A Cherry Lime Rickey brings the perfect mix of sweet and tart flavors to any summer gathering. This fizzy drink combines fresh cherry juice, zesty lime, and sparkling water for a refreshing twist on the classic Lime Rickey.
This easy-to-make cocktail needs just 5 minutes of prep time and 4 simple ingredients.
The Cherry Lime Rickey traces back to the late 1800s in Washington D.C., where the original Lime Rickey gained fame at Shoomaker’s bar. The addition of cherry adds a sweet touch that makes this version extra special.
This drink works great as both a cocktail with gin or vodka, or as a non-alcoholic mocktail that everyone can enjoy. The bright red color and bubbling carbonation make it an eye-catching addition to any party table.
Cherry Lime Rickey Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Tall glass (12-16 oz)
- Cocktail shaker
- Ice cube tray
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Citrus juicer
- Bar spoon or long stirring spoon
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 2 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 oz vodka
- 1.5 oz cherry syrup
- 4-6 oz club soda
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cherries for garnish
- Lime wheel for garnish
Optional:
- Sugar for rim coating
Instructions
- Fill the cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add lime juice and cherry syrup to the shaker.
- If making the alcoholic version, also add gin or vodka.
- Shake for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
- Fill a tall glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Top with club soda.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
- Garnish with fresh cherries and a lime wheel.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Cherry Lime Rickey delivers a bright, fizzy mix of sweet and tart flavors. The cherry syrup adds a deep red color and brings natural sweetness to the drink.
Fresh lime juice creates a zesty punch that balances the sweet cherry notes. The carbonation from club soda gives this cocktail its signature effervescence and light, refreshing quality.
Primary Flavors:
- Cherry: Sweet and fruity
- Lime: Sharp and citrusy
- Club Soda: Clean and bubbly
The drink starts sweet on the tongue before the lime’s tartness emerges. A gentle fizz carries these flavors across the palate. The finish is clean and crisp.
This cocktail tastes best when served very cold. Ice helps maintain the carbonation and keeps the drink refreshing. The ideal serving temperature is 35-40°F (2-4°C).
Garnish Recommendations:
- Fresh lime wheel
- Maraschino cherry
- Fresh mint sprig
Substitutes
The classic Cherry Lime Rickey uses fresh lime juice and cherry syrup. When those ingredients aren’t available, there are several options to replace them.
For the cherry syrup, grenadine makes a good substitute. Cherry juice or black cherry soda can work too. Mix either one with simple syrup to get the right sweetness level.
Bottled lime juice can replace fresh limes in a pinch. Rose’s lime juice or any sweetened lime cordial will also work. Just reduce the amount of simple syrup since these are already sweet.
Club soda is the standard mixer, but plain seltzer water or sparkling mineral water can step in. Avoid tonic water as it adds unwanted sweetness and bitterness.
Non-Alcoholic Options:
- Cherry-flavored sparkling water
- Black cherry soda + lime juice
- Lime seltzer + cherry juice
For a different twist, try using:
- Raspberry syrup instead of cherry
- Lemon juice instead of lime
- Ginger ale instead of club soda
