A refreshing Cherry Limeade Vodka Smash combines sweet and tart flavors into a perfect summer drink.
This simple cocktail mixes fresh cherries, lime juice, and vodka with a splash of soda water to create a light and fruity drink. It takes just 5 minutes to make.
The bright red color and fizzy texture make this drink stand out at backyard parties and barbecues. Fresh muddled cherries add natural sweetness while lime brings a zesty kick that balances the smooth vodka.
This recipe works well for both small gatherings and large parties. It can be made by the glass or scaled up into a pitcher. The ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store during cherry season from May through August.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Strainer
- Collins glass
- Ice bucket
- Bar spoon
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 4-5 fresh cherries pitted
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Cherry and lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Add pitted cherries and simple syrup to the shaker. Muddle until cherries release their juice.
- Pour in vodka and fresh lime juice. Then, fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake the mixture for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
- Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice cubes.
- Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Top with club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with a fresh cherry and lime wheel.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
Image | Title | Buy |
---|---|---|
![]() | Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
The Cherry Limeade Vodka Smash hits the taste buds with a bright, zesty burst of lime. Fresh cherry flavors blend smoothly with the crisp vodka base.
Sweet and tart notes balance perfectly in this refreshing cocktail. The muddle mint adds a cool, garden-fresh element that lifts the drink’s flavor profile.
A light fizz from club soda brings a pleasant effervescence. The drink feels clean and light on the palate.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Fresh lime zest
- Sweet cherry
- Cool mint
- Light bubbles
- Smooth vodka
The finish is clean with lingering hints of cherry and lime. Ice dilution helps mellow the vodka’s bite while keeping the drink cool and refreshing.
The cocktail’s red-pink color and floating mint leaves make it visually appealing. Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh cherries for the best presentation.
Substitute
Don’t have cherry vodka? Use plain vodka and add 1/2 ounce of cherry juice or syrup instead. This change keeps the drink’s sweet-tart taste intact.
Fresh limes work best, but bottled lime juice makes a good backup. Use 1 ounce of bottled juice to replace 2 fresh limes.
No Sprite or 7-Up on hand? Mix equal parts club soda and simple syrup. This mix creates that same fizzy sweetness needed for the drink.
Alternative Spirits:
- White rum
- Gin
- Tequila blanco
Want a non-alcoholic version? Skip the vodka and add extra lime-flavored soda. Kids and non-drinkers can enjoy this tasty drink too.
For a less sweet drink, replace the lemon-lime soda with sparkling water. Add a splash of simple syrup to balance the tartness.