How to Make the Cherry Vodka Sour

It’s all about the cherries which make the Cherry Vodka Sour perfect for summer and easy to make at home. All you need are grenadine and cherries!

Looking for a refreshing cocktail to beat the summer heat? Look no further than the Cherry Vodka Sour. This delicious drink combines the tartness of fresh lemon juice with the sweetness of grenadine and muddled cherries, all mixed with smooth vodka. The addition of a sprig of mint and a cherry adds a refreshing touch to this already delightful drink.

Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or new to the world of cocktails, the Cherry Vodka Sour is sure to impress. Follow the recipe and add your own personal touches to make this drink your own. So grab your shaker and get ready to enjoy a delicious Cherry Vodka Sour.

The History of the Cherry Vodka Sour

The Sour cocktail is a classic cocktail that has been around for over a century. It is believed to have originated from the British Navy, where sailors mixed lime juice with rum to help prevent scurvy. The cocktail then made its way to America, where it was made with whiskey instead of rum and became a popular drink during the Prohibition era.

Evolution of Cherry-Flavored Drinks

Cherry-flavored drinks have been around for a long time, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that cherry-flavored vodka became popular. The first cherry-flavored vodka was introduced by the Smirnoff company, and it quickly became a hit. Since then cherries and vodka are a match made in heaven!

The Cherry Vodka Sour is a twist on the classic Whiskey Sour (without an egg-white!), with the addition of cherry-flavored vodka and grenadine. The drink is sweet and tart, with a beautiful red color that brightens up the place.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making the perfect Cherry Vodka Sour, choosing the right ingredients is key. Here are some essential ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious cocktail.

Choosing the Right Vodka

The first and most important ingredient in a Cherry Vodka Sour is, of course, the vodka. When choosing a vodka, it’s important to select a high-quality brand that will complement the other flavors in the cocktail. A smooth, neutral-flavored vodka is ideal, as it won’t overpower the other ingredients.

Fresh vs. Bottled Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is an essential ingredient in a Cherry Vodka Sour, providing the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. While bottled lemon juice is convenient, using fresh lemon juice will give your cocktail a brighter, fresher flavor. To get the most juice out of your lemons, make sure they are room temp and roll them on a hard surface before cutting them in half and squeezing.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Grenadine

Grenadine is a sweet, fruity syrup that gives the Cherry Vodka Sour its signature red color. While store-bought grenadine is readily available, making your own at home is simple and allows you to control the sweetness and flavor. To make homemade grenadine, combine equal parts pomegranate juice and sugar in a saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture cool before using.

Tools and Equipment

Shaker Essentials

To make a perfect Cherry Vodka Sour, you’ll need a shaker. A cocktail shaker is a must-have tool for any home bartender. It allows you to mix and chill your cocktail ingredients, ensuring a smooth and well-mixed drink. A shaker consists of three parts: the tin, the strainer, and the cap. A Boston shaker is the most common type of shaker, which includes a metal tin and a pint glass. A Cobbler shaker is another option, which has a built-in strainer and a cap that doubles as a measuring cup.

Measuring Like a Pro

Measuring your ingredients accurately is crucial to making a great cocktail. A jigger is a small measuring cup that is used to measure liquids in ounces or milliliters. A standard jigger has two sides, one that measures one ounce and the other that measures half an ounce. A measuring spoon can also be used to measure smaller amounts of ingredients like simple syrup or grenadine.

Garnishing Tools

Garnishing your Cherry Vodka Sour with cherries and a sprig of mint is the perfect finishing touch. A muddler is a tool used to crush herbs or fruit in the bottom of the shaker to release their flavors. A julep strainer is used to strain the cocktail into a glass while keeping the ice and any muddled ingredients out. A bar spoon is also useful for stirring and layering ingredients in the glass.

With these essential tools and equipment, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious Cherry Vodka Sour.

Garnishing Your Drink

Garnishing your Cherry Vodka Sour is a great way to add a pop of color and extra flavor to your cocktail. Here are some tips for garnishing your drink:

• Use fresh cherries and mint for a bright and flavorful garnish.
• Cut a small slit in the cherry before placing it on the rim of the glass to help it stay in place.
• Place the sprig of mint on top of the cherry for a beautiful and aromatic garnish.

Serving Suggestions

The Cherry Vodka Sour is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed in many different settings. Here are some serving suggestions to help you enjoy your drink:

• Serve the Cherry Vodka Sour at a summer barbecue or pool party for a refreshing and fruity cocktail.
• Pair the Cherry Vodka Sour with a light salad or seafood dish for a delicious and balanced meal.
• Enjoy the Cherry Vodka Sour as a pre-dinner cocktail to stimulate your appetite and get your taste buds ready for a delicious meal.

With these simple instructions, garnishing tips, and serving suggestions, you can make the perfect Cherry Vodka Sour every time. Bottom’s up!

Here is the recipe:

Looking for a refreshing cocktail to beat the summer heat? Look no further than the Cherry Vodka Sour. This delicious drink combines the tartness of fresh lemon juice with the sweetness of grenadine and muddled cherries, all mixed with smooth vodka. The addition of a sprig of mint adds a refreshing touch to this already delightful drink.

To make the Cherry Vodka Sour, all you need is a few simple ingredients and a shaker. The recipe calls for 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of lemon juice, 3/4 oz of simple syrup, and 1/2 oz of grenadine. Don’t forget to muddle a few cherries for added flavor and garnish. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on the porch or enjoying with friends at a summer barbecue.

Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or new to the world of cocktails, the Cherry Vodka Sour is sure to impress. Follow the recipe and add your own personal touches to make this drink your own. So grab your shaker and get ready to enjoy a delicious Cherry Vodka Sour.