Cherry Gin Fizz Cocktail Recipe

A Cherry Gin Fizz is honestly one of those drinks that just feels right when the weather heats up. It’s simple, super refreshing, and you don’t have to be a pro to pull it off.

You get this lovely combo of fresh cherry flavor, smooth gin, and fizzy soda water—light and balanced, not too sweet. I mean, who doesn’t love a drink that looks fancy but is actually easy to make?

The cherries bring a natural sweetness and that gorgeous, deep color. They don’t drown out the gin, which I appreciate. The fizz? It really gives every sip a crisp, lively finish.

With just a handful of ingredients and a couple of steps, you can whip up something that feels bar-worthy at home. That’s always a win in my book.

I’ll show you exactly what you need and how it comes together. When you take that first sip, you’ll see why it’s a go-to for me.

It’s a drink that looks pretty, tastes fresh, and honestly, you can make it whenever the mood strikes.

Cherry Gin Fizz Cocktail Recipe

There’s something about the way this drink mixes the tartness of lemon juice with the sweetness of cherries. The gin and cherry liqueur? They give it a nice, smooth kick.

And then you top it off with club soda, which just makes it extra refreshing.

Equipment

I usually just grab a few basic bar tools for this.

• Cocktail shaker – for mixing and chilling everything.
• Strainer – keeps the ice and fruit bits out of your glass.
• Jigger – helps keep the pours honest.
• Muddler – gets all that cherry juice out.
• Bar spoon – for a gentle stir at the end.
• Highball glass – tall enough for plenty of ice and fizz.
• Small knife and cutting board – for lemon slices or garnishes.

A shaker that seals tight is key. And honestly, a good sturdy muddler makes all the difference with those cherries.

Ingredients

Fresh, ripe cherries are my pick for the best flavor, but you do you.

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz cherry liqueur
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 4–5 fresh cherries, pitted
• 2–3 fresh mint leaves (optional)
• 2–3 oz club soda
• 0.5 oz simple syrup (taste and adjust as you like)
• Ice cubes
• Extra cherries or lemon slices for garnish

I’ll tweak the simple syrup if I want it sweeter or not. And fresh lemon juice? Way better than bottled, trust me.

Instructions

Here’s how I usually make my Cherry Gin Fizz:

• Toss the cherries and mint into your shaker.
• Muddle them until the cherries are nice and juicy.
• Add in the gin, cherry liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake for about 10–15 seconds.
• Strain everything into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top it off with club soda.
• Give it a gentle stir with your bar spoon.
• Finish with a cherry or a lemon slice on top.

I always pour the soda last to keep the fizz. Stir gently—nobody wants flat bubbles.

Notes

I usually go for a London dry gin to keep things crisp and let the cherry flavor shine. If I’m in the mood for something sweeter, a fruitier gin works too.

Fresh cherries are best for color and flavor, but if you only have frozen, just thaw them first. Oh, and don’t go wild muddling the mint—too much and it can get bitter.

If I want something lighter, I’ll drop the gin down to 1.5 oz and add a bit more club soda. Still refreshing, still plenty of cherry flavor.

Tasting Notes

That first sip? It’s bright and really refreshing. The cherry flavor jumps out immediately, but thankfully, the sweetness doesn’t smack you in the face.

There’s a gentle herbal thing from the gin that just sort of hangs out in the background. I pick up a bit of juniper, and maybe a hint of citrus hiding in there too.

The fizz from the soda water is honestly what makes it pop. It gives everything a crisp edge and just makes the whole drink feel lighter, especially if it’s chilled.

I love how the flavors stack up—cherry hits first, then you get the gin, and finally those soft little bubbles. The whole thing stays smooth all the way through.

It’s got this pretty light pink-red color that’s honestly inviting. The smell is mostly fruity, but there’s a little floral something from the gin if you pay attention.

If I slow down and actually sip, I start to notice a mild tartness from the cherry juice. That tartness keeps the sweetness from getting out of hand and just makes it super easy to drink.