. It’s easy to make for happy hour or as a signature drink for a party.

stem glass with red drink inside and cherry garnish.

This tasty cocktail can take you from summer parties to holiday celebrations. The pale red ‘cherrytini’ is a balance of sweet and tart, and it’s not overly boozy like some traditional martinis can be.

Serve it for Memorial day or 4th of July parties, Valentine’s or Galantine’s day, or Christmas. It’s also a fabulous signature drink for bridal showers and adult birthdays.

cocktail ingredients on countertop, including vodka, cherry juice, lemon and cherry liqueur.

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Ingredient Notes

  • Cherry Juice. Use 100% juice with no added sugar.
  • Vodka. I use Vanilla vodka because it gives the drink more depth with a layer of sweet spices. However, traditional vodka will also work.
  • Cherry liqueur. I use Cherry Brandy but you can swap that for cherry schnapps or other cherry liqueur. You can also use the cherry brandy to make a cherry, amaretto, and cream cocktail.
  • Fresh lemon juice. I highly recommend squeezing the lemons yourself to get fresh juice. It’s very simple to do when you use this citrus press. One lemon will 2 or 3 drinks depending on its size.
  • Simple syrup. I make mine with 2 parts water to 1 part sugar. It’s a bit non-traditional but I find it gives plenty of taste and sweetness to recipes. You could swap this out for honey or maple syrup, too.
  • Optional bitters. If you haven’t discovered the joys of mixology using Bitters as an ingredient, what are you waiting for! There are so many flavors on the market, and with just a couple of dashes you can add that little extra touch to your cocktail. For the cherry martini I frequently use spiced cherry bitters, or classic Peychaud’s aromatic bitters. Try it now and thank me later! And to some style to your bar, pour the bitters into these beautiful bitters bottles.
two coupe glasses with red beverage and cherry garnish.

How To Make It

  1. Add ice to a cocktail shaker, and pour in ingredients.
  2. Put lid on shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
  3. Strain into martini or coupe glasses.

Helpful Tips

  • The recipe as written makes two drinks. Just cut the ingredients in half if you’re only making one.
  • Use a cocktail shaker with ice for best results, however you can certainly serve this over ice in a rocks glass if you like.
  • If you like a more tart cocktail you can omit or reduce the amount of simple syrup you use.
  • Garnish your glass with Luxardo Italian cherries rather than bright red maraschinos for a more elegant look and taste. You can also find drunken cherries that are soaked in a bourbon syrup.
  • If you’re making just a few drinks, use some of the syrup from the jar of cherries instead of simple syrup.
coupe glass with red drink inside and cherry garnish.

More Martini Recipes

I just know you’re going to love this cherry martini. For a more tropical vibe, this is the best pineapple martini! Want something creamy and dessert-like? Give this easy white chocolate martini a try. And for the traditionalist, this dirty martini is savory and satisfying.

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coupe glass with red martini and dark cherry garnish.

Cherry Martini Recipe

Yield: 2 drinks
Prep Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 4 minutes

Delicious sweet and tart cherry martini with vanilla vodka and cherry brandy.

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces 100% Cherry Juice, unsweetened
  • 4 ounces Vanilla Vodka (or Plain)
  • 1 ounce Cherry Brandy
  • 1 ounce fresh squeezed Lemon juice
  • 1 ounce Simple Syrup
  • Optional: Spiced Cherry bitters or classic Aromatic bitters

Instructions

  1. Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
  2. Pour in ingredients, except bitters if using.
  3. Replace lid and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds, and strain into 2 martini glasses or coupes.
  4. Add 2 dashes of bitters to each drink and garnish with cherries and serve.

Notes

Make simple syrup by adding 1 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar to a small saucepan over high heat. Stir and let come to a boil. Stir and make sure all the sugar has dissolved and then remove from heat. Let cool completely and then refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

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