Ingredients
For the Cocktail:
- 1 cup tart cherry juice (not from concentrate)
- ¼ cup agave or simple syrup
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 cup vodka
- 3 cups ice cubes
- 1 ½ cups limeade (Santa Cruz organic recommended)
- 2 cans (3-4 cups) soda water
For Serving:
- Lime wedge for rimming the glass
- Coarse or regular sugar for rimming the glass
- Ice cubes
- Fresh lime slices
- Fresh cherries (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the Base: In a large pitcher, combine 1 cup tart cherry juice, ¼ cup agave or simple syrup, ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1 cup vodka. Stir thoroughly with a spoon until the agave or syrup is completely dissolved to ensure even sweetness.
- Add Ice and Limeade: Add 3 cups of ice cubes to the pitcher, then pour in 1 ½ cups of limeade. Follow this by adding 1 can of soda water and gently stir the mixture to combine all ingredients without losing carbonation.
- Prepare Glasses: On a small plate, spread out coarse or regular sugar. Wet the rim of each serving glass with a lime wedge, then dip and roll the rim into the sugar until well coated. Fill the glasses with ice cubes to chill.
- Serve: Pour the cherry limeade cocktail from the pitcher into the prepared glasses, leaving some space at the top. Top each glass with a splash of soda water for extra fizz, and garnish with a fresh cherry and lime slice on the rim. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- To make a mocktail version, simply omit the vodka and increase the soda water accordingly.
- Use fresh lime juice and quality tart cherry juice for the best flavor.
- The sugar-rimmed glasses add a festive touch and balance the tartness of the cocktail.
- Fresh cherries for garnish are optional but add a beautiful presentation and burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
