Cherry Bloodshot Mocktail Recipe

If you’re after a fun, easy way to enjoy a refreshing mocktail, you’re in the right spot. My Cherry Bloodshot Mocktail Recipe delivers a bold, tasty drink that’s perfect for anyone—no alcohol required.

I love surprising friends and family with drinks like this—it always gets a few grins. Tart cherry juice, a splash of lemon, and some fizz make this mocktail a go-to for summer parties or just a random treat at home.

Want a cool drink for yourself or something special for guests? This recipe’s simple, but packs a lot of flavor.

Grab a glass and let’s mix up something good!

Cherry Bloodshot Mocktail Recipe

This drink balances sweet and tart, using basic ingredients like cherry juice and lime. I love how easy it is to whip up at home, and it looks pretty great with bright garnishes.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker or a large jar with a lid
• Measuring spoons and a measuring cup
• Tall glass or a mason jar for serving
• Strainer (optional, but handy if you use fresh cherries)
• Muddler or wooden spoon for crushing mint or cherries
• Mixing spoon
• Small knife and a cutting board for slicing fruit
• Ice scoop (or just use a spoon)
• Citrus juicer for fresh lime or lemon juice

These tools help me get the right texture and flavors every time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup tart cherry juice or sweet cherry juice
• 1/3 cup sparkling water or club soda
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (lemon juice works too)
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup, honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar
• 1/4 cup orange juice or cranberry juice for extra flavor (optional)
• 6-8 fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or frozen cherries if it’s not cherry season)
• 4-5 mint leaves or thyme sprigs
• Ice cubes
• Grenadine (a splash, if you want a deeper color)
• Mint sprig, cocktail cherries, or lime wheel for garnish

Sometimes I’ll swap in sparkling cherry soda for a bigger cherry punch.

Instructions

• Toss fresh cherries and mint leaves into the shaker. Give them a gentle muddle to release the juices.
• Pour in the cherry juice, lime juice, and your sweetener of choice.
• Add orange or cranberry juice if you’re after a little more depth.
• Fill the shaker halfway with ice. Pop the lid on and shake for about 10-15 seconds.
• Strain into a glass packed with fresh ice.
• Top with sparkling water, club soda, or sparkling cherry soda. Stir it up, but not too much.
• Add a splash of grenadine for that dramatic cherry-red look.
• Garnish with a mint sprig, a cherry, or a lime wheel—whatever you’ve got handy.

I always serve it right away, while it’s still cold and fizzy.

Notes

I usually tweak the tartness and sweetness depending on my mood. Tart cherry juice gives a richer, bolder flavor, while sweet cherry juice is a bit softer.

Frozen cherries work if fresh ones are out of season. For an extra-refreshing twist, I’ll add more mint or a squeeze more lime.

If I’m making these for a group, I just double or triple the recipe. Sometimes I muddle extra mint and top with more club soda for a cherry mojito vibe.

This one’s alcohol-free, but it really looks like a fancy cocktail, especially with fun garnishes.

Tasting Notes

The first thing I notice with this mocktail is the sweet tartness from the cherries. The tang stands out, but it’s not too sour.

It’s smooth and refreshing—honestly, perfect for a hot day.

The deep red color is pretty inviting. I like how the cherry juice and citrus come together for a little zesty kick.

The citrus also adds vitamin C, which is always a plus for my immune system.

There’s a natural sweetness from the fruit, and the finish is crisp, not cloying. Sometimes there’s a gentle twist of lemon or lime that just works with the cherry.

Cherries in the mocktail are packed with antioxidants, which might help protect my cells. Plus, cherries and citrus offer potassium—good for the heart, right?

Every time I serve this, the aroma reminds me of a summer fruit bowl. The sweet, tangy, and fresh mix makes the Cherry Bloodshot Mocktail a fun pick for me and my friends.

Substitute

Sometimes I’m out of an ingredient or two, so I keep a few quick swaps in mind. It’s honestly nice not to stress about it.

Here are a few substitute ideas you can try if you’re missing something.

Ingredient Substitutes:

• Cherry Juice: If I run out of cherry juice, I’ll grab cranberry or pomegranate juice. They’re both bright red, and the flavor’s still tart and sweet enough.
• Lemon-lime Soda: Sometimes I want less sugar, so I’ll go with sparkling water or club soda instead. The drink stays fizzy, just a bit lighter.
• Grenadine: If I’m missing grenadine, cherry syrup or even a splash of raspberry syrup does the trick. I actually like the stronger berry taste sometimes.

Equipment Substitutes:

• Cocktail Shaker: No shaker? I just use a mason jar with a lid. Toss everything in, screw the lid tight, and shake it up.
• Strainer: When I can’t find my strainer, a small kitchen sieve or even a slotted spoon works well enough to keep out pulp or ice.

Instructions:

• Mix your main juice substitute with the soda you picked.
• If you’re swapping syrups, just use about the same amount as you would grenadine.
• Shake, stir, or pour over ice—whatever you usually do.
• Taste as you go. Different juices or syrups can shift the flavor a bit, so tweak it to your liking.