Cherry Martini Recipe

_{*Post contains affiliate links. I earn commission from Amazon purchases.}

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.

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.

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.