Looking for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink? The Cherry Lemon Burst Mocktail combines sweet cherries with tangy lemon for a perfect balance of flavors.

This easy-to-make drink requires just four ingredients and takes less than five minutes to prepare.

This mocktail works well for any occasion—from summer barbecues to fancy dinner parties.

The bright red color and sparkling bubbles make it visually appealing. Guests will appreciate having a fun alcohol-free option that still feels special.

The Cherry Lemon Burst can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It’s also simple to adjust the recipe for larger groups.

Children and adults alike enjoy this tasty beverage that offers a burst of flavor in every sip.

Cherry Lemon Burst Mocktail Recipe

This refreshing mocktail combines tart cherries with zesty lemon for a bright, fruity drink perfect for any occasion. The recipe is simple to follow and uses easy-to-find ingredients.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
Muddler or wooden spoon
Fine-mesh strainer
Ice cube tray
Measuring cups and spoons
Citrus juicer or reamer
Highball glasses
Cocktail stirrer or long spoon
Cutting board and knife
Jigger (optional but helpful for precise measurements)

Ingredients

10 fresh cherries pitted (or 1/4 cup frozen cherries, thawed)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 medium lemons
2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sparkling water
Ice cubes
Mint leaves for garnish
Lemon slices for garnish
Cherry for garnish

Optional add-ins:

1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
A few drops of cherry or lemon bitters non-alcoholic
1-2 tablespoons tart cherry juice for deeper flavor

The quality of cherries matters in this recipe.

Instructions

Prepare the cherries:

Wash and pit 10 cherries. Reserve one cherry for garnish.

Muddle the fruit:

Place the pitted cherries in a cocktail shaker or mason jar. Add 5-6 mint leaves. Gently muddle to release the cherry juice and mint oils without completely crushing the cherries.

Add remaining ingredients:

Pour in the lemon juice, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker.

Shake well:

Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well combined and chilled.

Strain and serve:

Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.

Garnish:

Add a lemon slice, fresh mint leaves, and the reserved cherry on top.

This recipe makes one serving. For a pitcher, multiply all ingredients by the number of servings needed.

Notes

This mocktail can be adapted in several ways.

For a spicier version, add a slice of jalapeño during the muddling step. To make it kid-friendly, reduce the lemon juice to 2 tablespoons and increase the sweetener slightly.

The cherry-lemon base mixture (without sparkling water) can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Add the sparkling water just before serving to maintain fizziness.

For special occasions, freeze cherries in ice cubes to add visual appeal.

You can also rim the glass with sugar mixed with a pinch of lemon zest for extra flavor.

The mocktail contains about 120 calories per serving when made with maple syrup. For fewer calories, use a sugar-free sweetener instead.

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Tasting Notes

The Cherry Lemon Burst Mocktail offers a bright and refreshing flavor profile. The first sip delivers a sweet cherry note that quickly transitions to a zesty lemon finish.

This drink presents a perfect balance between sweet and tart.

The cherry syrup provides a fruity sweetness without becoming cloying, while the lemon juice adds a crisp acidity that cleanses the palate.

The carbonation from the soda water creates a light, effervescent mouthfeel.

Tiny bubbles dance on the tongue, enhancing the drink’s refreshing quality.

The vibrant red hue of the drink suggests sweetness, but the actual taste proves less sweet than expected. This makes it suitable for both dessert pairings and standalone refreshment.

Temperature affects the flavor noticeably.

When properly chilled, the mocktail’s fruit flavors become more pronounced and the carbonation more lively.

The garnish of fresh lemon and cherry not only adds visual appeal but contributes subtle aromatic notes that enhance the drinking experience.

Substitutes

Don’t have all the ingredients for a Cherry Lemon Burst Mocktail? No problem! There are many easy swaps you can make.

For the cherry juice, try cranberry juice or pomegranate juice. These options provide similar tartness and beautiful color.

Lemon juice can be replaced with lime juice for a different citrus note. Orange juice works too, but will make the drink sweeter.

Fruit Substitutions:

Fresh cherries → Frozen cherries or maraschino cherries
Lemon slices → Lime or orange slices
Mint leaves → Basil leaves or skip entirely

Sweetener Options:

Simple syrup → Honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup
Sugar → Stevia or monk fruit sweetener (use less as they’re stronger)

For the soda water, try flavored sparkling water or ginger ale. Ginger ale adds spice and sweetness to the drink.

If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk or almond milk. This creates a different but delicious variation.

Remember that substitutions may change the flavor profile slightly. Start with smaller amounts and adjust to taste.

Cherry Lemon Burst Mocktail Recipe