Cherry Martini Recipe
Adding cherries and cherry liquor make a traditional martini so much cuter and more special. You’ll want to give this martini a try, especially with Valentine’s Day coming up! So today I’m sharing a cherry martini recipe you’ll love.
Martinis are a popular drink for every occasion and season. They’re simple and easy to make, only requiring a few ingredients. There’s the classic dirty olive martini, lemon drop, and my favorite – cherry! Adding cherries and cherry liquor make a traditional martini so much cuter and more special. You’ll want to give this martini a try, especially with Valentine’s Day coming up! So today I’m sharing a cherry martini recipe you’ll love.
Cherry Martini Recipe
Today I’ll be walking you through what exactly a martini is and what a martini is made of. This will help you fully understand how to make a cherry martini properly – and what to expect flavor wise! Martinis definitely aren’t everyone’s drink of choice – due to it’s strong alcohol flavor. Classically, a martini is made of only gin and dry vermouth, so it’s not for everyone. However, my cherry martini recipe is refreshing and balanced with a clean base. However it still has a sweet and tangy flavor with the simple syrup and lime juice.
I’ll also be sharing a mocktail version of my cherry martini recipe as well towards the bottom of this post.
What Is A Martini Made Of?
Typically, martinis are made with two ingredients:
- Gin – a traditional ingredient that provides a herbal, botanical flavor.
- Dry Vermouth – this fortified wine is dry and slightly bitter.
- The proportion of gin to vermouth is typically 5:1 but you can adjust this to your personal preference.
- A garnish is also commonly served with a martini. Usually a lemon twist or an olive! But my favorite garnish is a cherry.
- Overall, this drink is crisp, clean tasting, and quite strong. It’s classically a gin drink but can also be served with vodka as a “vodka martini”.
- Martinis are customizable in more ways than one – you can also add flavor such as:
- Olive brine
- Lemon zest
- Lime juice
- Flavored vodka
- Fruit liqueur
- Bitters
How To Make A Cherry Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz tart cherry juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice fresh squeeze lime juice
- 1/4 – 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ruby red cherries for garnish
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You can also use gin instead of vodka! You can even add cherry liqueur or cherry brandy to this recipe but I personally think it adds too much of a “cough syrup” flavor.
What You Need:
- Chilled martini glass
- Cocktail shaker
- Lime squeezer
- Cocktail picks (optional)
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Instructions:
Step 1 – Chill Your Glass
Chill your martini glass by freezing it for about 10-15 minutes.
Or, fill it with ice water and set aside.
Step 2 – Combine Your Ingredients
Fill your cocktail shaker with ice to about the halfway mark. Add 2 oz vodka, 2 oz cherry juice, 1/2 oz fresh squeezed lime juice, and 1/4-1/2 oz simple syrup.
Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds.
Step 3 – Strain and Serve
Grab your glass from the freezer – or empty the ice water if you used that method.
Strain the cocktail into your martini glass.
Step 4 – Garnish
Serve with a couple of fresh or maraschino cherries on a cocktail pick or directly into the drink.
Enjoy!
Girl’s Night Setup
Shop The Party Decor:
Similar:
How To Make The Name Cards:
- Write your guests names on the card sheet while flat.
- Tear the cards out along the perforated edges.
- Make a tiny bow using 1/4 inch satin ribbon.
- Super glue the bow knot to the very top of the name card. Cut off the long ends of the bow so the name is visible.
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Cherry Mocktail
You can also enjoy this drink without alcohol and it is delicious! Cherry limeades make me feel so nostalgic, and every time I have one I’m transported home to my childhood.
Cherry Limeade Mocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz cherry juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Club soda or sparkling water
- Cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add 2 oz cherry juice, 1/2 oz lime juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup.
- Shake well to combine and chill the mixture.
- Fill a cocktail glass with ice and strain the liquid into the glass.
- Top with club soda or sparkling water.
- Garnish with a cherry or two!
Notes
You could add vodka and make this into a cocktail if you desire! It has a heavier juice flavor than the cherry martini recipe and perhaps more to my liking.
Variations of the Cherry Martini
- Dirty Cherry Martini – add a splash of olive brine
- Cherry Blossom Martini – add floral notes
- Italian Cherry Martini – use amaretto
- Add cherry liqueur or cherry brandy
- You can add edible glitter or even a sugar rim for a festive look
If you’re looking to add an extra burst of cherry flavor to your martini, using cherry vodkas as the base spirit can really elevate the taste. Cherry juice would also bring out a more vibrant and tart flavor as well.
Decorate Your Glass
The thin ribbon bow is adorable, but you can even make glass charm markers! This is such a cute way to not mix-up your glasses at a party.
Printable Recipe
Cherry Martini
Equipment
- Chilled martini glass
- Cocktail shaker
- Cocktail picks
- Bows (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz tart cherry juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/4 – 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ruby red cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Chill your martini glass by freezing it for about 10-15 minutes.
- Fill your cocktail shaker with ice to about the halfway mark. Add 2 oz vodka, 2 oz cherry juice, 1/2 oz lime juice, and 1/4-1/2 oz simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds.
- Grab your glass from the freezer. Strain the cocktail into your martini glass.
- Serve with a couple of fresh or maraschino cherries on a cocktail pick or directly into the drink.
Notes
