Cherry Vodka Sour Recipe

Vodka: A clear distilled alcoholic beverage that serves as the base spirit for this cocktail.

Cherry juice: Provides a sweet and fruity flavor that complements the vodka.

Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, tangy element to balance the sweetness of the cherry juice.

Simple syrup: A mixture of sugar and water that adds a touch of sweetness to the drink.

Cherry: Used as a garnish to enhance the presentation and add a final touch of flavor.

When preparing a cocktail, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled juice to enhance the flavor and aroma. This small step makes a significant difference in the overall taste of your Cherry Vodka Sour.

• vodka - Substitute with white rum: White rum provides a similar neutral base with a slightly sweeter profile, which complements the cherry juice and lemon juice.

• cherry juice - Substitute with cranberry juice: Cranberry juice offers a tart and fruity flavor that can mimic the taste of cherry juice, adding a similar depth to the drink.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice has a comparable acidity and citrus flavor, making it a suitable alternative for lemon juice in cocktails.

• simple syrup - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a natural sweetener with a mild flavor that can easily replace simple syrup, maintaining the drink's sweetness without altering the taste significantly.

• cherry - Substitute with maraschino cherry: Maraschino cherries are a classic cocktail garnish that provides a similar visual appeal and a sweet, fruity flavor.

• To keep your cherry vodka sour fresh, store any leftover mixture in an airtight container. A mason jar works perfectly for this.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. The cherry juice and lemon juice will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• If you want to prepare the drink in advance, mix the vodka, cherry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup together and store it in the fridge. Only add ice and garnish when ready to serve.
• For freezing, pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to enjoy a quick cherry vodka sour by simply adding the cubes to a glass and letting them melt.
• When ready to serve from frozen, place the cherry vodka sour cubes in a cocktail shaker, shake until chilled, and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
• Always use fresh lemon juice and cherry juice for the best flavor, even if you're storing or freezing the mixture.

• Pour the Cherry Vodka Sour into a heat-resistant glass or mug.
• Place the glass in a microwave and heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can alter the flavor and alcohol content.
• Alternatively, you can use a double boiler method. Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the Cherry Vodka Sour in a heatproof bowl and set it over the simmering water. Stir gently until it reaches the desired temperature.
• If you prefer a more controlled method, use a sous-vide machine. Seal the Cherry Vodka Sour in a vacuum bag and immerse it in a water bath set to 120°F (49°C) for about 10 minutes.
• Once reheated, pour the Cherry Vodka Sour back into a chilled glass filled with ice to maintain the refreshing quality of the drink.
• Garnish with a fresh cherry to enhance the presentation and flavor.

• Cocktail shaker: Used to mix the ingredients thoroughly with ice, ensuring the drink is well-chilled and properly combined.

• Jigger: A measuring tool to accurately measure the vodka, cherry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

• Strainer: Helps to strain the mixed drink into the glass, keeping the ice and any solid particles out.

• Glass: The vessel to serve the drink in, typically a rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass.

• Bar spoon: Useful for stirring the drink if needed and for placing the garnish cherry.

• Ice: Essential for chilling the drink and diluting it slightly to balance the flavors.

• Knife: Used to cut the lemon for freshly squeezed lemon juice.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to cut the lemon.

Pre-mix ingredients: Combine vodka, cherry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a bottle and store in the fridge for quick access.

Use bottled juice: Opt for high-quality bottled cherry juice and lemon juice to save time on squeezing fresh fruit.

Batch preparation: Make a large batch of simple syrup in advance and store it in the fridge for multiple uses.

Pre-chill glasses: Keep your cocktail glasses in the freezer so they are ready to use and keep your drink colder longer.

Garnish ahead: Pre-skewer cherries for garnish and store them in the fridge for quick access.